Photo – 2022 BGS alumna, Grace Gaffey

The Alumnae are an integral part of our community, and vital as we aim to build a community of women supporting women at each stage of their lives. 

Our latest initiative Bold Beginnings series launched in November. This ‘toolbox’ is aimed at alumnae within the 18-35 age bracket, with an on-going launch of a series of webinars and digital resources to  focus on helping women at different stages of careers.

Our first webinar was hosted by Michèle Bernat (née Conning, DAHS 1999) who led an informative Back to Work for Mums Webinar, focusing on practical strategies and confidence-building interview tips, helping navigate the return to employment after a career break.

In the new year, Dr Kate Lanz (BHS 1982) will be hosting a Curriculum Conversation, Mindbridge Next Generation Leaders. This session will be focused on helping parents support their young people in understanding themselves better and making confident, brain smart choices about building a future that feels right for them. Kate has been coaching senior leaders at the top of global businesses using applied neuroscience and now she is transferring that experience to help parents and young people with their futures through a number of short and powerful sessions. Kate will also be delivering sessions to our younger alumnae, helping them with a good start to work and understanding what makes them thrive and survive in their first roles and developing their strengths. 

Our growing network of alumnae on our dedicated LinkedIn Alumnae page, The Alumnae - Bedford Girls’ School, further encourages collaboration between members of our community. It is a great platform to make professional connections and ask older alumnae for support and advice. 

Within school we continue to deliver meaningful programmes to help enhance students skills as they prepare to step beyond BGS, offering guidance and support at every stage of their education.   

Our BGS Alumnae Mentoring Programme 2024/25 concluded this term. Thank you to all 17 mentors who provided invaluable encouragement and support to our Sixth Form mentees: Michelle Masih (DAHS 2011), Krupa Katechia (BGS 2015), Emilina Lionetti (DAHS 2012), Zandria Barclay (née Tolliday, DAHS 1997), Kate Lanz (BHS 1982), Sally Michaels (née Carroll, BHS 1997), Caroline Evans (née Allen, DAHS 1988), Paula Stevenson (DAHS 1989), Fiyin Fayeye (BHS 2002), Tricia Clegg (DAHS 1976), Rachel Callan (née Henry, BHS 1988), Suzanne Tanser (née Rinaldo, BHS 1988), Alice Gainsford (née Duncombe, DAHS 1995), Dr Alice Frost (BGS 2017), Lauren Troiano (BHS 2010), Bijal Shah (BHS 2000) and Megan O'Reilly (BGS 2018).

We are also grateful to our mock interviewers who helped prepare students for medical, dental and veterinary school interviews: Dr Fiona Smith (DAHS 1998), Rachel Langridge (née Goodridge, DAHS 1993), Kenni Mukiibi (BGS 2023), Maddie Lever (BGS 2022), Dr Haya Tuz-Zahra (BGS 2017) and Dr Hannah Pool (DAHS 2005). Also, thank you to Grace Gaffey (BGS 2022), who inspired our Lower Sixth EPQ students with her research experience.