It’s the time of year that we should be starting to think about Autumn once more and preparing for the cold months ahead, but we seem to be still benefiting from a bit of the warmth of late summer. This was never more evident than in the wonderful photos from the Year 9 and 10 residential trips to stunning Castleton and Edale. But weather aside, in so many ways it has been a truly sunny start to the Autumn Term. It has been a heartwarming experience to see our students return to BGS and settle back into routines, ready to embark on a year filled with growth, learning, and memorable moments.

The enthusiasm and energy radiating from our students has been truly infectious. They have wasted no time in rekindling old friendships, making new ones, and embracing the opportunities that await them. Our school community is stronger than ever, and it’s thanks to our hardworking staff and the unwavering support of our students and their families.

Speaking of families, we are eagerly looking forward to welcoming many current parents and grandparents to our upcoming Open House event. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the exceptional work our students are doing and to create memories together. We believe that education is a collaborative effort between home and school, and we cherish this partnership.

In addition to Open House, we are equally excited about our Open Morning event, where we’ll be opening our doors to prospective families. It’s a chance for them to experience first-hand the unique atmosphere and educational excellence that define our school, and it is our students who do this so well as they tour families or demonstrate their love of learning with departments.  We hope to welcome many new faces into our BGS family and share with them the values and ethos that make our school so special.

As we look ahead to the rest of the academic year, we are filled with optimism and a sense of purpose. Our commitment to nurturing well-rounded, forward-looking, confident, and compassionate young women remains steadfast. With continued support from our parent community and that of our dedicated staff, we are confident that our students will achieve remarkable success. They really do soar through a BGS education.

The beauty of this time of year cannot be better encapsulated than from this quote by Emily Bronte: “Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree”. I hope our students take inspiration from this and that they find joy in every leaf that flutters their way, embracing the wisdom of new experiences and celebrating their individuality. So just as autumn paints the world with its rich and vibrant colours at this time of year, I hope each student paints their academic year with their unique talents, passions and aspirations. What a wonderful year it is going to be!