Pupils Stories

At first, when I was told I only had one year left at Bridge School Malvern, I was really nervous and scared because I didn’t know what to expect. I even asked to stay on at school for another year.

I chose the Bridge Sixth Form primarily due to the familiarity of it and the numerous visits I had there towards the end of my time at Bridge school. During those visits I felt welcomed by everyone, staff and pupils alike, most of whom I knew from my time at Bridge school. I have massively enjoyed my time at the Sixth Form and I believe I have improved as a person massively and I’m glad I made this decision rather than deciding to push for somewhere else.

I really cannot thank the Bridge enough for what they have done for me over these last four years. I am coming up on my 5th year I believe since I joined the Bridge in 2019 and my first year at the Sixth form since moving from the school in 2023.

I feel a sense of sadness knowing I only have a year left when I come back after the summer but I will take whatever time I have left and enjoy it whilst it lasts as I know there are many people out there like me who would beg to be in the position I’m in.

I can safely say on behalf of myself and the opinion of my parents and the rest of my family that the Bridge is 100% far above and beyond the best thing that has ever happened to me and I am eternally grateful for the opportunity and support the Bridge has given me.

Case Study: Child T

T started with us in year 7 at the secondary school site having come from us from a mainstream primary. T has a diagnosis of ASD and had struggled with social dynamics. Initially T found himself exceptionally anxious and overwhelmed and was given a designed safe space where he could retreat to when needed. The Covid19 pandemic had a substantial impact upon T’s education as it increased his anxiety to the point where he felt unable to attend school in person for a sustained period of time.

As he grew through the school, and with great support, T began to engage well and showed a great commitment to his learning. Before he finished year 11 he was showing a great aptitude within catering and wanted to explore this area further. T and his family felt that moving on to the sixth form, where he could get a continued high level of support and valuable practical experience in catering with work experience opportunities.

T transitioned to sixth form during Covid, and he continued to access his education as we stayed open, supporting our students during this time. In his first year at the Sixth form, T continued to develop his passion for catering, completing a successful work experience placement at Malvern Spa restaurant, which ended with an offer of part time employment - something that T felt at that time he wasn’t ready to commit to.

During this time he was also starting to build his own interests in design at home. T developed his own logos and branding, forming the beginning of a business idea. This interest was spotted and supported in school through introducing art and business to his timetable, alongside a lengthy work experience placement at a local clothing branding firm, A Star Printing. T worked with our Business tutor helping him develop his own small online business as well.

Although T came to us confident and comfortable in the kitchen, he began to recognise other skills and interests he had and felt safe enough to explore these. T then moved on to take the opportunity to complete a work experience at a graphic design company in which he thrived. T recognised that he really enjoyed this environment and this was a route he wanted to explore as a career. Our careers team worked closely with the employer, looking at his support needs and a route for him to access an apprenticeship with them; finding an apprenticeship training provider who could offer appropriate accommodations and learning support to meet his needs. T made a successful transition to his apprenticeship, where he started his level 2 in graphic design and went on to complete his level 3, securing a permanent position within the company. We are delighted that T has been a part of developing the school’s website.

My teen years were a mental battle. Being diagnosed autistic from an early age, my needs in education were drastically different from others. I was bullied for it, and this led to lots of issues in my self-worth, image, mood and behaviours. I retreated internally and isolated, spending my days hiding away in my bedroom.

When I finished school, I felt like a rudderless ship. I had just moved to the area with no work, no friends, and no sense of purpose. When I started going to the Bridge Sixth Form, I found people like me. Young adults who needed a push in the right direction to start full time employment. With the experience I gathered working in online sales, and catering, and the support from the staff to push me outside my comfort zone, I have had full time work in a job I love since I left.

I'm working, I have healthy relationships, I'm playing bass guitar and doing vocals in bands, and trying every new opportunity that comes my way. This is in no small part due to the Bridge Sixth Form and the absolute miracle workers who put up with me, so thank you all.

Case Study: Child K

K started at Bridge School Malvern in year 7. He had struggled to engage in primary school and struggled to form friendships, resulting in social isolation at a young age. He was very vulnerable out in the community and online. K was gifted as a musician and an artist but had not had the opportunity to develop these skills.

Anger was a central feature of K’s behavior. He would swear constantly and be rude and dismissive of adults and frequently self harmed.

K was given the opportunity to develop his creative gifts at school and over time was able to receive constructive criticism and explore new ideas and approaches. As well as the core curriculum, K was provided with a range of personal, social and health education interventions, and support on how to keep himself safe and support his mental health.

By the time K left the Bridge in year 11, he had made good friendships inside and outside of school. He understood what constituted a healthy lifestyle and good mental health, and was making positive steps to cultivate these. He had confidence and aspirations for the future. Despite a lot of anxiety around leaving the Bridge, K engaged well with the process and successfully made the move to FE college, where he was recognised as a polite, kind, and creatively gifted individual.

K's engagement with staff at BSM was key to his progress. He attended regularly and showed interest in a range of subjects. Whilst academic achievement was not always easy, it became a source of pride. K began to show improved emotional regulation through expressing thoughts and feelings in appropriate language. He was better able to reflect on his emotions and had developed healthier coping strategies.