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The Hugh Oldham Society

In particular we would like to thank members of the Hugh Oldham Society who have donated substantial sums to help re-found the School through gifts to our Bursary Funds or to fund large-scale building projects. 

We are enormously grateful to our modern day Founders:

Leon Howard (53-61)
Anthony Preston (66-73)
Jon Aisbitt (68-75)
Patrick Cryne (former parent)
Peter Bracewell (friend of the School)
Ian Bailey (27-32 & staff 49-07)
Muriel Morrison (friend of the School)
George Entwisle (32-39)
Arnold Thackray (49-57)
David Hibbitt (55-62)
Andrew Dodd (83-90)
Brian and Christine Daglish (Friends of the School)

Leon Howard

“I’ll never forget the look on my mother’s face when she opened the scholarship letter from MGS. From the moment I walked through the gates at MGS I knew I was part of something special. Had I not been fortunate enough to gain a scholarship I may never have had the opportunities that have arisen in my career.

Hugh Oldham, the Founder of the School, used the profit from his corn mills to fund the School, as did cotton mill owner Edward Langworthy in the 19th century, so it seems only fitting that I should do the same. If I can give other boys in my position the same opportunity that I had, and encourage other successful business people to donate to the School, my donation will have served its purpose.”

Jon Aisbitt

“It’s really simple - I grew up at Manchester Grammar. I learned to think for myself and question received wisdom and the orthodox approach to anything. I also learned the vital importance of teamwork. I was lucky enough to get a place at Oxford to continue my education. I only got those opportunities because the State paid for my place at the School – my parents couldn’t have afforded to pay for me. So when I found myself in a position where I could start giving something back, giving other boys the same opportunity that I had was a key priority."

Anthony Preston

“Going forward, the core mission of MGS has to be the pursuit of excellence in all that it does, and at the heart of this is the search for talent, irrespective of race, creed, or indeed the ability to pay. This is why the Bursary Fund is so important. There can be no more rewarding way to put a bit back than helping young people of talent access the first rate education that MGS provided.

What MGS awoke in me was a taste for achievement and a belief that you have to give of your best in everything you undertake: supporting the Bursary Appeal is a brilliant way to pass these treasures on to the next generation.”