By Mrs Woolley, Director of Sixth Form

With our Upper Sixth in the middle of their final exams right now, it’s a good moment to talk about wellbeing across the whole Sixth Form. At BGS, we care just as much about our students’ wellbeing as we do about their academic results. Every year we see how much better students do when they feel properly supported, understood, and able to be themselves, especially when the stakes feel high.

These two years are busy, no question about it. Between lessons, coursework, revision sessions, and exams, the pace can feel demanding at times. Deadlines stack up, and there’s always something else to prepare for. That’s why giving students proper time to pause, spend time with friends, and enjoy themselves matters so much. It’s not an optional extra or a nice-to-have. It actually helps them keep their energy up, stay focused and build the kind of resilience that carries them through.

After Lower Sixth exams finished, and with Upper Sixth deep into their final exams, we kept up our much-loved tradition of a two-day wellbeing festival. This year we went back to Layer Marney Tower at the end of April.

We went with a “Club Tropicana” theme and turned the grounds into a proper colourful celebration. Bright leis hanging from trees, ribbons fluttering everywhere, and tropical decorations brought it all to life. There was a bit of wind in the air but the spring sunshine made everything feel just right.

Once everyone had settled in, we had a brilliant spread of breaded chicken, grilled halloumi, fresh salads, loaded nachos, and an ice cream station with every topping imaginable. After lunch students did their own thing at their own pace. Some climbed the ancient tower for amazing views over the Essex countryside. Others went for sound baths, Indian head massages, or got creative with crafts. Just as important was the unstructured time to chat, laugh, and hang out together away from school routines and revision schedules.

Come evening, things really got going. Fresh pizzas straight from the oven, colourful mocktails, and a photo booth kept everyone happy. But the silent disco under the stars was the standout moment. Headphones or not, you could see students dancing away with glow sticks flashing everywhere, completely caught up in the moment.

Everyone ended up together in the wedding barn under fairy lights that night, before a relaxed breakfast the next morning and a stop in Cambridge on the way home. They came back properly refreshed and reconnected.

With Upper Sixth working through exams and Lower Sixth now thinking about their final year, days like these feel even more important. They’re not just a break from the routine. They’re part of how we help students handle pressure, build genuine resilience, and look after their wellbeing through the whole two years.

At BGS we know this balance makes a real difference. Trips like Layer Marney let students step away from academic demands, catch up with friends, and come back ready to tackle whatever’s next. We put real thought into making these opportunities happen because we see how much it helps, not just getting through exam season, but in the confident, well-rounded young women they become long after they leave us.