Bristol Grammar School (BGS) is celebrating a positive start to the new academic year, with national recognition as The Telegraph’s Best School in Bristol and Gloucester for value while welcoming three new senior appointments to further strengthen the school’s exceptional and wide-ranging offering.
The Telegraph’s accolade recognises the combination of academic achievement and breadth of co-curricular opportunities available to pupils at BGS, highlighting the value of a broad and ambitious education in the city.
This award comes at an exciting time for the school, as three new senior hires also join BGS, with Mark Nasey appointed as Director of Sport, Gwilym Starks joining as Head of Outdoor Education, and James Buckley taking up the role of Head of Art.
These appointments bring significant expertise and fresh energy to three areas that are central to the BGS experience, giving pupils even more opportunities to discover new passions, develop their talents and challenge themselves beyond the classroom.
Reflecting on the award, Jaideep Barot, Head of BGS said:
“Delivering value, particularly in the current climate, has been a real focus for us as a school. Against a backdrop of school closures and mergers, and with families carefully considering the value of different educational opportunities available to them, this award is a wonderful recognition of the emphasis we place on providing an outstanding experience for our families.
“We are a vibrant and busy school, with a broad curriculum complemented by an extensive co-curricular programme. From music, drama, art and dance to design technology, outdoor education and sport, pupils have countless opportunities to discover new interests and develop existing talents.
“Building strong relationships with our pupils and families is incredibly important to us, which is why it is particularly pleasing to be recognised for both our academic outcomes and our co-curricular offer. That combination is exactly what BGS is all about.”
Building on BGS offering
The new academic year sees BGS welcome three experienced leaders who will build on the school’s already extensive provision.
Mark Nasey, Director of Sport, joins BGS to lead the school’s ambitious sporting programme, supporting pupils of all abilities to enjoy sport, develop their skills and discover the many benefits of teamwork, competition and physical activity. Mark said:
Mark joins BGS with a career spanning 35 years in schools across the UK and New Zealand, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a real passion for making sport a positive part of school life for everyone. Mark said;
“I was really drawn to BGS by its vision and values, and I’m excited to be joining such a vibrant school community. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to BGS and working with pupils, staff and families to build on the school’s sporting strengths and create an exciting, sustainable future for sport here.”
Gwilym Starks, Head of Outdoor Education, will lead the school’s outdoor ed provision, creating opportunities for pupils to build confidence, resilience and independence through experiences beyond the classroom. Gwilym said:
“Outdoor Education is a thriving part of school life at BGS, with opportunities for pupils at every stage of their journey, from the Infant School through to Sixth Form. It has an exciting future ahead, and I’m delighted to be joining BGS at such a vibrant time. I’m looking forward to helping even more students discover the confidence, skills and sense of adventure that time spent outdoors can inspire.”
James Buckley, Head of Art, will lead the school’s art provision, inspiring pupils to explore their creativity and develop their individual artistic skills. James said:
“I’m delighted to be joining BGS and have the opportunity to lead such a thriving Art Department. I’m excited to build on its strong creative foundation and create even more ambitious opportunities for students to explore, experiment and develop their own ideas.
“For me, great art education is about giving students genuine creative independence; the freedom to take risks, make decisions and find their own voice. I want students at BGS to encounter an inspiring breadth of artists, ideas, materials and experiences, and to leave with not only strong creative skills, but the confidence, drive and curiosity to think and create for themselves.”
The appointments reflect BGS’s continued investment in providing a rich and varied education in which academic achievement and personal development go hand in hand.
As the new school year gets underway, the combination of national recognition, new leadership and a continued commitment to opportunity marks an exciting chapter for BGS and for its pupils.
