As another academic year drew to a close, the school community came together to celebrate the successes achieved at the 2024 Senior School Speech Day, held in the superb art deco surroundings of The Stockport Plaza.

Ahead of the event in the Plaza, the school hosted a lunch in the Hallam Hall.

This year’s speaker was Nicholas McCarthy, one of Britain’s foremost classical pianists, and he blew the audience away with his inspiring address and dazzling musical talent.

Pupils, staff, parents and governors were joined in The Plaza by special guests including the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Dr Eamonn O’Neal DL, Mayor of Stockport Councillor Suzanne Wyatt, and Councillor Wendy Meikle.

Mr Jonathan Lee, Chair of the Governing Body, opened proceedings with a warm welcome to all attending and congratulated the pupils on their many and varied successes, before Mrs Sarah Capewell delivered her Head’s Statement.

            

Mrs Capewell looked back on her first year as Head of Stockport Grammar Senior School, reflecting on many of the wonderful achievements that have happened both in, and out, of the classroom.

The presentation of the prizes saw pupils from all year groups get up on stage to collect their well-earned prizes before Mr McCarthy delivered his captivating address.

Nicholas was born without his right hand and over the years has become a champion of left-hand alone repertoire. During his address he spoke about believing in yourself and not listening to people who say “you can’t”. He ended his time on stage with a piano performance that had the packed-out audience mesmerised.

                             

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Old Stopfordian President Mrs Krishanthi Carfrae.

Following the conclusion of Speech Day, family members of award winners and of the Upper Sixth Form leavers were offered drinks and nibbles in a reception in the new Sixth Form centre.