Welcome to Bexley Grammar School Year 6 students!

I am Cindy and just a few weeks ago, I stepped into this amazing school for the very first time. I’ve really been enjoying my time at BGS. Looking back, I felt like a small child stepping into a big adult world. The site is so much bigger than my old primary school; it was a lot to take in at first! Saying goodbye to my primary school teachers was hard, but I knew I was moving on to a new challenge. The moment I put on my new uniform with the BGS badge, I felt proud to be part of the Bexley Grammar community.

Starting a new school can feel a bit daunting. Sometimes you might get lost, checking your map and feeling nervous. I definitely did! But don’t worry; you’re never alone. Everyone at BGS is here to help you, from the kind teachers to the friendly senior students. Soon, you’ll start to remember where everything is, and it won’t seem confusing at all!

Homework

In the first lesson that I had at BGS, I was so nervous, I didn’t want to answer any of the questions! But the enthusiasm of the other students gave me the courage to put my hand up and participate in the lesson! So on the first day you come here, try engaging in with the other pupils! At BGS, we use online platforms such as Google Classroom and Dr Frost Maths to submit homework. Teachers will upload assignments to Google Classroom, where you can complete and submit your work. This system makes it easy to keep track of your homework and helps you stay organised and submit everything on time.

Making friends

We all came from different primary schools, but now we’re all part of BGS. I thought making new friends would take a long time, and of course, it might. But in reality, on the very first day, I already felt like I had made new friends just by being in the same class. Everyone here is kind and welcoming, and you might even make friends in other classes too!

Canteen experience

The food here at BGS is delicious! When I first joined, there were so many choices, I didn’t even know what to try first. At break, you can enjoy quick bites like mini-pizzas and flapjacks, and at lunch you can have proper hot meals. 

Clubs

There are so many clubs to choose from at BGS: Netball, Chess, Lego, and lots more! I tried the Netball Club, and even though I didn’t think I’d enjoy it, it turned out to be really good fun. Bexley Grammar helps you discover your passions, just like they did for me. Trying new things is a great way to have fun and make friends!

My overall opinion is that BGS is a fantastic grammar school, and they won’t let you down! It’s full of opportunities, great people, and exciting experiences. Let Bexley Grammar be your future; I promise you won’t be disappointed!

 Cindy, Year 7

They pay attention to even the smallest details.

Bexley Grammar has been welcoming to me. I was always nervous about the transition that I would make from primary school to secondary. The teachers have been super kind and supportive and so are the friends I have made along the way.

Homework was one of the big concerns I had, but when we got our Google Classroom logins, I was put at ease. Most of our homework is posted on Google Classroom, and if we have any questions, we just email the dedicated teacher for that subject.

I was also worried about the subjects.  Thankfully, we have a timetable to stick in our student planner, and the subjects have not been too hard but, at the same time, have been challenging enough to keep us interested.

What really stands out about BGS is that they pay attention to even the smallest details, which makes a big difference.

Jason, Year 7

 

I absolutely love BGS!

Before I say anything else, I just have to say that I absolutely love BGS. It's amazing!

On my first day, I had a mix of emotions, because when someone does something for the first time, it can be quite scary or overwhelming, but at BGS, they provide you with lots of support and help you with anything that you might need. 

BGS has a variety of extracurricular clubs free for anybody and everybody to attend, and the teachers are super kind. There is absolutely no need to be scared about making friends as your form tutor will definitely make sure that you have somebody so that you're not alone.

I have spent 6 weeks here at BGS and I have really got used to it because, after a few weeks, it starts to feel normal, and I'm sure it will be like that for anyone else who chooses to join this wonderful school.

Nia, Year 7

Dear future students,

Welcome to Bexley Grammar School. This is a school which is built upon respect, relations, high achievers and a friendly environment.  No matter who you are or where you come from, this amazing school is open to anybody. 

When you join BGS, you are put into Houses. The Houses are: Johnson (blue), Mabbs (purple), Kirkman (yellow), Wellman (orange), Collins (red) and Prothero (green). The Houses are named after teachers who used to work at the school. At Academic Monitoring, on Wednesdays after the morning break, there is a dedicated to House assembly. This means that you talk about important things with your House Captain or play games. School badges are coloured, referring to the House you are in. These colour-coded badges will only be on your blazer and white PE kit top. There are also opportunities for you to take part in House competitions like Music, STEAM Challenge, Athletics, Drama and Dance etc. The House year finishes at the end of the spring term and is celebrated at the House Showcase where the winners are announced and the House Cup is presented.

I hope you enjoyed this article about settling into BGS and life here, and we hope to see you in September!

Arthur, Year 7

 

You're surrounded by very kind people who do not hesitate to help.

I was not very comfortable with the jump from primary to secondary school. I was in the oldest group at primary school, and now I have dropped all the way down to being the youngest in the school again! But the more days I spend here, the more confidence I have gained in making my way to different classes.    If you ever get lost, you're surrounded by very kind people who do not hesitate to help you to get to class.

The canteen provides you with delicious types of food and drinks. The best part is that you don’t need cash or a card for that matter, you just need one of your fingers.  Every time you want to buy something, you put your finger on the scanner, and it will take the money from your account. So there is no chance of losing any cards or money at school.

All in all, it has been a great experience for me so far. I look forward to developing my knowledge of all different subjects.

Maria, Year 7

You can discover things about yourself you never knew.

I am Akorewa, and in this article I will be telling you what makes our school so special and unique.

Firstly, I believe one of the biggest highlights of our school are the various different clubs we have that might appeal to you! 

Netball is something I had never done before, but when I got to Bexley Grammar, I tried it out, and I loved it! That goes to show how you can discover things about yourself you never knew. It’s also a great way to meet new people in other form groups, make unforgettable memories and create unbreakable friendships!

Now let me give you some advice on starting school. These really helped me get my school life together. One of them is packing your bag in the evening before school. It may sound simple, but it goes a long way. It saves you the stress of having to double-check everything in the morning, and it gives you time to go through everything thoroughly so you can ensure you have all the bits and pieces you need.

Make sure that you get started on your homework at least the day after you get it just in case you have any problems, or you are struggling. That way you can consult or email your teacher, and they will be able to help you.

I hope you find this helpful and consider Bexley Grammar School.

Akorewa, Year 7

Some consider it the best grammar school, and I am one of them.

I will tell you about my canteen experience.  The canteen is very big and spacious; although you have to wait in line, the food is definitely worth the wait!

There is no need to worry about moving around school. This is very easy when you get used to the school and the timetable is a very smart idea as it tells you where to go and what subject you have.

BGS is one of the best grammar schools and some consider it the best grammar school, and I am one of them and support the school!

Rayan, Year 7

 

One of the best things about BGS is getting to study new subjects.

One of the best things about BGS is getting to study new subjects that we didn’t have in primary school, like Latin, Drama, and Computer Science. At first, the timetable was a bit confusing, especially with so many different teachers and classrooms, but now I enjoy the variety and learning something new every day. I’ve also enjoyed lessons like Science and Languages, which are taught in a lot more detail than before.

The canteen is another bonus! There’s a lot of choice when it comes to food, and it’s a nice place to relax and catch up with friends during break and lunch. It’s quickly become one of my favourite parts of the day!

Overall, I’ve really enjoyed my first few weeks at BGS. Everyone has been welcoming, and there’s always something new happening. It already feels like the right place for me, and I’m really looking forward to everything that’s still to come this year.

Omotola, Year 7

Finding new friends!

As you think about joining us here, you will probably have a lot of questions. I was in your shoes not too long ago, and I will try and help you look at what it is like to start off at Bexley Grammar School.

From the moment I arrived, I was reassured by how friendly and welcoming everyone was. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, but I quickly discovered what a supportive and engaging environment this is! Even the older students will help you as best as they can. This is due to our astounding ethos: Intellect, Empathy, Courage, which promotes a kind and specialist environment where learning is of the utmost importance, resulting in a community full of many hard-working and successful students.

If you are worried about finding new friends, you can put your mind at ease. Many other students will feel the same way as you and you will quickly find many new acquaintances and make great relationships at the start of your time here. As well as this, you won’t feel the need to try and make friends as it will happen naturally. You’ll find yourself starting up conversations during break and lunch without even thinking about it.

In conclusion, I would like to thank all the prospective parents/carers and students for taking the time to look at what our school has to offer and hope you enjoyed reading my thoughts. 

Reon, Year 7

It makes BGS feel like a family.

My experience of starting at Bexley Grammar School (BGS) has been fantastic, and shaped by many different aspects, one of the most important being the House system.

Bexley Grammar School has six Houses, each named after a founding member of staff; Johnson (after Margaret Johnson), Prothero (after Iorweth W. Prothero), Collins (after John Collins), Kirkman (after Gillian Kirkman), Mabbs (my house, after Margaret Mabbs), and Wellman (after Don Wellman).

Throughout the year, the Houses compete in a range of events to earn points and ultimately win the House Cup. The current champions are Wellman House. 

Being part of a House means being part of a community. Through the House system, I’ve made so many friends and shared memorable experiences. It's a wonderful part of school life that brings people together no matter the different social circles, and it makes BGS feel like a family.

Candace, Year 7

 

We were introduced to form groups.

In the first few days at BGS, Year 7 was very excited. We were all going to a new school, and it was a new experience for all of us, but we all soon managed to fit in thanks to the caring community at Bexley Grammar School.

The school gave us a planner, a timetable (to help us to know which lessons we have each day) and a map (to help us navigate around the school). Older students and teachers were always available if we wanted to ask for directions or had any worries.

One new thing we were introduced to was form groups. All the pupils in each form belong to the same House. We also have most of our lessons with the children who are in the same form group as us too.

Overall, BGS is a great school with a fantastic community of wonderful teachers and students.

Michael, Year 7

An excellent start to my secondary school education.

The transition from primary to secondary school has been phenomenal. Attending different types of extracurricular activities has created a welcoming community around the whole school.

Attending co-curricular clubs is a key part of our school community, it can help you engage with other year groups in many different ways. It is also a place for meeting even more new people.  There are a number of activities that students can take part in. These activities include: Netball Club, Football Club, Rugby Club, Art Club, Uni-code Club, Christian Union and many more ways to engage yourself before or after school.

Every school has their own ethos or their own school character. Well, in this school our ethos is one of the most fundamentally important parts of everyday school life. Our ethos promotes respect towards all teachers and students, and the resilience and ambition to achieve the very best that you can towards the aspects of learning. Our ethos is best summarised into three empowering words.

Intellect – A pursuit of knowledge.
Empathy – An understanding of others around you.

Courage – The strength to persevere through challenge.

As a school rated outstanding by Ofsted, be assured that Bexley Grammar can offer you a first-class education inside and outside the classroom, and I welcome you to a community where you will thrive as a whole.

Demi, Year 7

A Message from Mr Gilmore, Headteacher, to Year 6 Pupils 2025

Hello and welcome to this Open Day special edition of our school e-newsletter. I hope you find it full of informative information from our current Year 7 student ambassadors, who are the best people to tell you what you need to know about starting our school. I have been at Bexley Grammar School for 20 years and I can honestly say that every day I'm proud of how our students are so friendly and warm. I'm sure that you will find it much less daunting than you imagine when you join a school with such welcoming children and young adults, and dedicated staff who will help you to settle in. There are no silly questions when you start our school, just things that you don't know yet, and there are plenty of Year 7 staff and Sixth Form Peer
Mentors to support you. Our school e-newsletters demonstrate many of the excellent opportunities, visits and extracurricular clubs that are on offer at BGS and I encourage you to read through some previous additions here. However, there is nothing like experiencing things for yourself, and I'm sure you will have lots of fun and make many friends when you become part of our exciting community. From September, you will be able to participate in trips, sports and music concerts as well as enjoying lessons in a range of subjects, some of which will be familiar to you and some of which will be brand new. There really is something for everyone, inside and outside of the classroom, at BGS. There is a great deal to look forward to when you start school here. Parents / Carers will have the pleasure of meeting your Form Tutors to touch base after your first few weeks and then further opportunities to meet the Parents' Association and attend school events in the Autumn Term. We really are a community built on relationships and I look forward to welcoming those of you who are successful in joining us in September 2026.

18 Dec 2024
Year 7 Power Day: Dragons' Den
 
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11 Jun 2025
Year 7 MFL Diploma
Year 7 produced some wonderful pieces of work for their MFL Diploma 'All About Me'.
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15 Jul 2025
Well Done Year 7s!
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Click on the link here to read more Key Stage 3 news.

04 Mar 2025
Year 9 Art Club
This half-term, Art Club with Mrs. Millar has been an exciting and creative experience! 
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21 Oct 2024
Classics Summer Poetry Competition
Hattie Pigott-Denyer entered a Classics Summer poetry competition called "I sing of What I love". Her entry has been listed as a runner-up.
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Twice during the academic year, the Drama Department stages a production in our school Theatre. 

'Romeo & Juliet' May 2025

'Snow White & the Seven Dorks' January 2025

'The Tempest' May 2024

'Alice' December 2023

Click on the links to view the Drama department photo galleries and to read more department news.

11 Mar 2025
World Book Day 2025!
The History and Importance of World Book Day
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12 Mar 2025
Jack Petchey ~ Year 8 Public Speaking Competition
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Click on the link here to read more English department news.

18 Dec 2024
UCL Ocean Health Challenge
This term, a group of our outstanding Year 8 students took part in University College London’s Ocean Health Challenge 2024, a prestigious national engineering design competition for secondary school and college students aged 11-18.
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21 May 2025
Earth Day 2025
Years 7, 8 and 9 celebrated Earth Day, which was held globally on the 22nd of April.
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Click on the links to view the Geography department photo galleries and read more department news.

20 Nov 2024
History Trip to Ypres 08/11/24
On Friday 8th November, I had the amazing opportunity to go to Ypres in Belgium, following on from what we have been learning about in history - The First World War. The journey to Belgium was an adventure in itself. It was very early, but spirits were high. We started with an hour-long coach journe...
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07 May 2025
Victory in Europe ~ 80th Anniversary
Thursday the 8th of May marks the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day.
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Click on the link here to read more History department news.

BGS House System

Click on the link here to read House reports and view the recent House Harvest Box competition results.

08 Oct 2025
House Music Competition 2025
Theme: STARS
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30 Apr 2025
Celebrating BGS Readers!
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25 Jun 2025
Carnegie Book Awards 2025
The Carnegies have been great fun to participate in. This year there has been a great variety of books. The books were 'All That it Ever Meant' by Blessing Musarari, 'The Final Year' by Matt Goodfellow, 'Glasgow Boys' by Margret McDonald, 'King of Nothing' by...
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01 Oct 2025
David Farr ~ Author Visit
We were thrilled to have David Farr visit our school to talk to the Year 7s about his book series, The Book Of Stolen Dreams.
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23 Apr 2025
Junior Maths Club Easter Egg Hunt!
Our talented Year 12 Maths prefects hosted an exciting Maths Easter Egg Hunt that had the younger students in the Junior Maths Club buzzing with excitement!
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Click on the link here to read more Maths department news.

26 Mar 2025
KS3 Culture Competition
Organising the culture competition was such a great experience!
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02 Jul 2025
Year 9 Trip to Rouen 2025
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08 Oct 2025
MFL Bake Off
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Click on the links to view the MFL department photo galleries and read more department news.

12 Mar 2025
Gamelan Workshop
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09 Jul 2025
All the Right Notes: Hunchback of Notre Dame a resounding success!​​​​​​​
Last week, over 70 students came together to present our annual school musical, this year being Disney’s 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame’.
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'Hunchback of Notre Dame' Production July 2025 

Click on the links to view the Music department photo galleries and read more department news.

04 Mar 2025
Austria ~ Ski Trip 2025
During the half-term, 50 students embarked on an unforgettable ski trip to the stunning resort of Zell Am See, Austria.
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07 May 2025
Outstanding Sporting Achievement ~ Victoria Protopopova (Year 7)
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15 Oct 2025
Our Talented KS3 Sports Teams
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The PE department posts weekly reports in the newsletter of sporting achievements, in school, in the local community, and at national and international level, recognising the hard work and dedication of our students.  Click on the links to view the PE department photo galleries and read more department news.

15 Oct 2025
Year 7 Science Club
Led by Mr Andrews, Mrs Gradley and Mr Das and assisted by some of our fantastic Sixth Form helpers, Science Club has proven to be a fun but educational way to spend lunchtimes on Tuesday for the Year 7s this year.
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16 Jul 2024
Year 8 Wildwood Trip
In the last few weeks, Year 8 got to go on a trip to Wildwood for science. While we were there, we got to do a CSI investigation where we got to figure out who killed Mr Rabbit. There were a series of clues such as fur, feathers and paw prints to help us with this. Additionally, we went on a wildlif...
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Click on the link here to read more Science department news.