After eight years of outstanding leadership at GSAL, Sue Woodroofe has announced her decision to retire. According to Sue, being the Principal of GSAL “has been the best job in the world”, and she said that running the school has been “the joy and privilege of my life.”

Sue’s career in education spans nearly four decades, six schools and both the state and independent sectors in the UK and in Europe.  Since taking up her post as Principal at GSAL in April 2016, Sue has pushed academic standards and aspirations even higher. Under Sue’s tenure she has created a strong ethos and culture that celebrates intellectual pursuit and puts the development of the whole child at its core. She has also overseen the creation of the new primary school at Alwoodley Gates, refurbished the whole school, including the renovation of the historic Lawson Library, developed outstanding facilities for sport and the performing arts and has led a significant investment in child-centred health and wellbeing as well as developments in technology. The impact of Sue’s leadership is evidenced by numerous accolades such as three Sunday Times awards including School of the Decade, three highly successful inspections and her election as Chair of the Heads’ Conference (HMC).

Angus Martin(OL77), chair of GSAL’s governing body, said, “We can all see the benefits of the developments that Sue has led; under her tenure, the school has gone from strength to strength. She said that she wanted to polish the GSAL trophy when she arrived – and she has done so.” Sue will continue to take the school forwards over the next 18 months, which will see amongst many other things the completion of the school’s new Performing Arts Centre.

The search for GSAL’s next Principal will begin immediately to ensure a smooth transition to the next stage of GSAL’s journey in September 2025 and according to Sue “They will be the luckiest person in education to get this job.”

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After eight years of outstanding leadership at GSAL, Sue Woodroofe has announced her decision to retire. According to Sue, being the Principal of GSAL “has been the best job in the world”, and she said that running the school has been “the joy and privilege of my life.”

Sue’s career in education spans nearly four decades, six schools and both the state and independent sectors in the UK and in Europe.  Since taking up her post as Principal at GSAL in April 2016, Sue has pushed academic standards and aspirations even higher. Under Sue’s tenure she has created a strong ethos and culture that celebrates intellectual pursuit and puts the development of the whole child at its core. She has also overseen the creation of the new primary school at Alwoodley Gates, refurbished the whole school, including the renovation of the historic Lawson Library, developed outstanding facilities for sport and the performing arts and has led a significant investment in child-centred health and wellbeing as well as developments in technology. The impact of Sue’s leadership is evidenced by numerous accolades such as three Sunday Times awards including School of the Decade, three highly successful inspections and her election as Chair of the Heads’ Conference (HMC).

Angus Martin(OL77), chair of GSAL’s governing body, said, “We can all see the benefits of the developments that Sue has led; under her tenure, the school has gone from strength to strength. She said that she wanted to polish the GSAL trophy when she arrived – and she has done so.” Sue will continue to take the school forwards over the next 18 months, which will see amongst many other things the completion of the school’s new Performing Arts Centre.

The search for GSAL’s next Principal will begin immediately to ensure a smooth transition to the next stage of GSAL’s journey in September 2025 and according to Sue “They will be the luckiest person in education to get this job.”

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Leeds Girls’ High School alumna Thelma Ruby (OG39) has scored a role in the hotly-anticipated Amy Winehouse film Back to Black, due to be released in the UK on 12 April 2024.

Chapel Allerton-born Thelma, who trained as an actress in New York, has chalked up too many theatre, film and TV appearances to name, including Coronation Street, Z Cars and co-starring in Cabaret with Dame Judi Dench in London’s West End. And although her 99th birthday is approaching in March 2024, she shows no sign of slowing down.

“In the film, I play Amy’s great-aunt Rene – the sister of her beloved grandmother, played by Lesley Manville,” explains Thelma. “I had such a wonderful time making it – everyone was so kind and welcoming.”

Temperatures plummeted when the cast were required to film a funeral scene outside a London crematorium. “It was a freezing cold January day,” says Thelma. “And every time there was a break in filming, the dear man playing Amy’s father – Eddie Marsan – would shout out ‘Get a seat for Thelma!’ He even took his big coat off and put it around me. The whole crew were very sweet – they gave us thermals and hot drinks, everything they could do to keep us warm!”

Thelma and Winehouse both have Jewish heritage, and Thelma recalls a Friday night Shabbat scene where Amy and her extended family gather to break bread and share wine. “There was a rabbi on set to guide us and he asked if anyone knew the prayer. Well of course, I did – and so I said the prayer and they did a close-up of my hands lighting the candles.”

Of Marisa Abela, who plays Winehouse, Thelma has nothing but praise: “She’s a wonderful girl, and she does all her own singing,” she says. “I was in another family scene with her where she sings Fly Me to the Moon with her father – just terrific!” But Thelma admits she wasn’t a huge Amy Winehouse fan before filming. “I’m afraid my interest in popular music ended in the Irving Berlin era,” she says. “But nevertheless, I think it’s going to be a very good film.”

Thelma left Leeds Girls’ High School in 1939 as war broke out, moving to the United States with her mother. “I lost touch with school, but when I was back in London I needed a dentist. A friend recommended one and, when I went, I found out she was from Leeds. I said, ‘I’m from Leeds and my father was a dentist! Which school did you go to?’ When she said Leeds Girls’ we both started singing the school song in Latin!”

Thelma’s first starring role was at age 5, playing The Old Woman Who Lived In a Shoe in a school performance. “My aunt told me afterwards that the curtains got stuck and so I stepped forward and started to tug at them. I said to the audience ‘You thought you were going to see me put my children to bed, didn’t you? But you’re not!’ They all fell about laughing!”

Thelma has some more performances coming up in her 100th year and is already making plans for her milestone birthday in 2025. “I’m very able, feeling fine and very much enjoying life,” she says. “I’m a very, very lucky woman.”

Back to Black is released in the UK on 12 April 2024.

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Rowan-Reed Purvis looks back at 25 years of teaching Spanish at LGS and GSAL – and reflects on the characters, successes and changes along the way.

When Rowan Reed-Purvis saw there was a Spanish teaching job at Leeds Grammar School (LGS) in 1998, she carried out a reconnaissance visit. “Heading up the drive, I was struck by LGS’s attractive leafy location and university-feel campus,” says Rowan. “I determined at that moment that I definitely wanted to work here.” And she clearly impressed director of studies Eric Medway and deputy head Steve Field in the interview, which consisted of a series of “nice chats” with various members of staff. “Younger colleagues might be surprised to hear that there was no desk task, no pupil interview, no lesson to teach,” she laughs.

When Rowan started at LGS, Spanish had only just been introduced as a GCSE option, with one class of 15 Year 10 boys. A few years later, Rowan had her first Spanish A-level cohort – one student, who ended up studying politics and Spanish at Glasgow University. How times have changed – at GSAL today, Spanish is extremely popular  with over 700 students. “After a curriculum review in 2013, Spanish was given equal billing to French and German. Along with deputy head of Spanish, Briony Lancaster, I could finally design a key stage 3 curriculum for Spanish for GSAL pupils aged 11-14 – such an exciting achievement. It’s been hard work, but a true labour of love for us both.”

There have been many highlights over the last 25 years. “Helping Saud Chaudry get into Cambridge – to my alma mater, Robinson College – to study Spanish was a wonderful moment,” says Rowan. “And setting up GSAL’s exchange with a school in Vitoria Gasteiz in the Basque Country, which ran every year from 2010 until we snuck in our return leg in Spain just as the first cases of Covid struck in spring 2020. The netball tour to South Africa in 2014 is another standout memory.”

Plenty has changed, says Rowan – “For the better – I think school has become a more caring place, taking a truly holistic approach to education. And I think the school rose magnificently to the challenges thrown up by the pandemic” – but plenty has stayed the same, too. For Rowan, academic rigour, and innovative and imaginative teaching is GSAL’s mainstay. “The staff remain GSAL’s greatest asset,” she says. “We are fortunate to be able to work with a high degree of freedom and collegiality.” And her favourite thing about GSAL? “For 25 years, I have really appreciated being able to start my day three times a week with a swim in our beautiful pool.”

There is plenty to look forward to for GSAL Hispanists. In February half-term, Rowan will be leading a trip to Málaga with 40 Year 10 and Year 12 pupils – the department’s first trip abroad since 2020. “Pupils will have language lessons in a local school, have a go at flamenco, visit some of Málaga’s Moorish historical sites and have a chance to explore the Alhambra in Granada,” she says.

Twenty five years may sound like a long time, but Rowan says it’s “flown by”. “And best of all, I’m still learning,” she adds.

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The BBC’s reality TV staple The Apprentice is back on our screens again for its 18th season, and eagle-eyed alumni might spot a couple of familiar faces: Dr Paul Midha (GSAL12) and Rachel Woolford (GSAL14).

Dr Paul, principal dentist and co-owner of in Leeds and Pudsey, graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2019, and was highly commended at the Private Dentistry Awards in the Best Young Dentist category in 2023.

Since qualifying, Paul has “invested every resource” into his first dental practice – to the point where he was left with just £100 in his account. But his dedication paid off – his business has grown to over five times its initial value.

As an Apprentice hopeful, Paul is hoping to get Lord Sugar’s attention and win £250,000 of investment. And if all else fails, he has a secret skill to fall back on: body popping. It’s worked before: Paul secured a Britain’s Got Talent audition in his younger years, and a role in a Disney TV show as a result of his jaw-dropping abilities.

Rachel is the founder and owner of boutique fitness brand , the name reflecting the fact that she’s still based close to home in her native Yorkshire. With studios in Harrogate and Leeds, her interest in business started young. At seven, she went missing – only for her worried mum to find she’d set up a roadside stall to hawk her teddies.

Fittingly for an Apprentice, Rachael graduated with a degree in economics and management from Newcastle University, and set up North during Covid. Even with restrictions in place, customers flocked to the studio for its personalised, sociable approach to fitness and its ultra-inclusive feel – an ethos which continues today.

Paul and Rachel join 16 other candidates hoping for a cash injection from Lord Sugar, including a music producer and a pie company owner. But first they’ll need to ride the inevitable ups and downs in a show that’s famous for throwing in a surprise or two – and the occasional ‘villain edit’ – into the mix.

See how Paul and Rachel get on – The Apprentice airs every Thursday at 9pm on BBC1. Watch .

Images: BBC Pictures

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Nigel West (OL78) has a fascinating connection to one of the world’s most famous literary families, and is using the link to help preserve a terraced house in Thornton, Bradford, where the three Brontë sisters were ​​born. Known as the Brontë Birthplace, their childhood home is now a cultural and education centre.

Nigel’s father, Jim West is descended from Charlotte Brontë’s husband, Arthur Bell Nicholls. After her death in 1855 at 38 years old, Arthur moved back to his native Ireland and took up residence in Hill House, Banagher. He bequeathed the house to his cousin Florrie and, after her death in 1959, she passed it to her nephew Jim. Jim passed it on to the church, and it has since changed hands several times, operating today as a B&B called Charlotte’s Way. In the early 20th century, a painting of the three ​​Brontë sisters was discovered at Hill House, stuck on top of the cupboard. The painting – painted by their brother, Branwell ​​Brontë – became known as the ‘Pillar Portrait’, and now hangs in the National Portrait Gallery.

In November 2023, Nigel, recently retired from his career as Programme Director at IBM, read about The ​​Brontë Birthplace campaign. The project, fronted by Bradford-born journalist Christa Ackroyd and local historian Steve Stanworth, aimed to buy and restore 72-74 Market Street, Thornton, Bradford – the property where all three ​​Brontë sisters were born in front of the fireplace.

Inspired by his family connection and by the thought of what the space could mean for Bradford, Nigel became a patron for the project. Since then, he has helped raise £120,000 through a crowdfunding appeal – which, together with £250,000 from Bradford UK City of Culture 2025 and £240,000 of levelling up funding, means the ​​Brontë Birthplace can be purchased and refurbished in time for Bradford’s City of Culture celebrations in 2025.

Nigel says, “I went to Leeds Grammar School thanks to a direct grant, and then on to York University. Without that start in education, I would not have had the career I had. It’s amazing to secure the ​​Brontë Birthplace for future generations.”

“The plans to make this an important community place for Bradford and to coincide with Bradford as UK City of Culture 2025 is a wonderful prospect.”

Nigel added, “What a joy it will be to host school children from across Bradford in such a historic and inspirational location, and to share the message that the arts are a powerful catalyst for change. I’ve already signed up as a volunteer for Bradford City of Culture 2025, and I’m really looking forward to spending time in Thornton.”

–

Find out more about The ​​Brontë Birthplace campaign .

Image: Nigel West and his late father Jim West. Photo was taken at Haworth Parsonage in front of a reproduction of the famous ‘Pillar Portrait’, which was discovered at Hill House in Ireland

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Duncan Fisher (OL86), President of the Touring Show Division of Cirque du Soleil, will be returning to his native Leeds in April 2024 – along with 23 trucks. “When we’re doing an arena tour, we only need 23,” he laughs. “When it’s a Big Top show, we bring 80.”

Once unpacked at Leeds’ First Direct Arena, the show will welcome thousands of spectators to see OVO: Cirque du Soleil’s first and only show starring bugs.

“OVO is set in an insect colony, and stars an intrepid voyaging insect. It features clowns, contortionists, a girl suspended by her hair – oh, and two Olympians,” Duncan explains. “Expect lots of Brazilian influences in the colours, music and dance, some incredible acrobatics and a little bit of a love story.”

What should first-timers know about going to see a Cirque show? “At Cirque du Soleil, we don’t just create stories – we create worlds,” says Duncan. “We’re much more interested in the audience imagining their own narrative than telling them what’s happening.”

And OVO, says Duncan, is a great entry point for those new to Cirque du Soleil. “It’s probably our most family friendly show,” he explains. “It’s so colourful and energetic, and it’s so accessible. The characters don’t speak English; they use bug language.”

“I’m pleased to bring Cirque to Leeds which gives me an excuse to come home! “

Having been away for six years, Duncan is looking forward to meeting up with friends at an OVO performance, heading out for dinner – and perhaps even catching a match.

“I’d love to go to Elland Road while I’m home,” he says. “I was in San Francisco recently and was lucky enough to meet the Chairman of Leeds United there – so I’m really, really hoping we can make it happen!”

–

OVO will be at Leeds Direct Arena 4-7 ~April 2024. Tickets are available .

Image: Vlad Lorenzo; OVO

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Dr Cate Watkinson (OG82) was installed as a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers for her contribution to education in glass at a ceremony in London in December 2023.

The Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers received their charter from King Charles II in 1664 and was set up to regulate the selling of glass to ensure quality and fair trade. Today, the company promotes the use of glass in arts, crafts, science and technology, as well as supporting education and training.

Cate left Leeds in the early 1980s to study for a BA (Hons) in Glass with Ceramics at the University of Sunderland. She is now MA programme leader at the same university and is regularly commissioned to produce public art and ecclesiastical work. Her career has seen her create a memorial window for the and a sculpture for .

Cate’s passion for art began at school thanks to Leeds Girls’ High School teacher, Mrs Stephenson. “She retired when I was in the lower sixth – I was devastated.” explains Cate. “After retiring, she moved to Wooler in Northumberland and we kept in touch until she died. I made a piece of stained glass for her home and she gave me one of her paintings. It’s still hanging in my home today.”

On Cate’s election, former Master of the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers Barbara Beadman MBE said, “Cate operates at the top level of her profession, and has an unrivalled knowledge of the north east glass scene.”

Having sworn an oath to the King at her installation ceremony  Cate is now entitled to enjoy Freeman benefits, including the right to drive sheep and cattle over London Bridge – although in 2024, this ‘right’ is effectively symbolic.

In reality, Cate is looking forward to using her Freeman status to influence industry: “At the moment, glass and glass artists are being hit hard,” she says. “I’m interested in demonstrating how glass can be used more efficiently, cheaply and sustainably.”

See more of Cate’s work on her .

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Thirteen students from The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) have been offered places at Oxford and Cambridge universities. Nine pupils received offers to study at the University of Cambridge and four at the University of Oxford.

Year 13 students Emily, Anika, Ava, Eve, Anushree, Anna, Ria and Olivia received offers from the University of Cambridge to study history, economics, geography, linguistics, medicine, law, music, and English respectively. Bhavyaa, a student from last year’s sixth form cohort, has also been offered a place to study engineering at Cambridge this September.

And from the University of Oxford, students Henry, Alexandra, Vishnu and Theo received offers to read French and beginners’ Russian, biology, philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) and classics and English respectively.

Students, their families and staff are thrilled with the news. “I was absolutely delighted to receive my offer, and so were my parents,” said Olivia, who has secured an offer to study English at Clare College, Cambridge. “My teachers, subject mentors and the higher education team have been so supportive throughout the application process. Now I just need to continue the hard work and get my grades!”

Principal Sue Woodroofe also expressed her pride – not just for these thirteen pupils, but for every GSAL student currently working towards the next chapter in their life. As a multitude of offers arrive for students from a range of prestigious higher education institutions, she said: “This is a moment for hard work, of course, but also of great excitement.”

The news arrives against a backdrop of other awards and wider recognition for GSAL, including being named The Sunday Times’ North Independent School of the Year 2024. GSAL was also named School of the Year 2023 at the National Centre for Diversity’s (NCFD) ����Ӱ����Ƶ awards, and was listed at number 14 in the NCFD’s 2023 Top 100 Most Inclusive UK Workplaces. GSAL was also recently ����Ӱ����Ƶ an Eco-Schools Green Flag distinction – a prestigious award which recognises students’ ecological efforts and outstanding environmental practice in schools.

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Thirteen students from The Grammar School at Leeds have been offered places at Oxford and Cambridge universities across thirteen different subjects.

Nine pupils received offers to study at the University of Cambridge and four at the University of Oxford. The students, each taking three or four A-levels and an extended project qualification have undergone admissions tests and interviews to secure their offers against a highly competitive backdrop.

Sue Woodroofe, Principal at The Grammar School at Leeds said, “I’m extremely proud of the students who have received offers from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge and also of their peers who are receiving a multitude of offers from some of the most prestigious higher education providers in the UK and overseas. This is a moment for hard work, of course, but also of great excitement as they consider the next chapter in their lives.”

Current year 13 students, Emily, Anika, Ava, Eve, Anushree, Anna, Ria and Olivia received offers from the University of Cambridge to study history, economics, geography, linguistics, medicine, law, music, and English respectively. Bhavyaa, a student from last year’s sixth form has also been offered a place to study engineering at Cambridge this September.

Henry, Alexandra, Vishnu and Theo received offers to read French and beginners’ Russian, biology, philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) and classics and English respectively from the University of Oxford.

“I was absolutely delighted to receive my offer and so were my parents. My teachers, subject mentors and the higher education team have also been so supportive throughout the application process. Now I just need to continue the hard work and get my grades!” said Olivia who has secured an offer to study English at Clare College, Cambridge.

So far, over 90% of the 208 students in year 13 have received at least one offer after submitting their UCAS application forms.

In 2023, 94% of GSAL students continued to higher education with 83% being accepted by a higher tariff provider, typically Russell Group universities or Guardian top 30 university. The top four universities by destination for GSAL leavers in 2023 were Newcastle, Liverpool, Durham and Warwick.

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In memory of his late father, Simon Birkby (OL93) successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, in October this year. His wife Beverley and two children aged 6 and 9 cheered him on from their home in Aberdeenshire. Simon and his fellow trekkers, guides and medics walked through extremely high altitude to summit Mt Kilimanjaro – which stands at 5895m tall – gradually rising to 5500m to suitably acclimatise.

As of December, Simon has raised £3,545 for Cancer Research UK, 177% over his initial fundraising target. Simon is so grateful to everyone who has donated to his just giving page to help fundraise research to beat cancer.

Simon flew to Tanzania as a solo traveller, taking on this immense personal challenge on his own. On arrival he joined a group of fellow climbers, the expedition leader, a medic, guides and porters.  Through this shared physical and mentally challenging experience he has made bonds for life.

Simon said, “There were one or two occasions where I had to overcome my fight or flight reflex. My toughest mental challenge (vertigo!) was discovered at the infamous Barranco wall prior to making the huge physical effort required to get to the summit. It was a 10pm start in the dark reaching the summit at 7.20am.” This was all before the long, long trip back down.

Kilimanjaro is an incredibly unique journey, experiencing beautiful scenery along the way. You can travel through five different climate zones – from cloud and rain forests, to alpine moorland, then arctic desert – all in one week. The most unforgettable experience for Simon was having the privilege to “see sunrise as you reach the volcanic crater rim before the final push to the summit.”

Described as the experience of a lifetime, both for a good cause and in memory of his father, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro pushes the boundaries of what you think you are capable and comfortable doing. His excursion was halted due to COVID-19 in 2020, but Simon’s ambition and determination never faltered.

Simon’s advice: go and do it. Push yourself. It’s the experience of lifetime.

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We are delighted to share some very exciting news: GSAL has been named the Sunday Times’ North Independent School of the Year 2024!

The award was announced today, Friday 1 December, as part of the Parent Power guide – widely considered the most authoritative account of the UK’s top schools – which will be published in this weekend’s Sunday Times.

The accolade marks the third time GSAL has been recognised by the Sunday Times in the last four years; having been chosen as North Independent Secondary School of the Year in 2020 and ����Ӱ����Ƶ the North Independent Secondary School of the Decade award in 2021.

The Sunday Times noted GSAL was one of the biggest risers in the UK, up by 53 places on last year to rank 106 overall in the national independent school rankings. It also praised the school’s generous bursary programme: GSAL spends more than £1 million providing at least 100 means-tested bursaries a year, with almost half of bursary students not paying any fees. In the article, Sue Woodroofe, GSAL Principal, admitted she had “burst into tears of joy” on hearing of the award, and added: “We are a very grounded school. Our motto – ‘Be inspired’ – sums us up very well.”

Mrs Woodroofe also released a special video to parents, staff and pupils to announce the news, saying “We are absolutely thrilled. Well done to our pupils and our staff – it’s their hard work and dedication that’s enabled this school to be what it is – and not just now, but over so many centuries.”

She also acknowledged the political, economic and international pressures impacting the lives of some GSAL families, and thanked parents, alumni and the wider GSAL community for their continued support.

Finally, she urged everyone to buy a copy of the Sunday Times and join the school in celebrating this weekend!

The award comes in a year when 70% of GCSEs at GSAL were ����Ӱ����Ƶ top 7/8/9 grades, and over 50% of A-levels were ����Ӱ����Ƶ A* or A. Plans for a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre are also fully underway, with completion in 2024-25.

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To slightly misquote Simon Mainwaring CEO of We First “Creating a better world requires teamwork, partnerships, and collaboration, as we need an entire army of organisations to work together to build a better world within the next few decades.” This philosophy of teamwork and collaboration underpins The Grammar School at Leeds’s (GSAL) approach to partnerships.

At GSAL we aim to bring children and young people together on a range of projects to provide enrichment opportunities and aim to improve education outcomes for everyone involved. GSAL has over 25 partnerships with various regional organisations who share our values and purpose.

From Ilkley Literature Festival, LEEDS2023, and MathsCity, to the annual Teaching and Learning Conference and events with primary schools across Leeds, GSAL’s partnerships are mutually beneficial and often initiated and led by our partners. For example, our established partnership with Parklands Primary School raises the literacy and numeracy skills of young people and provides our sixth form students with inspiring volunteering opportunities whilst developing valuable skills.

The future is brighter for everyone when our region thrives.

Otley Science Festival always goes off with a bang. Family Fair Organiser Janet Love, said the “GSAL’s science teachers and students run fantastic activities for our visitors at the festival. They’re so enthusiastic and committed to putting across the value of being interested in science!” Hundreds of children – and adults – were “fascinated by the live locusts at the GSAL stand,” said Zara, teacher of biology at GSAL. “The highlight for the children was getting creative, constructing their own insects out of pom poms and pipe cleaners!” In sharing resources and time, both GSAL staff and student leaders hope to inspire the next generation of entomologists through their passion for biology.

GSAL also hosts workshops and events for over 50 primary schools such as author visits by Cressida Cowell and Katherine Rundell. By livestreaming these events into classrooms across Yorkshire over two thousand pupils can take part and ask questions. There is no cost to the schools and the teaching day is not disrupted.

Sharing resources and opportunities and inspiration: this is the purpose of GSAL’s partnerships, which remains at the core of our contribution to the local community. Sue Woodroofe, Principal at GSAL is proud of the school’s commitment “to having a positive impact on young people’s lives in Leeds beyond our school gates.” At the 2022 GSAL Future’s Conference, pupils from Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School attended to hear first-hand advice from GSAL’s alumni about careers from a wide variety of sectors.

Mount St Mary’s staff, including the head teacher, Mark Cooper, give up their Saturdays to run GCSE revision workshops for their students. Mark has said “through the creative use of GSAL study spaces for these revision sessions at the weekend, our students flourish in the comfortable and inspiring GSAL setting. Our students rise above their perceived and very real disadvantage and being afforded time to enter the GSAL community for a range of experiences and exposure, is priceless in seeing their own worth and potential.” Together, the schools share experiences and aspirations. For a number of years, we have been building and strengthening our partnership, which has also led to a number of Mount St Mary’s students being offered a bursary place in GSAL’s Sixth Form. Mount St Mary’s alumni have been part of the GSAL student leadership team, including Head Boy. This partnership has helped raise their students’ aspirations, enhancing academic and life chances; we look forward to continuing our invaluable partnership.

GSAL’s partnership with Leeds City Museum (LCM) began almost 10 years ago and has continued to grow. Natalie Haigh, Learning and Access Officer at LCM, puts the success of their family fun days down to the alignment of values and goals, stating “both GSAL and LCM want to offer free learning activities and events for families together, in a friendly and welcoming space. With GSAL, we have been able to offer a range of high-quality events and engaging activities for families in Leeds.”

Our joint PhD project with Leeds Beckett University aims to better understand the transition of juniors to senior school and how best to continue their athletic development. Professor Kevin Till, Co-Director of the Centre for Child and Adolescent Physical Literacy at Leeds Beckett University said “our partnership with the Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is a great example of our commitment to working together to co-produce research that make a positive difference to people, communities, and organisations.” Sam Gregory, GSAL sport teacher and embedded PhD researcher, brings the joint project to life, and sees this research as pivotal to adapting the sporting curriculum to engage young people in sport, as well as to “improve motor competence, motivation and engagement in physical education.” From a researcher perspective, working at GSAL allows Sam to embed himself into the school and generate rich data whilst building strong rapports with practitioners at GSAL. In relation to the PhD work, this will all help with the transformative approach practitioners are taking towards Physical Education. Professor Kevin Till and Professor Dave Morley have recently been involved with the development of the physical literacy consensus statement for the UK, as well as launching the only centre for physical literacy within the UK. Sam has said “Leeds Beckett is a great institution and is at the forefront for driving change within this area, putting GSAL in a very exciting position in relation to developing an innovative PE program.” Professor Kevin Till believes the joint PhD helps to “co-create better experiences and opportunities for all children and adolescents and those who support them.”

As ambassadors for the Child Friendly Leeds initiative we are committed to making the city the best in the UK for children and young people. Our parents association donates hundreds of items of school uniform to the Zero Waste initiative, which provides much needed uniform to children across the city whilst saving tonnes of clothing from going to landfill. With the support of our partners we provide enrichment opportunities for looked after children and their carers. We organise gift collections at Christmas and Easter which sees the hundreds of items donated. Emma Southam, Engagement and Participation officer for Child Friendly Leeds said “the GSAL community are always generous and supportive” and “we greatly appreciate your hard-work in organising these collections which makes such a difference to hundreds of families.”

We can trace our roots in Leeds back to 1552, and as one of the oldest institutions in the city we take our civic responsibilities seriously. We have benefited from the generosity of philanthropists for over four hundred years, and we want to ensure that as many children and young people as possible benefit from their altruism. Our facilities are used by hundreds of schools, charities and community groups, every day of the week and every week of the year. Our partnerships and the sharing of our facilities are just some of the ways that according to research by the Independent Schools Council (ISC) that we contribute over £20m to the local economy and support 470 jobs.

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Congratulations to Duncan (Y12) who has been ����Ӱ����Ƶ the prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarship sponsored by the Royal Air Force. Out of 1391 applications, 622 reached final panel interview stages, and Duncan was one of the 320 successful candidates.

With the educational charity The Smallpiece Trust, the Arkwright Scholarships programme identifies future leaders in engineering and technical design, as well as helping them progress in their career. The rigorous interview process includes a written application, a problem solving exam and a panel interview.

Duncan proudly discussed the success of his multi-functional birdfeeder he designed and made for his Design and Technology NEA at GCSE, “I was able to apply maths and physics to the real world. Seeing my designs work really spurred my interest in engineering!” Duncan used this project in his application for the scholarship, as the complexity and adaptability of the product displayed his talent and promise as an engineer.

Partnered with the RAF, Duncan will have a mentor who will support and advise him on his aerospace engineering career. In addition to the national recognition of the scholarship certification, Duncan will also receive money to support his further engineering studies.

Duncan has now set up an engineering club at school during lunchtime to inspire and instil his passion in pupils lower down in the school.

Find out more about the

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Students at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) are celebrating after being accredited with a Green Flag distinction award.

The Eco-Schools Green Flag recognises a school’s outstanding efforts to reduce its impact on the planet.

Supported by Tim Street, teacher and Environmental Sustainability Leader, GSAL’s eco-enthusiasts have worked tirelessly after school to improve the sustainability 140-acre site at Alwoodley Gates.

Tim Street praised the Eco Committee – staff and students – for their dedication to bettering GSAL’s green spaces through eco campaigns including:

• A school allotment behind the Sports Dome
• Hosting a school-wide Eco Week
• A building management system to control timings and temperatures of heating and lighting around the school.

GSAL is also aiming to have 100% LED lighting by summer 2024. GSAL’s external lighting – including the astroturf and tennis courts – is already completely LED and managed by sensors for increased efficiency.

Izzie, a sixth form Eco Committee member, said: “I am so proud of the significant progress the staff and students have made on improving the site’s sustainability. I really enjoyed the Alwoodley 2023 Climate Action Hub Conference, where we shared ideas for becoming more eco-friendly.”

Going forward, the Eco Committee wants to encourage more litter picking on the school premises and improve and progress their allotment.

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Stuart Lawrence, the younger brother of Stephen Lawrence, has visited The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) to spread a revolutionary message of hope among young people ahead of Black History Month in October.

Thirty years after Stephen’s murder, which led to changes in legislation, police practice and a profound cultural shift in attitudes towards racism, Lawrence spoke to primary and senior students at GSAL about the power of an individual to change the world.

In his speech to senior school students, Stuart recalled a neighbour calling to say that Stephen had been in a fight at the bus stop. “Stephen wasn’t the kind of person to get involved in a fight,” said Stuart. “I shared a bedroom with him from the age of five; I knew him.” Two hours later, his parents Doreen and Neville returned from the hospital with the news that Stephen had died. “I went from the middle child to the eldest overnight – my mindset changed completely.”

Stuart – an educator, author and activist (“but father, husband and human being first”) – presented a special extended assembly to the whole of senior school. His topics ranged from microaggressions to his passion for futsal, and he encouraged students to join an “exclusive 1% club” by picking up a book and reading every day. To close, he asked staff and pupils to join him in a rousing chant of “I am a revolutionary!”

Afterwards, Stuart headed over to primary school to speak to years 4, 5 and 6. He told the children about the importance of being givers not takers and having empathy for others. He then set students a challenge: to limit their time on electronic devices to pursue greater things. “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” he told pupils. “While you’re at home playing computer games, someone else is out there practicing their skills and working at something you want to be great at.” Stuart also signed and donated some of his books Silence Is Not An Option to the school’s libraries.

Stuart, who is a patron for , was delighted to see a decolonialised historical timeline on the walls in GSAL Primary and even more thrilled to see a picture of his greatest inspiration: Nelson Mandela. Stuart recalled how his family met Nelson Mandela two weeks after Stephen’s murder, and how the high-profile meeting encouraged the police to take the investigation more seriously.

Jo Haynes-Boyd, EDI lead at GSAL, praised Stuart’s inspiring talks and students’ high engagement. “They clearly felt safe and comfortable, and asked so many questions,” said Jo. “This is an incredible start to Black History Month for GSAL. We can’t wait to have Stuart back to work with specific year groups – this work is so important to us.”

����������:��Rt Hon Stuart Lawrence with students

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It’s been a year of excellent results for The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), with 70% of all GCSEs ����Ӱ����Ƶ the top grades of 7, 8 or 9 (A/A*). 51% of entries were ����Ӱ����Ƶ grade 8 or above, and almost a third given grade 9.

GSAL’s GCSE Class of 23 included five sets of twins, two Bradford City academy footballers, two City of Leeds Youth Orchestra members, an Olympic swim team hopeful, an England U17 cricketer, a Junior GB tennis player and a rising golf star. Six students had particular cause for celebration after receiving 9s – the highest possible grade – across the board in 10 subjects, and 43 students achieved 10 grade 8s and 9s.

Sue Woodroofe, Principal at GSAL, said: “The preceding years haven’t been easy for this year’s GCSE cohort, and their outstanding achievement is thanks to their hard work, determination and resilience – and, of course, that of their family and teachers. I’m so proud of everything our students have achieved, both academically and personally.”

Image: GSAL students celebrating their GCSE results at school.

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The Class of 2023 have done incredibly well despite this being their first experience of public examinations, said Sue Woodroofe, Principal of The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), as results were announced today (Thursday, August 17).

“Our Year 13 students were caught up in the exam disruption caused by the pandemic, and so missed the opportunity to sit their GCSEs in the normal way. Understandably, many were nervous about their A-levels – but they showed real determination and tenacity, with great support from staff and their families,” Mrs Woodroofe added.

More than 60 students (36%) at GSAL achieved top grades of three As or more, and six achieved at least three A*s.

Headline achievements included:

● 14 percent of grades were at A*
● 52 percent of grades were at A*and A
● 81 percent of grades were at A*-B

Mrs Woodroofe concluded: “I’m extremely proud of our students who, like so many of their generation, have had to contend with learning through lockdowns. These outstanding results are testimony to their resilience and hard work. They should feel incredibly proud of their achievements and excited about the next chapter in their lives.”

Image: GSAL students celebrate their A-level results.

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Twenty five students from The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) received the much-coveted Gold  (DofE) this year, alongside three former students who earned the top accolade.

Current pupils receiving their Gold awards this year are: Daniel, Oliver, Amelia, Risha, Danya, Molly, Kian, Amelie, Michael, Annabella, Shriyaa, Alexander, Eve, Oluwaseyitan, Olivia, Lewis, Jason, Theodore, Amara, Ella, Mona, Maria, Charlotte, Eshaan and Neve.

The hard-working group attended the gold award ceremony at Buckingham Palace with their parents in May this year. Also in attendance were GSAL alumni Molly Gray (GSAL22), George Foster (GSAL19) and Teddy Hope (GSAL22) also receiving their gold awards. Attendees had the chance to hear from famous DofE Award holders, sporting legends and international adventurers, as well as gaining invaluable career advice from actors, presenters, authors and entrepreneurs also in attendance.

The Duke of Edinburgh was also present to congratulate attendees at what was his first Award celebrations as the charity’s Patron. In a speech from the Palace’s West Terrace, The Duke congratulated attendees and later, met with them to hear all about their achievements and positive impact the D of E award has had on them.

Year 13 student Lewis shared his thoughts:

“D of E has been a reward in itself; making new friends, pushing myself to limits I never thought I had and discovering new skills and places.”

To achieve a Gold award, students must complete five sections that involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and, for Gold only, working with a team on a residential activity.

(pictured above) Y13 students L-R: Olivia, Lewis, Kian, Alexander and Michael with their parents

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Long-serving and dedicated Scout leader Alan Naylor, who lives in Ilkley, has been ����Ӱ����Ƶ the honour of Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) in the King’s first Birthday Honours List in recognition for his service to young people.

The award acknowledges Alan’s exceptional service and selfless commitment to the 10^th North Leeds Scout Group at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) spanning five decades.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted and feel very proud of what I have achieved, but you don’t do these things on your own. There have been many young people and leaders who have worked with me over the years.”

Alan has been involved in Scouting at the school since he was a pupil at Leeds Grammar School. He left the school in 1972 and then returned as a geography teacher from 1977-2009 and was the head of outdoor education from 2009 until he retired in 2014. As well as GSAL Group Scout Leader, he has served as the Explorer Scout Leader since 2009.

He said: “Scouting is about skills for life. It helps children gain self-confidence, the ability to work with others in teams and leadership responsibilities. It teaches them social skills and they develop friendships for life.”

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