Where Ambition Takes Shape Bedford Modern Sixth Form 1
A Welcome from the Director of Sixth Form Sixth Form is a unique and exciting stage in a young person’s journey. It is a time when interests become passions, ambitions begin to take shape and students gain the confidence and independence that will serve them well beyond school. At Bedford Modern School, we are proud to offer a Sixth Form experience that combines academic challenge with exceptional support, allowing every student to flourish in their own way. Whether students aspire to competitive universities, degree apprenticeships or pathways that are still emerging, our role is to help them discover their strengths, broaden their horizons and make informed choices about their future. What makes BMS Sixth Form special is the balance we strike between ambition and care. We set high expectations, but we also know our students as individuals. We celebrate achievement, encourage curiosity and provide a wealth of opportunities beyond the classroom that help young people grow into confident, capable and well-rounded adults. In the pages that follow, you will hear directly from some of our recent leavers. Their stories reflect the breadth of
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Welcome
Co-Educational Provision
Laura Bucktin Director of Sixth Form
experiences available at BMS and demonstrate the many different routes our students take after Sixth Form. While each journey is unique, they share a common theme: a community that supported them, challenged them and helped them realise their potential. I hope their experiences give you a genuine insight into life in the BMS Sixth Form and the exciting opportunities that await. Laura Bucktin Director of Sixth Form
Second Consecutive Year
Choosing a Sixth Form is about more than selecting subjects. It is about finding the right environment to challenge, support and inspire you during some of the most important years of your education. At Bedford Modern School, Sixth Form students benefit from outstanding teaching, exceptional pastoral support, remarkable opportunities beyond the classroom and a vibrant co-educational community where ambition and wellbeing go hand in hand. Whether students join us from within BMS or as external applicants, they quickly discover a culture that encourages them to think independently, aim high and make the most of every opportunity. This is a Sixth Form where academic success is celebrated, individuality is valued and students are prepared with confidence for life beyond school.
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to hear from our Year 13 leavers on A Level Results Day 2026:
Why BMS
Sixth Form? Academic excellence with flexibility Our Sixth Form curriculum combines academic rigour with genuine flexibility. With 27 A Level subjects available and no fixed option blocks, students can usually build a programme tailored to their interests, strengths and aspirations. This personalised approach allows every student to pursue the subjects that excite them most and create a pathway that supports their future ambitions. Learning extends far beyond examination specifications. Academic enrichment, guest speakers, educational visits and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) encourage students to explore ideas in greater depth, think critically and develop the intellectual curiosity that underpins lifelong success.
Independence with support Housed within the dedicated and recently refurbished Rutherford Building, Sixth Form students enjoy an environment that feels more like university than school. Modern study facilities, social spaces and a dedicated Sixth Form café help foster independence, self-management and maturity, while the support of experienced staff remains close at hand.
A community that knows you What distinguishes BMS is our ability to combine high expectations with genuine care. Students are known as individuals, their strengths are recognised and their aspirations are championed. Whether students need academic guidance, wellbeing support or advice about future choices, they are surrounded by adults who invest in their success and happiness.
Why BMS Sixth Form?
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Supported Every Step Sixth Form is an exciting time of increased independence, but it is also a period of significant change as students prepare for adulthood.
students feel supported, challenged and equipped to navigate the opportunities and pressures that can accompany these years.
At BMS, pastoral care remains at the heart of the Sixth Form experience. Tutors, Senior Tutors and subject teachers work together to ensure
Students benefit from honest advice, meaningful relationships and a culture that encourages resilience, balance and perspective.
“BMS teachers have a remarkable rapport with students who clearly know that they are on their side whilst never shying away from giving honest advice when it is needed. As parents, we have valued this approach of common sense, wisdom and the ability to see the bigger picture.” Parent
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Supported Every Step
Sixth Form Stories
From BMS to Medical Research: Governor Cruz Molina’s Inspiring Journey OBM Cruz Molina left Bedford Modern School in 2022 to study Medicine at King’s College London. She is currently in her final year of her studies, and hopes to specialise in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. During her time at medical school, Cruz has developed a strong commitment to addressing health disparities in underrepresented communities. Her recent research explored racial and sex disparities in breast cancer outcomes among Black women, working to understand and address the gaps that exist in care and outcomes. She is also a contributing author to a newly developed AI diagnostic tool in cardiology, work which has been presented at the British Cardiovascular Society Conference.
Aside from her studies, Cruz is passionate about giving back to the School that helped shape her journey. She currently serves as the youngest governor on the Bedford Modern School Governing board, a role through which she supports the School’s continued commitment to provide excellent education, inclusion and opportunity for students from all backgrounds. Having benefited from a bursary herself, she remains an advocate for widening access to high-quality education for students from diverse backgrounds and lower income families. She hopes her story serves as an inspiration to students from all backgrounds, and encourages young women considering careers in STEM.
From BMS to Medical Research: Governor Cruz Molina’s Inspiring Journey
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Sixth Form Stories
Year 13 Rower Emilie Secures Prestigious US Scholarship BMS is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Year 13 leaver Emilie, who secured a rowing scholarship to California State University, where she is now studying Journalism and News. To earn her place, Emilie demonstrated not only her athletic talent but also her commitment to the sport, sharing detailed videos of her rowing form and technique, alongside regular updates on competition results and ergometer scores. Her dedication and consistency impressed the coaching staff and ultimately secured her the scholarship. As part of the rigorous recruitment process, Emilie was invited to California to visit the university and meet the coaching team.
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Year 13 Rower Emilie Secures Prestigious US Scholarship
During her time in the Sixth Form, Emilie was Captain of the Senior Girls Rowing Squad at BMS and is widely recognised as a key and inspirational member of the school’s rowing community. Reflecting on her journey, she noted that before joining BMS in Year 7, she and her parents “didn’t know what rowing even was”, and she never dreamed it would be the key to unlocking her future. The opportunity to try the sport at school in Year 9 proved transformative. Always very sporty, Emilie found rowing to be a new and demanding challenge that she quickly came to love. She speaks particularly warmly of the close-knit and supportive rowing environment at BMS, crediting it as a major factor in her development and success. Emilie has expressed her
sincere gratitude to Director of Rowing Mr Bavington for his dedicated training, guidance and unwavering support throughout her scholarship application. She also thanked Elite Universities Coordinator Mr McIntosh for his invaluable help with transcripts, as well as her subject teachers, who she says have been “incredibly supportive” over the two-year process. Emilie’s achievement is a testament to her hard work, resilience and passion, as well as to the strength of the rowing programme and wider support network at BMS. As she takes this exciting next step, the entire school community wishes her every success in combining high-level sport with her academic ambitions on the international stage.
Beyond the
Classroom
More than results A Bedford Modern education has always been about more than academic achievement. Sixth Form students are encouraged to pursue their passions, discover new interests and contribute meaningfully to school life. Sport, music, drama, leadership opportunities, service projects, clubs, societies and enrichment activities allow students to develop confidence, character and transferable skills alongside their studies.
Lead, perform, compete Students take on leadership roles across the School, mentor younger pupils, represent BMS in sport, perform on stage, direct productions, organise events and contribute to the wider community. These experiences develop skills that universities and employers increasingly value: teamwork, communication, adaptability, leadership and initiative.
A thriving co-educational community Our co-educational environment allows students to learn and develop alongside peers from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. The result is a welcoming, inclusive community that reflects the world beyond school and helps students build meaningful, lasting friendships.
Beyond the Classroom
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Sixth Form Stories
Fast, Focused, and Future-Ready: Preparing Future Engineers Through Real-World Competition Our F1 in Schools Programme puts our students in the driver’s seat of real world engineering and business, challenging them to design, build, race and market their own cars. At the East Midlands Regional Finals, our Sixth Form team (Ollie, Louis and Ed) achieved outstanding success in the Professional Class competition, recording the fastest car of the day across all categories and winning the Sponsorship and Marketing Award. Their performance secured 2nd place overall and qualification for the National Finals. As the team celebrated their success and looked ahead to the future, they were also proud to give back, with Ollie regularly supporting and mentoring the younger teams who are just beginning their own F1 in Schools journey. Taking part in the F1 in Schools Professional Class gave our Sixth Form
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students the chance to develop an impressive breadth of skills far beyond the typical school day – from mastering CAD and CFD software to applying advanced maths and engineering principles, many of which have strengthened their UCAS applications. They’ve also gained invaluable experience in the pitching and sales side of engineering: creating professional marketing materials, sponsorship proposals, and portfolios covering sustainability, branding, finance, and social media. For our Year 13 students, the programme has shaped their future ambitions: Ollie is now studying Maths, Louis is studying Mechanical Engineering, and Ed is studying General Engineering at university, with all three agreeing that the experience solidified their passion for STEM and helped them greatly through the UCAS process.
Fast, Focused, and Future-Ready: Preparing Future Engineers Through Real-World Competition
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watch a video about the F1 Programme:
Preparing for Life Beyond BMS The transition from school to university, apprenticeships and future careers can feel daunting. At BMS, students are supported throughout the journey. Our dedicated UCAS programme, expert careers guidance and extensive preparation opportunities help students explore options, make informed decisions and approach the future with confidence. Whether applying to leading universities, pursuing competitive apprenticeships or exploring alternative pathways, students receive tailored support that reflects their aspirations. In 2026
we enjoyed a 100% success rate for students who completed applications for degree apprenticeships, all with leading organisations. By the time they leave BMS, students are not only equipped with excellent qualifications but also the confidence, independence and character to thrive in the next stage of their lives.
“As our family’s connection with Bedford Modern draws to a close, we do so with enormous gratitude for the care, support, opportunities and friendships that the school has provided.” Parent
Preparing for Life Beyond BMS
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Sixth Form Stories
Year 12 Students Crowned Environmental Champions Congratulations to three of our Year 12 students, Juliette, Olivia and Abi, who won the Environmental Champion Award at this year’s YouthTV Aspire Awards. The award recognises the team’s innovative business venture, SwapCircle, a sustainabilityfocused app that promotes swapping, reusing and sharing items instead of purchasing new ones. Following an impressive pitch to industry professionals and potential investors at the Ignite Project Finals, the judges recognised both the strength of their idea and their passion for driving positive environmental change. This achievement is a well-deserved recognition of their creativity, entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to building a more sustainable future.
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Year 12 Students Crowned Environmental Champions
Sixth Form Stories
From BMS to Boardroom: CFO at Seventeen Credits School Support for Success “I’m so thankful to be part of a school that truly empowers its students...” After delivering an exceptional pitch at last year’s Ready2Lead? event, Ibrahim was appointed Chief Financial Officer of YouthTV, a youth-led media platform. He has since been invited to speak at multiple conferences, including being invited back to this year’s Ready2Lead? Session as a guest speaker rather than participant! His phenomenal journey and success at such a young age is a testament to the power of student voice and the impact of leadership opportunities. His achievements exemplify the values we champion at BMS - confidence, ambition and responsibility - and reflect how our students flourish as self-assured, articulate leaders ready to make a difference.
Ibrahim commented: “I’m incredibly grateful for the amazing opportunities I’ve had, stepping into my role as Chief Financial Officer at YouthTV, securing investment from Europe’s largest company SAP for one of my business ideas, and having the privilege to be a speaker at Ready2Lead? and Bedford Giving events. None of this would have been possible without the constant encouragement, guidance, and belief from BMS. The support from my teachers and peers over the years I have been here has been instrumental in helping me grow as a person and boost my confidence. I’m excited to keep learning, sharing, and building on these experiences and I’m so thankful to be part of a school that truly empowers its students to reach their potential.”
From BMS to Boardroom: CFO at Seventeen Credits School Support for Success
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Sixth Form Stories
Balancing Scholarship and Performance: Nelly’s Sixth Form Journey “Since starting at BMS Sixth Form, Nelly has been given the confidence and encouragement to follow her aspirations: it has been transformational for her.” Nelly, a Year 13 leaver, secured a conditional offer to study Music at Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge, alongside an Organ Scholarship, from 2027. Before university, she will take up the prestigious role of Organ Scholar at Portsmouth Cathedral and Portsmouth Grammar School for 2026–27. Nelly’s parents credit BMS Sixth Form with giving her the confidence and support to pursue ambitious goals, benefiting from dedicated teaching, excellent practice facilities and the school’s Oxbridge support programme. Balancing A Level studies with intensive musical training, she successfully navigated a highly competitive scholarship selection process.
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Balancing Scholarship and Performance: Nelly’s Sixth Form Journey
Sixth Form Stories
Championing Youth: Head Girl Tana Makes Her Voice Heard
From classroom campaigns to the House of Commons, Tana (BMS Head Girl 2025-26) has become a strong voice for Bedford’s youth. Elected as Member of Youth Parliament in 2024, she pledged to amplify young people’s concerns and quickly took action, challenging authorities on knife crime and safety at a local event.
Supported by BMS through groups like the Politics Discussion Group and Amnesty International, Tana has grown her passion for advocacy. She helped launch Bedford’s Democracy Week in 2025 and has spoken twice at the Youth Parliament’s Commons sitting, promoting political literacy and challenging violence against women and racism.
Reflecting on her journey as somebody who started at BMS in Year 12, Tana said: “BMS has taught me that you don’t have to compromise your passion for excellence to pursue what you care about. The support I’ve received has made it possible to balance my studies with making a real difference.”
Championing Youth: Head Girl Tana Makes Her Voice Heard
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Sixth Form Stories
Record-Breaking Drive: Young Racer and Oxford Offer Holder Redefines Success in UK Karting Year 13 leaver Imogen is accelerating to remarkable success both on and off the track, establishing herself as one of the most promising young talents in British karting. Currently competing in the Jamie Chadwick Series, the highest level of female-only Arrive and Drive karting in the country, she sits an impressive second in the championship standings. Her achievements extend well beyond this season: she was the highest-placing female driver in the Junior Club100 Championships for three consecutive years (2022, 2023, and 2024), and in 2025 set a new benchmark by securing the highest-ever race final finish for a female driver in the Club100 Junior category, widely regarded
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Record-Breaking Drive: Young Racer and Oxford Offer Holder Redefines Success in UK Karting
as the pinnacle of Arrive and Drive karting in the UK.
pursue her dreams with passion and purpose.
Equally outstanding in the classroom, Imogen received highly coveted offers from both the University of Oxford and Imperial College London to study Earth Sciences, underlining her exceptional academic ability alongside her sporting talent. In addition, during her time at the Sixth Form she was appointed Senior Cadet of the BMC Combined Cadet Forces – a prestigious honour that reflects her leadership and commitment. She stands as a true example of BMS values, balancing academic excellence with ambition and demonstrating integrity, determination and a commitment to growth that will undoubtedly serve her well in her future endeavours, while continuing to
In an inspiring interview, Imogen reflects on her journey, highlighting the pivotal role Bedford Modern School played in shaping her development – actively supporting her training, nurturing her ambitions and providing the structure to balance elite sport with academic success – while also encouraging other young girls to pursue their dreams with confidence.
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to hear from Imogen herself:
Music for Every Child
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The BMS
Difference Students choose to stay. Others choose to join Every year, the overwhelming majority of our students choose to continue their journey into the Sixth Form at BMS. At the same time, we welcome talented new students from a range of schools who are attracted by our academic reputation, breadth of opportunity and supportive community.
Why join BMS Sixth Form? • • • • • • • •
A broad and flexible A Level curriculum
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A community that values ambition, kindness and individuality
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A national reputation for excellence in Performance Arts
Expert teaching and excellent outcomes Outstanding pastoral care A dedicated Sixth Form centre and facilities
Where potential becomes possibility At Bedford Modern School, Sixth Form is about becoming the person you want to be. It is where students develop the knowledge, confidence and character to embrace the opportunities ahead, supported by a community that believes ambition and care belong together.
Extensive leadership and enrichment opportunities A thriving co-educational environment Award-winning university and careers guidance Outstanding opportunities in sport, music, drama and the creative arts
Excelling Together The BMS Difference
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Bedford Modern School, Manton Lane, Bedford, MK41 7NT
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admissions@bedmod.co.uk
/BedfordModernSchool
01234 332500
@bedfordmodern
www.bedmod.co.uk
Bedford Modern School