Stockport Grammar School proudly unveiled a purple plaque last week, commemorating the remarkable STEM achievements of a former pupil.

Lucy Hope (OS 2004) returned to school to see the plaque unveiled after she was announced as a recipient of the Women in Innovation Award from InnovateUK, which helps UK businesses innovate, scale and bring new ideas to market. 

Through her company, The Daughters of Mars, Lucy is transforming the menstrual care industry. After discovering that many traditional products, such as tampons and pads, contain harmful chemicals, she set out to create safer, healthier alternatives—redefining standards and driving change in the process.

Now, Lucy is part of a network of more than 200 Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award winners who are developing inspiring solutions to pressing societal, environmental and economic challenges.

Lucy said: “It is a point of great pride to receive such a prestigious award, and to have my purple plaque installed at the pace where it all started for me is a real full-circle moment.”

After unveiling her plaque, she gave a talk to some of our current pupils, sharing her unexpected journey into science and entrepreneurship. She spoke candidly about her life and career, inspiring pupils and answering their brilliant questions about her groundbreaking work. She told us that she never imagined a future in STEM, yet today she’s leading innovation in menstrual care.

Head of Senior School, Mrs Sarah Capewell said: “As the first female Head of Stockport Grammar School, I was excited to meet Old Stop, Lucy Hope and welcome her back to school to celebrate her Purple Plaque, awarded to her by Innovate UK in recognition of her important contribution to Women in STEM.

“Lucy’s dedication and success exemplify the values we strive to instil in all our pupils, curiosity, resilience, and a passion for innovation. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to our current learners and highlight the limitless opportunities that STEM careers offer.”