A PROUD HISTORY
Our history traces back to Newchurch Grammar School founded in 1703
Their staff formed BRGS on our current site in 1913
A proud heritage and traditional values, coupled with a forward-thinking and modern approach to education
A long track record of exceptional results and student outcomes
Strong pastoral provision
An inimitable enrichment, co-curricular and leadership programme
Progression to the world’s best universities and apprenticeships with leading employers
HISTORY
HIGH ACHIEVING STUDENTS
Knowledge-rich academic curriculum and inspirational learning
High-quality teaching that builds an appetite for learning
Experienced, successful teachers
Reading, numeracy and digital skills at the core of learning
Academic excellence and intellectual rigour
First-class enrichment opportunities
Exceptional GCSE and A Level results in Summer 2022 with over 20% of GCSEs at Grade 9 and 45% of A Levels at grade A*/A
HIGH ACHIEVING
Looking after our students’ mental and physical wellbeing just as much as their academic progress
Developing confidence, resilience, self-discipline and mindset
Experienced pastoral managers and form tutors
Access to trained counsellors
Drop-in wellbeing sessions
Clubs and societies
Cultural capital
Strong transition programme
SUPPORTING STUDENTS TO SUCCEED AND FLOURISH SUCCEED
STUDENT-CENTRED SEND PROVISION
A whole-school inclusive approach to students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Individual needs carefully identified and tailored support delivered around:
• Communication and interaction
• Social Emotional and mental health
• Cognition and learning
• Sensory and physical support
Focus on personal development as well as academic achievements
Enhanced, personalised transition support before admission and as part of next steps preparation at 16/18
Discreet close monitoring by pastoral specialists during key transition years
Close relationships with a number of external agencies which support the educational experience of our students
STUDENT-CENTRED
INSPIRING WELL-ROUNDED LEADERS
Aspiring to develop well-rounded, ethical and accomplished leaders of tomorrow
Rich leadership programme built on the foundations of sport, creativity, performing arts, enterprise and careers, and charity and social action
Broadening students’ experiences - for example, of religion, science and the arts
Exciting programme of insightful trips and experiences
Volunteering, social action and charitable activities
INSPIRING
SKILLS FOR WORK AND LIFE
SKILLS DEVELOPING
Igniting students’ passion and nurturing their development
A creative arts curriculum spanning the historical to the contemporary and an array of disciplines including manual printmaking, illustration, sculpture, painting and mixed-media
Relationships with leading performing arts institutions providing access to world-class specialists in the fields of drama, dance and music
School productions, musical ensembles and orchestras, and theatre trips
An outstanding sports provision and a proud history of sporting success
School rugby, cricket and football teams with full programme of matches
Other extracurricular sports include athletics, badminton, basketball, cross-country, fencing, tennis and table tennis
EXCELLING IN SPORTS AND THE ARTS SPORTS/ARTS
BRGS joined Star Academies in September 2023
Star is one of the country’s leading multiacademy trusts with 32 schools nationwide
A values-based organisation, committed to enhancing social mobility
A focus on securing first-class outcomes for young people and their personal and social development
Star’s signature student leadership specialism provides exceptional opportunities and experiences
Star’s secondary schools consistently feature in the top 20 nationally for student outcomes
Fourteen of the Star schools inspected to date are judged outstanding by Ofsted
Star schools work collaboratively to share expertise and maximise opportunities and experiences for its students
Star is already providing additional capacity, expertise and executive leadership to increase the pace of improvement and to secure robust and lasting change
BRGS will receive strategic support from Star’s Regional Director/Executive Principal to embed academic excellence throughout all aspects of the school
A firm commitment to the ongoing professional development of staff through the Star Ambitions programme and National Institute of Teaching
APPLICATION PROCESS
PROCESS
BRGS is wholly selective on academic ability in Years 7 to 11. Details of the school’s admission policy, and how to apply, are available on the school website. Admission requirements for the Sixth Form are also available on the school website.
Monday 5 June 2024 BRGS admission form goes live at www.brgs.org.uk
Tuesday 4 July and Wednesday 5 July 2024 (9.30-11.00am) Open mornings for parents
Friday 1 September 2024 Lancashire County Council online application system goes live
Wednesday 11 September 2024 (6.30-8.30pm) Open evening for pupils and parents
Friday 13 September 2024 (12 noon) Closing date for BRGS
Saturday 28 September 2024 BRGS entrance exam
w/c Monday 16 October 2024 Parents will be informed if their child has reached the required standard for entry for BRGS
Tuesday 31 October 2024 Closing date to apply for a place via Lancashire County Council online application system
Monday 3 March 2025 LA will inform parents of their allocated secondary school place - BRGS will also write to parents applications
The closing date for BRGS applications is 12 noon on Friday 13 September 2024 – please note, we cannot accept applications received after this date. Following your application, we will write to you by Tuesday 17 September 2024 to provide specific details about the entrance examination.
ENTRANCE EXAMINATION
The entrance examination will be held at BRGS on 28 September 2024
Parents must register their child in advance on the BRGS website by 12 noon on Friday 13 September 2024 - register here
After registering, parents will be sent specific details about the entrance examination
If your child may require access arrangements on the day of the exam, please register as early as possible
Our entrance examination is provided by GL Assessment
The examination will consist of three papers: verbal reasoning, maths and English
Familiarisation materials are available to download free of charge from the GL Assessment website
THE BRGS ADVANTAGE
Knowledge-rich academic curriculum and inspirational teaching
Exceptional results and student outcomes
Student-centred pastoral support with a focus on personal development
Rich leadership programme built on the foundations of sport, creativity, performing arts, enterprise and careers, and charity and social action
Progression to the world’s best universities and apprenticeships with leading employers
Part of Star Academies, one of the country’s leading multi-academy trusts
Inspiring the leaders of tomorrow
FOR SEPTEMBER 2025 ADMISSIONS, REGISTER AT BRGS.ORG.UK BY 12 NOON ON FRIDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2024