Established by two Old Stops, this new award will honour their lifelong passion for the outdoors, climbing, and mountaineering which began whilst they were current pupils. The Adventure Award will give senior school pupils the opportunity to participate in a transformative experience relating to co-curricular activities in outdoors and adventure which they are already active in and would benefit from financial assistance in order to participate. This could cover both formal school organised and pupil organised trips outside of term time as well as regular activities.

Both Old Stops, who wish to remain anonymous, say they benefitted greatly from their own outdoor education and experiences at SGS. SGS kick-started a love of the outdoors, and they hope the award will allow others to take advantage of the opportunities school has to offer. By providing the initial donation for this award, the Old Stops hope to recognise their formative experiences.

The school offers a wide range of outdoor activities including hiking excursions, skiing, mountain biking and kayaking. Alongside this, the school is a Direct Licensed Organisation of the Duke of Edinburgh Award – with a large number of pupils taking part in the scheme during their time at school, from Bronze through to Gold Level. Of course, we can’t forget to mention the Peter Boardman Climbing Wall which hosts the climbing club multiple times a week. Donated in memory of Old Stopfordian Peter Boardman  (OS 1968) who was an explorer and mountaineer, the wall is perhaps the first opportunity for the school to inspire a sense of adventure in pupils.

Speaking about their experiences, the Old Stops said: “Our time at the school was more than just a formal education.

“What we learned from going to Wasdale or participating in the climbing club or camping trips was so much more. We hope this award will also push pupils further and gain confidence that they can take forward in all aspects of their lives.”

If you would like more information about this award, or would like to know more about different ways to support the School , please contact Aria Johnston, Head of Development, on oldstops@stockportgrammar.co.uk or 0161 419 2408.