East Manchester Advertiser
21 January 2012

Year 11 pupils at The Manchester Grammar School (MGS) are showing their support for a bid to bring a new free, primary school to Manchester.
 
A team of three pupils have led the cause among their classmates, spreading the word by adding it to the School Council agenda, promoting it on the school radio and rallying a team of volunteers to help at an awareness raising event next week.
 
15 year olds Michael Li, Ollie Nield and Joshua Ellis (pictured above) say they want as many people as possible to know about the proposed school and the benefits that MGS’ academic expertise can bring to the city.
 
Michael Li, from Macclesfield, said: This is a single example of our school’s commitment to outreach and extending its academic expertise to other areas of Manchester. I wanted to get involved after reading about the initiative in the press, I know that free schools are a flagship Government policy and I am proud that MGS has the potential to become a part of it.
 
Michael’s classmate Joshua Ellis from Cheadle added: It’s a relevant subject to me as urbanisation is an area we’re presently covering in geography. To have the chance to volunteer and be involved in a live project is a great opportunity for me and my classmates.
 
Meanwhile, Ollie Nield from Altrincham, said: I was so happy to hear that the school is working in other areas of the city and wanted to give as much support as possible. MGS is a great school and it’s good to know that we’re boosting the abilities of other areas by lending our academic support to them. I want to help spread the word as far as possible about the initiative.
 
The boys will lend their support to an event at Ancoats Health Centre on Wednesday 25 January from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Local people interested in the school need to attend event to learn more about the proposals for a free primary school, built by developers Urban Splash and guided academically by MGS, as well as putting their much needed signatures to the cause. It is hoped that the event will generate enough support to demonstrate to the Government that there is significant demand for a free school in the area.
 
MGS High Master Dr Christopher Ray concluded: Once again our pupils have demonstrated their excellent commitment to co-curricular causes. The efforts of these boys in helping promoting one of our key projects has been most welcomed and we are thankful to them and all of the MGS boys involved in promoting this initiative.

To find out more and register interest please go to the New Islington Free School website here