Student Testimonials

(See the School Prospectus for further testimonies).

Ex-pupil Testimonials

Jonny Townend

I decided to take a year out after finishing my two year college course, but instead of travelling I felt the Lord was prompting me to go back to BCS. I came to BCS on a two week Work Experience from college and loved every minute of it. Seeing as I had been a pupil of the school since Y3 I knew pretty much what was in store. I knew the teachers and a lot of the students so to come back as a teacher was quite strange to begin with, but as you get used to seeing the teachers’ as colleagues rather than the ones who you are scared of at times, the whole experience becomes a lot easier. It is great to be back teaching at BCS and it is amazing to see God working through the pupils and the staff. The Lord is at the centre of the school and I look forward to being a part of the plan God has for it.

Nicola Clarke

This is my second year working at BCS now so I like to think I have firmly established myself as an honorary member of the staff room! That was the weirdest transition; being allowed in the staff room without having to knock! I love working here, it’s a real privilege to learn the other side to my old teachers’ personalities. Yes, teachers are real people! I never really realised how much I wanted to teach before I experienced it first hand, but I’ve learned a lot about myself here too. The school has given me a fantastic opportunity, for which I am very grateful and am determined to give back my best. I love working in the unique environment and hope and pray that God will use me here for the benefit of the children and the extension of His Kingdom.

Ian Wooffitt

I was a pupil at Bradford Christian School for 12 years, and I was there from its beginning, along with Joe Gatenby, Grace Walker and Jake Stockhill. During my school career the atmosphere at the school with the teachers and the pupils was a very comfortable one, much like a family. Also with working in the school as a teacher the atmosphere hasn’t changed that much, apart from being under the authority of the teachers, I now am one. Also I still have pretty much the same friendships, with those teachers who have had the biggest impact on my life as a pupil, and we are still able to have a laugh together. As a teacher in the school, it is good to see the different personalities that all the pupils have, and being able to work with them, helping them achieve their best. Looking back at my time here I can see that I couldn’t have had a better bunch of people looking out for me.

Mark Bateman

For me, Bradford Christian School was a vital tool, which God used to re-direct my life and bring me back into His perfect plan. I originally went to Guiseley Upper School in Year 7, however, little did I know that God had another plan. The Lord took me out of Guiseley after only a few weeks and confirmed, through a number of people, including Mr Moon and my parents that he wanted me at Bradford Christian School. However, there was no room at the Church on the Way Site, which is where the school was at that time. However, this did not hinder God’s plan and Mr Moon saw to it that they actually expanded Room 11 in one weekend to put an extra desk in for me and I was there on the Monday! Mr Moon saw something in me. He knew God wanted me there and showed me great love and attention in offering me a place, which did not exist.

I was not particularly interested in the things of God at the time. I just coasted through the first few years and I wasn’t the easiest pupil to teach! However, I was under sound doctrine and the teachers wanted to see the Lord shape my life.

It was in Year 9, as a result of a series of devotions by Mr Walker on music and media, which was the turning point for me. As a result, I was under deep conviction about what I was watching and listening to and knew it had to go. I began to burn, snap and get rid of my CDs, and for the first time I carefully monitored what I put into my mind. I also began to expand my Christian resource library.

My life, which had previously been the same as any unbeliever’s was gradually changing into the image of Christ, and I was experiencing God’s power stripping me of the dross and renewing my mind. It was, and is, a gradual process, but B.C.S always has a place in my heart as the start of my walk with God.

The school was responsible for feeding me in to Calvary Chapel Bible College, which I now attend as a full time student in York. I know that I would certainly not be where I am now if the Lord had not used B.C.S in my life. It certainly was the right place for me and I praise God that He knows the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29v11).

Secondary Pupil Testimonials

Well, I've been at this school for just over a year now and really enjoy it! It's like a family, the teachers are so easy to talk to and encouraging in faith, as well as obviously teaching us whatever subject.

You get more attention then you do in a normal school because it's smaller, and the teachers just seem to have more time to look at what you are doing and help you in any way they can.

We also get the chance to go on mission trip in years 9, 10 and 11, which is absolutely stunning! Being out in Romania takes us away from our comfort zone and teaches us so much about ourselves as well as God. Overall I just have to say that BCS is the best school I have ever been at and I think it has really set me up ready to go out into the big wide world feeling grounded and strong in my faith.

Natalie M - Year 10, March 2006

Moving to Bradford Christian School is one of the best things that I have ever done in my life! When I moved here I had extremely low self esteem and confidence in myself especially when it came to subjects which I struggled tremendously in.

Over these summer holidays I have had that encounter with God that was spoken about by yourselves in assembly. When I moved to Bradford Christian School I sincerely had no confidence in what we had done in a couple of subjects and in the basics I already ‘knew’. I was full of fear and I had set my mind to thinking I knew nothing and I was good for nothing as this is what was being said to me by friends and sometimes the way a few teachers acted around me. This made me believe I was hopeless in French and Maths and unfortunately I let this affect me when I moved here.

A Christian song I had listened to told me as a message from God that I can succeed in these two subjects if I just rely on Him and ignore what others say or think about me. I have cried and reflected about this for ages as I feel I have let myself down completely and you teachers as I gave you no time to help me before I had it straight in my mind that I was ‘thick’ and might as well give up before I waste anyone’s time.

By feeling this emotion and passion in me I prayed about it deeply and I asked for wisdom and comfort and help to have the ability to learn French and get better with my Maths. Since I had been praying I have been talking with some of my friends who are very good at languages and Maths. They have helped me get back on track as best I can at the moment and they are prepared to help me along the way. I feel now that if I had the opportunity to do French I CAN DO IT (Phil 4v13). I am determined to do it, not just for me but to prove to all those who doubted in me that I can and believe in my heart that I can and I can do well if only I trust in God and God alone!

I really want to be discipled by the school and now I can see that it was foolish to let fear get in the way as I was letting the devil take over my life by putting fear at every angle. Now I am more confident in both subjects as I have been revising and talking with friends. I strongly believe that it is thanks to God for helping me get out of the pit I was digging for myself and for giving me the strength to carry on and do better than I have ever done before!

Lauren Stringwell - Year 10

Related pages: School Prospectus Testimonies / Romania / Information For Parents

Category: Students

Author: Natalie M