SGS community comes together to mark Founder’s Day 2025

On Friday 21 March Senior School pupils and staff were joined by governors, Old Stopfordians and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant at St George’s Church for the annual service giving thanks for the foundation of the school in 1487 by Sir Edmond Shaa.

The service opened and concluded with Upper Sixth student Nathan Monk playing the organ whilst Chamber Choir and Chorus sang two lovely pieces – ‘O Thou, The Central Orb’ and ‘Anthem: Excerpts From Vivaldi’s Magnificat’ respectively.

Retiring staff member Mrs Helen Lawson read the Bidding Oration before the school’s Chaplain Rev Liz Leaver spoke to the congregation.

Lessons were then read by the Chair of the Governing Body Mrs Hazel Tritschler and Old Stopfordian President Mrs Krishanthi Carfrae.

The Vicar of St George’s Church delivered her address before Head Mrs Sarah Capewell led prayers.

Celebrating philanthropy at the Shaa Lunch

Continuing the day of celebration, Deputy Lord Lieutenants of Greater Manchester, donors, supporters, Governors, pupils and staff returned to the school for the Shaa Lunch in Hallam Hall.

The Shaa Lunch is the school’s annual celebration of philanthropy, and there was indeed a celebratory atmosphere in the hall for the drinks reception, where Old Stops and friends of the school caught up and raised a glass to our founder, Sir Edmund Shaa.

In the largest turn-out in recent years, the guests included members of the Class of 2008 involved in the newly-established Adventure Award. The Head, Sarah Capewell, spoke about how important the Bursary Fund is, with 84 pupils in the school currently receiving fee assistance.

After lunch, guests heard from pupils in Upper Sixth - Anjali Abraham (Deputy Head of School) and Edward Griffiths (Senior Prefect). Anjali spoke of her time at school and how a combination of championing academic excellence, the sense of community and her co-curricular activities (Anjali is playing the lead role in this year's production of 'Sister Act') have made for a wonderful seven years at SGS.

Edward shared his own journey too – the clubs he joined as a First Year which then evolved into involvement in the Model United Nations Club in later years; his love for Classics, and his onward aspirations after receiving an offer to read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford. Edward noted that his 'future achievements I owe in part to Bursary Fund donors'. You can read Edward’s story in our recent Philanthropy report.

After these inspirational speeches, Chair of Governors, Hazel Tritschler closed the event with thanks.

Interested in attending the Shaa Lunch next year? Want to find out more about our Bursary Fund? Head over to our ‘Support us’ webpage or you can email the Development and Alumni Relations team.