MGS, MHSG and WGS unite for Charity Netball match 2026

On a crisp February evening before half-term, pupils from The Manchester Grammar School, Manchester High School for Girls and Withington Girls’ School came together for a series of charity netball matches that showcased exceptional teamwork, resilience and community spirit. The event offered a valuable opportunity for students from three of Manchester’s leading schools to collaborate in a setting that was both friendly and competitive, all in support of important charitable causes.

The fixture formed part of Withington Girls’ School’s Feel Fab Feb initiative, a month dedicated to promoting wellbeing and raising awareness of issues affecting young people. This year’s fundraising supported the National Literacy Trust and Bare Necessities, charities working to tackle literacy inequality and period poverty, and in doing so to expand access to education, confidence and opportunity for young people across the country.

School Captain at MGS, Donté, reflected on the significance of the collaboration: “This year, fundraising supported the National Literacy Trust and Bare Necessities, charities working to address literacy inequality and period poverty, shaping access to education, confidence and opportunity for young people across the country. By coming together in support of them, we demonstrated what collective effort can produce.

“Collaboration between our three schools has a clear, practical impact because it allows us to pool what we each do best. Ideas tend to be stronger when they are shaped by students from different environments, and audiences are naturally larger when three communities are involved rather than one. Our networks widen too, so the causes we support reach further and carry more weight. That makes larger, more ambitious events possible, and with that comes greater impact, whether in funds raised or awareness generated. Just as importantly, it gives everyone involved, organisers and participants alike, the experience of working alongside people beyond their immediate circle. Planning across schools means communicating clearly, listening carefully and occasionally adapting your approach – simple but valuable skills. Over time, that shared experience builds trust and makes each future collaboration easier to deliver and more ambitious in scope.

“Thank you to everyone who played a part in making it happen, whether by taking part, performing, organising or turning up to support. Your time and enthusiasm made a real difference. I hope our school communities can continue working side by side on events like this for many years to come.”

The Head Girl at WGS, Tara, also praised the occasion: “This year’s annual charity netball match at WGS was a highlight of Feel Fab Feb, with our sports hall full of cheers, energy and plenty of friendly competition. The games were played in great spirit, with strong teamwork, impressive netball skills and lots of encouragement from the sidelines. It was fantastic to see so many people involved, whether playing, umpiring or supporting. Alongside the action on court, we were lucky to enjoy superb musical performances from our very own Eilidh, Zara and Orli, who brought great energy to the hall and kept the atmosphere lively throughout the event.

"The match formed part of our fundraising efforts for the two main charities we are supporting during Feel Fab Feb: the National Literacy Trust and Bare Necessities. It was a brilliant way to enjoy some friendly competition while supporting these two meaningful causes. A big thank you to all the students and staff who played, performed, helped organise or came along to support – your enthusiasm and encouragement made the event such a success. We are already looking forward to seeing the match return in the years to come!”

Georgia, Head Girl at MHSG, described the afternoon as a memorable occasion for all involved: “The event marked a memorable afternoon as students from our three Sixth Form communities took to the court for a charity netball match. The occasion brought together athleticism and compassion, with all proceeds supporting Bare Necessities, an organisation dedicated to ending period poverty, and the National Literacy Trust, in recognition of this year’s National Year of Reading campaign.

“The competition highlighted exceptional skill and collaboration from every participant. What stood out most was the positive spirit on display – all the students cheering one another on and demonstrating genuine sportsmanship throughout. It was a wonderful example of our Sixth Form values in action. The afternoon was further enhanced by an energetic musical performance from talented WGS students, whose contributions created a lively and welcoming atmosphere for players and spectators alike.

“At MHSG, we recognise that student development extends far beyond the classroom. The wellbeing of our students – including mental, emotional and physical – truly sits at the heart of what we do. Events like this one prove that sport can be more than competition; it can be a catalyst for important discussions about health and social issues that deserve greater attention. The event’s success was made possible by the dedication and generosity of everyone involved. We’re delighted to report that a significant amount was raised for both charities and are very grateful for the strong partnership between MHSG, MGS and WGS in championing these causes. Well done to all who participated and contributed to making this event such a success. We hope that the next generations of the three schools can continue this tradition and continue to raise awareness of such important causes and initiatives.”