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My name is Isabelle and I’m a year 12 student at Frances Bardsley.

Currently I am studying three A-level subjects: English Literature, Sociology, and Religious Studies. Having been part of Frances Bardsley since Year 7, the transition to A-levels marked a substantial leap from my previous experiences with GCSEs. This educational shift is the most significant challenge in a student’s academic journey. However, by going to a school that grants students a place to thrive and grow, the transition was made substantially easier, relieving me of the stress that may have occurred if I had chosen to attend another school.

By FBA exceeding my expectations exponentially throughout my secondary school education, I knew I was following along a new pathway with a whole community behind me and ready to support me along the journey. After completing a term here, I can whole heartedly say that staying at FBA was the best decision I could have made. Every day I feel overjoyed by the safe space that is provided and I’m constantly inspired by the hard-working morale that the teachers and peers reflect on to me. It feels encouraging to have remarkable teachers that prioritise individual attention and take the time to understand each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations.

FBA’s status as an all-girls school has opened avenues of opportunity, particularly in male-dominated subjects and clubs. This setting allows me to pursue my interests with confidence, backed by substantial support. The overarching goal of FBA is to evolve into a ‘world class girls’ school,’ inspiring young women to flourish in their abilities and confront boundaries with resilience. Empowerment is at the core of our educational journey, emphasising the recognition of personal power and the belief that success knows no bounds.

The school’s uniqueness extends beyond its educational attributes to include a remarkable range of extracurricular activities, a vibrant and inclusive community, and high-quality facilities. The challenges of the future, particularly in sixth form, can be daunting, making a robust support system invaluable. FBA provides that, empowering students and instilling a determination to navigate the educational landscape. Diverse opportunities cater to different subjects, aligning with various career choices and serving as gateways to chosen professions. An example would be ‘The Excel program’, which targets high achievers in GCSEs, guiding students toward prestigious universities such as those in The Russell Group. Events like those organised by ‘The Elephant Group’ further aid students in understanding the path to university and beyond. This is one of the countless opportunities that FBA offers which aims to prepare students for their future endeavours. These specialised opportunities work to elevate students’ experiences as well as fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity.

Beyond the pursuit of academic excellence, FBA places a strong emphasis on self-development as well as a strong focus on well-being. The exceptional pastoral care provides safety for students and instils the confidence of a strong support system. As a student, it feels comforting to have trusting people to confide in and rely on. Sixth form also aims to motivate students to express their creativity as well as gain independence, allowing the exploration of personal identity. This is ensured by everyone having the opportunity to launch clubs of their own interest ranging from academic societies to creative clubs, allowing there to be a place to express yourself at every turn.

Now as I continue my journey at FBA, I’m working to achieve my aspiration of completing an English Literature degree at university, guided by the support and mentorship provided by school. FBA has equipped me with numerous responsibilities and skills essential for navigating higher education and the broader world while also granting me the self-confidence to fight against barriers that are shielding me from success. I take pride in being part of such an outstanding community at FBA and feel well-prepared to take the next steps in completing my A-levels.

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