Stockport Grammar School

Stockport Grammar School. Founded in 1487 under a charter from Sir Edmund Shaa, the school is one of the oldest educational institutions in the North West. It transitioned from a boys' school to full co-education in the 1980s and operates as an independent day school. The school is situated in the Davenport area of Stockport, within the metropolitan county of Greater Manchester.

History

The school's foundation was enabled by a charter from Sir Edmund Shaa, a former Lord Mayor of London and goldsmith to King Edward IV. Its early history was intertwined with the Shaa family and the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. For centuries, it operated as a small grammar school under the Endowed Schools Act 1869, with its original building located near St Mary's Church, Stockport. A significant transformation occurred in the 20th century; following the Education Act 1944, it became a direct grant grammar school, educating many pupils funded by the Department for Education and Science. The school chose independence after the direct grant system was abolished, a move concurrent with its decision to admit girls into the Sixth form. This period of change was overseen by headmasters like John St. John and later Paul Owen.

Campus and facilities

The school's main campus is on Buxton Road, occupying grounds that were part of the historic Davenport estate. The original Victorian building, known as the Old House, remains a central feature alongside extensive modern additions. These include the Winn Library, a performing arts centre, and dedicated facilities for the Combined Cadet Force. Sporting infrastructure is a major aspect, with playing fields at Hazel Grove and a sports complex featuring an all-weather pitch. The school also maintains a field studies centre in Snowdonia, used for Geography and Outdoor education trips.

Academic performance

The school is consistently ranked highly in national league tables for both GCSE and A-Level results. Pupils regularly achieve a high proportion of top grades, facilitating entry to Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. The curriculum is broad, with strong traditions in the Sciences, Mathematics, and Classics, but also encompasses modern languages and the Arts. Academic success is supported by programmes for the gifted and talented and preparation for competitions like the UK Mathematics Trust challenges.

Extracurricular activities

A wide range of activities complements the academic programme. The school has a long-standing Combined Cadet Force contingent and participates in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. Musical life is vibrant, with numerous ensembles, choirs, and annual productions at venues like the Royal Northern College of Music. Dramatic productions are staged in the school's own theatre. Sporting success is notable in rugby, cricket, and hockey, with teams competing in national tournaments. Societies cover diverse interests, from debating and Model United Nations to Robotics and Young Enterprise.

Notable alumni

Alumni, known as Old Stopfordians, have achieved distinction in numerous fields. In science and medicine, they include Sir Henry Hallett Dale, a Nobel laureate, and Sir John Charnley, pioneer of hip replacement surgery. The arts are represented by actors like Tim McInnerny and Wendy Craig, and BBC journalist John Simpson. Literary figures include novelist Hilary Mantel and poet Michael Symmons Roberts. In public life, alumni range from Sir Nicholas Winterton, a long-serving MP, to senior Royal Navy officer Admiral Sir James Burnell-Nugent. The world of sport includes former England cricketer Mike Watkinson.

Category:Educational institutions established in the 15th century Category:1487 establishments in England