Manchester High School for Girls

Manchester High School for Girls is an independent girls' school located in Manchester, England, with a long history dating back to 1871. The school has a strong reputation for academic excellence, with many students going on to attend top universities such as University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London. The school is a member of the Girls' Schools Association and the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, and has links with other prestigious schools such as Cheltenham Ladies' College and St Paul's Girls' School. The school's alumnae have gone on to achieve great things, including Nobel Prize winners like Dorothy Hodgkin and Rosalind Franklin, who both attended University of Cambridge.

● History

The school was founded in 1871 by Miss Emily Davies and Miss Anne Jemima Clough, who were both pioneers in the field of women's education. The school's early years were marked by a strong emphasis on classics and languages, with many students going on to study at University of Oxford and University of Cambridge. During World War I, the school played an important role in the war effort, with many students and staff involved in Red Cross work and other charitable activities. The school has also had links with other notable institutions, including Manchester University and Royal Northern College of Music. In recent years, the school has undergone significant developments, including the construction of new buildings and facilities, such as the Manchester Museum and the Whitworth Art Gallery.

● Admissions

Admissions to the school are highly competitive, with many students applying from across the North West of England and beyond. The school uses a range of assessment methods, including GCSE results and entrance exams, to select students. Many students come from independent schools such as Withington Girls' School and Bolton School, while others come from state schools like Manchester Grammar School and Altrincham Grammar School for Girls. The school also offers scholarships and bursaries to students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability or talent in areas such as music or sport. Students who attend the school often go on to study at top universities like University of Manchester, University of Liverpool, and Lancaster University.

● Curriculum

The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum, with a range of subjects including mathematics, science, English literature, and history. Students can also choose from a range of GCSE and A-level options, including classics, geography, and psychology. The school has a strong emphasis on STEM subjects, with many students going on to study engineering and computer science at universities like University of Cambridge and Imperial College London. The school also offers a range of extracurricular activities, including debating and public speaking, which are designed to develop students' skills and confidence. Many students participate in Model United Nations and Duke of Edinburgh's Award schemes, and the school has links with organizations like BBC and Royal Society.

● Extracurricular Activities

The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports such as hockey, netball, and tennis. Students can also participate in music and drama activities, including choir and orchestra. The school has a strong tradition of community service, with many students involved in charity work and volunteering activities. Students can also participate in clubs and societies, such as debating society and science club, which are designed to develop their interests and skills. The school has links with organizations like National Trust and Wildlife Trusts, and many students participate in outdoor education and environmental conservation activities.

● Notable Alumnae

The school has a long list of notable alumnae, including Dorothy Hodgkin, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1964. Other notable alumnae include Rosalind Franklin, who made significant contributions to the discovery of the structure of DNA, and Shirley Williams, who served as a cabinet minister in the UK government. The school's alumnae have also included Olympic athletes like Jessica Ennis-Hill and Katherine Grainger, who have competed in events like the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games. Many alumnae have gone on to achieve great things in fields like medicine, law, and politics, including University of Oxford professors like Diana Maurer and Helen Margetts.

● Campus and Facilities

The school's campus is located in the heart of Manchester, with a range of modern and historic buildings. The school has invested heavily in its facilities, including a new sports centre and theatre. The school also has a range of laboratories and classrooms, which are equipped with the latest technology and resources. Students have access to a range of facilities, including a library and IT suite, which are designed to support their learning and development. The school is close to other notable institutions, including University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Royal Northern College of Music. The school's alumnae often return to visit the school and participate in events like the Manchester Literature Festival and Manchester International Festival.

Category:Independent schools in Manchester