I can’t quite believe the end of the academic year is upon us once more; I think they are going quicker and quicker the longer I am here. Although we had Bold as the theme for our Prize Giving this year, I think this time of year always lends itself to being reflective.  We can celebrate all the things that have gone well and analyse where things have gone less well, so we can try to do things better in the future. 

This is the time of year that is traditionally time for annual reports.School reports are more than just fodder for fridge magnets—they are essential for understanding each student’s academic journey and personal growth. Whether deciphering the classic “must try harder” or celebrating “outstanding dedication to [insert your daughter’s favourite activity here],” these reports have offered invaluable insights that have helped us tailor our support and celebrate successes together. So, parents, I hope you were pleasantly surprised earlier this week – perhaps your daughter’s report unveiled her hidden talent for essays on the works of Shakespeare or an unexpected enthusiasm for the complexities of quantum physics! Whatever it revealed, I trust you shared in her joy at another academic year well completed, full of academic endeavour, co-curricular pursuits, personal growth, and hopefully, plenty of fun along the way! They have all worked hard this year and deserve some downtime over the summer to reflect on their achievements.

So in the spirit of reflection I thought it would be rather fun to imagine how BGS’s report card might look this year; we have certainly had an exciting one! 

School Report – Bedford Girls’ School

Subject	Grade
Academic Achievement	Outstanding – strong IB results and I am sure the hard work put in over the year will lead to some fantastic A Level and GCSE results too.
ISI	Glowing report this year highlighting how much BGS’s students love their school and are proud of their achievements.
Inclusivity	Award-Winning  – BGS are the proud holders of the Most Inclusive School Award from Muddy Stilettos, which shows the dedication of students and staff alike to this important aspect of school life
Sports	Making strides (quite literally, on the track and sports pitches!) – there are too many things to mention them all, but some highlights for BGS include being ranked 14th Best Independent Girls’ Day School for sport and becoming the National ISHC Plate Hockey Champions. BGS has been very busy this year with over 875 fixtures. Well done Team BGS!
Creativity	Flourishing – the art rooms have never been so vibrant, bursting with a kaleidoscope of creativity. Our music concerts have been pure delight, filling the halls with harmonious joy. The dance shows have been nothing short of breathtaking, and the drama productions, polished to perfection, have set a new standard of professionalism and excellence.
Community Spirit	Exceptional – BGS has truly mastered the art of teamwork and kindness, fostering a vibrant community spirit. The house competitions have ignited friendly rivalry and camaraderie, while the Diversity and Inclusion events, especially the unforgettable Cultural Dress Day, have celebrated the rich tapestry of the BGS community.
Sense of Humour	A+ – BGS always keeps the laughter flowing! From the hilarity of the pantomime and the creativity of the World Book Day costumes to the joy of karaoke nights, team building days and silent discos, BGS has created countless moments of fun and friendship that keep spirits high and smiles wide.

Overall Comments: Bedford Girls’ School continues to excel in all areas, from academics to co-curricular activities and everything in between. The dedication and enthusiasm shown by students and staff alike have contributed to another successful year. Special mention goes to our supportive parent community, who are always there to cheer us on.

Areas for Improvement:

• We’re still working on mastering the art of finding lost items – that will be next year’s challenge!

Imaginary reports aside, I think we can all agree that it has been an exceptional year for BGS; certainly I am very proud of what we have achieved as a community this year.

So all that remains is to say a huge thank you to our wonderfully dedicated staff for their commitment to BGS and your daughters. And to wish you all a wonderful summer. I’ll leave you with a quote from American author, Regina  Brett, which I hope many of you will take literally (I know I certainly will as we venture on our travels as a family): “Summer is the annual permission slip to be lazy. To do nothing and have it count for something. To lie in the grass and count the stars. To sit on a branch and study the clouds.”