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120 Years of Girls at the Bury Grammar School Site

On 17th January 2026, we proudly celebrate a remarkable milestone in the life of our school - the 120th anniversary of the Girls’ School. 

Old Photo of the school building
 
Our Rich History 

Bury Grammar School was founded in 1570 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I by Reverend Henry Bury, a wealthy philanthropic clergyman who was committed to educating the people of Bury, Reverend Peter Shaw, the Rector of Bury, and Edward Stanley, the third Earl of Derby, who gave land on which the School was built. 

For over four and a half centuries, BGS has evolved and adapted.  The School was first located on land beside the Rectory in Bury near what is now Bury Parish Church. One of the earliest known pupils was a local boy called Thomas Wilde, whose father was given financial help for his son’s education at the School. It is likely that at the start Bury Grammar School only employed one school master and concentrated on teaching basic skills of reading and writing. 

Early moments in our history include the mythical Devil’s Stone, the deep-rooted connection to Harvard University through former Master Henry Dunster, and the enduring traditions established by benefactors like Reverend Roger Kay. 

Old photo of pupils from 1905

 

While Bury Grammar School was originally a school for boys only, the call for female education was recognised in the 1880s. In January 1884, Bury High School for Girls opened on Bolton Street with 23 pupils and later, in 1900, became part of the BGS community as Bury Grammar School for Girls. 

 In 1906, the Girls’ School moved to its current home on Bridge Road, a moment that laid the foundation for 120 years of girls’ education at BGS. 

 

School Building

 

Celebrating Distinguished Alumnae 

Over the last 120 years, the Girls’ School has nurtured generations of bold, bright and ambitious young women - many of whom have gone on to achieve distinction in their chosen fields, from sport and the arts to academia, media and leadership. These alumnae stand as a testament to the enduring values of BGS: 

  • Victoria Wood CBE (Class of 1971) – Comedian, actress, writer and one of Britain’s most beloved entertainers.  

  • Dame Diane Coyle DBE FAcSS (Class of 1978) – Renowned economist, author and public policy expert. 

  • Sara Mole (née Crowley) (Class of 1980) – Professor of Molecular Cell Biology and leading academic. 

  • Victoria Derbyshire (Class of 1986) – Award‑winning journalist and broadcaster.  

  • Nicola Shindler (Class of 1987) – Multi‑award‑winning television producer and founder of Red Productions.  

  • Alison B. Lowndes (Class of 1987) – Respected alumna featured among the School’s former pupils. 

  • Kate O’Flynn (Class of 2003) – Acclaimed actress with leading roles on stage and screen. 

  • Zahra Benyounes (Class of 2003) – Distinguished alumna with a notable career.  

  • Abigail Irozuru (Class of 2008) – Team GB Olympic finalist and inspirational figure in athletics.  

  • Heather Townsend (née Sellars) (Class of 2009) – Accomplished alumna and former elite athlete.  

  • Kate Cross (Class of 2010) – England International cricketer and leader in women’s sport. 

 

 

Each of these alumnae has helped to shape the legacy of the Girls’ School with their accomplishments, leadership, creativity and determination. Their achievements reflect the ambition, character, and high standards nurtured at our school. Our alumnae are leading lights in a wide range of areas and make a difference to our society. 

A Legacy of Strength and Service 

From academic halls to global stages, Bury Grammar School’s Girls’ School always encouraged its pupils to think independently, act with courage, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them. Throughout world conflicts, community service and cultural change, the Girls’ School — and BGS as a whole — have stood for resilience, compassion and progress.  

As we mark this 120-year anniversary, we honour not only a long and inspiring history but also celebrate every student past and present who has walked through our doors and made a difference in their own way. 

Principal Mrs Anderson told us, 

"This 120th anniversary is a moment to celebrate the incredible legacy of the Girls’ School at Bury Grammar School. For over a century, our girls have thrived in an environment that nurtures high aspirations, courage and compassion. Today, that environment is a space they share with boys, but our ethos remains the same. The spirit, resilience and ambition of our girls defined this school for over a century, and the girls of today will continue to shape its story for generations to come." 


Here’s to 120 years of educating, empowering and inspiring young women at Bury Grammar School - and to the many wonderful chapters still to unfold.