Speech Day 2026 celebrates achievement in glorious sunshine
Glorious sunshine provided the perfect backdrop for this year’s Speech Day as the Stockport Grammar School community came together to celebrate the many accomplishments of pupils throughout the 2025–2026 academic year.
The spectacular surroundings of Stockport Plaza welcomed prize winners, staff, parents, governors, and distinguished guests, including Deputy Lieutenant, Anne-Marie Wynne, acting on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, and the worshipful Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Mark Hunter, and his Consort, Mrs Rachel Hunter.
This year’s guest of honour was Professor Danielle George CBE, a Professor of Radio Frequency Engineering and the Chief Scientific Adviser for National Security.
Professor George’s address, which was entitled ‘Finding Your Signal: Unveiling Your Future. Igniting Your Potential’, encouraged pupils to cultivate a lifelong sense of curiosity, embrace new opportunities, and trust in their ability to achieve more than they imagined possible.
The ceremony began with a warm welcome from Chair of Governors, Mr Paul Brearley, who congratulated pupils on their many achievements across academic, sporting, creative and co-curricular life.
Two pieces from Big Band, Irving Berlin’s ‘Blue Skies’ – featuring a stunning solo from Fifth Year Amelie – and ‘Ain’t She Sweet’ by Milton Ager, thoroughly impressed the audience before Mrs Sarah Capewell delivered the Head’s Statement.
Mrs Capewell began her speech with Cicero’s quote ‘non nobis solum nati sumus’, which translates as ‘not for us alone are we born’, a phrase that reminds us that who we are, and what we achieve, is never entirely of our own making. It is shaped – profoundly – by the people around us.
She also touched on the ideas of belonging, connection, shared endeavour. excellence, courage, community and curiosity before reflecting on another successful and rewarding year.
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of prizes, with pupils from across the school recognised for their hard work, commitment and achievements. One by one, award recipients took to the stage to receive their prizes from Professor George in a proud and memorable moment.
The ceremony drew to a close with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Heads of School, Cara and Toby, who reflected warmly on their time at Stockport Grammar School. They also welcomed the incoming Heads of School and Deputy Heads, marking an important moment of transition for the year ahead.
Before the ceremony, guests enjoyed lunch in Hallam Hall, while after the event prize winners and Upper Sixth leavers gathered with family and friends at a reception in the sun-drenched Quad.
With drinks, refreshments and plenty of opportunities for photographs, it was a fitting end to a day that celebrated achievement, community and the bright futures that lie ahead for our pupils.
