On Friday 20 March SGS Senior School pupils and staff were joined by donors, legators, Governors, and the Mayor and Mayoress of Stockport for the annual Founders Day celebrations. Stockport Grammar School was founded, from the generosity of Sir Edmond Shaa, Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company and Mayor of London, in 1487. Founders Day celebrates philanthropy, and gives thanks to those who have supported the school over the past year.

SGS community comes together to mark Founder’s Day 2026 at St George's Church:
The service was led by the Bishop of Lancaster, Right Reverend Dr Jill Duff, and began with candles being lit to remember former pupils that have died during the past year.

Retiring staff member Mrs Carol Marshall read the Bidding Oration before the Lay Chaplain offered the call to worship.

Lessons were read by the Vice Chair of the Governing Body, Mr Paul Carr, and Old Stopfordian President Mr Arian Nikkhah (OS 2008). Head Mrs Sarah Capewell led the prayers, while the Bishop of Lancaster delivered the Address.

Chamber Choir performed ‘Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho’ by John Rutter and Chorus, supported by pupil Will Harvey on the drums, sang the first two movements (‘Kyrie’ and ‘Gloria’) from Bob Chilcott’s ‘A Little Jazz Mass’.

Upon the conclusion of the service, legators and donors gathered in the Hallam Hall for the Shaa Society Lunch.

Celebrating philanthropy at the Shaa Society Lunch:
Continuing the day of celebration, the Mayor and Mayoress of Stockport, donors, legators, Governors, pupils and staff returned to the school for the Shaa Society Lunch in Hallam Hall.

The Shaa Society 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.

The Head, Sarah Capewell, spoke about how important the Bursary Fund is to SGS, and reflected on a wonderful year of pupil  achievements. The congregation reflected on the recent inaugral Giving Day activities that had taken place in the days before, raising over £135,000 for the Bursary Fund. 

During lunch, the guests heard from the two Head's of School, Cara Bell and Toby Wells. Their speech reflected on their time at SGS and demonstrated how much it meant to them to be a part of such an aspirational ecosystem of students and teachers.

If you are interested in joining the Shaa Society and joining us at the celebrations next year, head over to our support us webpage. Or you can contact the Development and Alumni Relations Department by emailing oldstops@stockportgrammar.co.uk.