455 Exceptional Years of Bury Grammar School
On 2nd May 2025, Bury Grammar School proudly celebrates its 455th anniversary, a remarkable milestone in our rich history of academic excellence, tradition, and innovation. As we gather on Founders’ Day, we honour the vision and generosity of those who laid the foundations of our school in 1570 and reflect on the legacy they have left for generations to come.
“Founders' Day is a cherished tradition that reminds us of the extraordinary legacy we inherit — 455 years of excellence, resilience, and community. It is a privilege to celebrate the vision of our founders and the generations who have shaped our school into the wonderful place it is today, something I am incredibly proud to be a part of.”Mr Richard Smyth, Chair of Governors and Alumnus
For more than four and a half centuries, Bury Grammar School has been at the heart of education in our community, caring for our young people and shaping future leaders. From our earliest days, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to academic ambition, personal development and a belief in pastoral care and individuality. Our school’s story is one of resilience, progress, and an unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives. Our pupils go on to become leading lights in so many different areas and make a real difference to our society.
Each year we pause to remember and celebrate our school’s Founders’ Day. It is a time to pay tribute to the individuals who dedicated themselves to establishing and growing Bury Grammar School. Their dedication ensured that generations of pupils would benefit from our high-performing school. Today we celebrate them and their incredible impact and reaffirm our commitment to upholding their vision.
During Founders’ Day we give thanks to those people who helped to found and define our school and more can be found on our school’s benefactors here: Our Founders and Benefactors.
As we mark this historic occasion, we celebrate not only our past but also the dynamic and diverse community that defines our school today. Pupils, staff, parents, alumni, and friends of the school come together to take part in special assemblies, inspiring speeches, and a range of events that highlight our shared heritage and aspirations for the future.
Our week begins with pertinent Founders’ Day assemblies across all year groups, setting the tone for the important week ahead.
Midway through the week, our Founders’ Day Concert is enjoyed by BGS families and friends and is a delight every single year.
This year we heard the Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band, cello ensemble, flute ensemble, and BGSBeatz, including a rousing medley from Les Misérables by the massed choirs, plus Sophie L gave a beautiful performance of a movement from a Marcello oboe concerto with the String Ensemble too. The full programme can be viewed here: Founders’ Day Concert Programme.
Thank you so much to Miss Downing and Miss Britton, our Music Directors, our incredibly talented pupils and students, and everyone involved for making this event so very special!
Founders’ Day 2025
Founders’ Day itself took place today as the whole school and community took to the streets of Bury. We are grateful to Bury Council, local residents, Bury Parish Church, the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury, and all involved in making this day such a memorable and momentous occasion. The streets of Bury were temporarily closed as the whole town, it seems, joined us to mark this important moment. Led by our student Corps of Drums the school community march or proceed with pride to the Bury Parish Church for the official Founders’ Day ceremony, led by Reverend Julian Heaton. A second service also took place in the Roger Kay Hall, led by Reverend Craig Giles for the younger year groups.
A poignant moment to behold was outside the church where a wreath was laid in respect and memory for our benefactors and Fallen Swans, where our students maneuvered this moment with maturity and grace.
Our student Regimental Sergeant Major, Madeleine, in Year 13, told us:
“Being Regimental Sergeant Major on Founder's Day was a distinct honour and a highlight of my time at Bury Grammar School. Leading the CCF and representing the school on such a significant and historic occasion was a privilege. It’s been an incredible day and one I will always remember.”
Following the services a luncheon is enjoyed by School Governors, the Principal, Senior Leaders, current and former staff, and special guests – an important tradition of the day that brings people together, thanking them for their support as we appreciate the moment, are thankful for the past and look forward to the future with confidence.
Our school continues to evolve, embracing new opportunities and challenges while staying true to our School Aims: Scholarship, Character, Enrichment, Partnerships.
'As we mark 455 years of Bury Grammar School, we do so with deep gratitude for the foresight and commitment of our founders, whose dedication to education continues to shape the lives of countless pupils. This anniversary is not just an opportunity to reflect on our valuable history, but a moment to reaffirm our responsibility to future generations. In a world that is ever-changing, the values of academic excellence, and integrity, remain central to our school. As we celebrate this milestone, we do so with a profound sense of duty and ambition, ensuring that Bury Grammar School remains a warm, welcoming and forward-looking school which puts people first.’ Mrs Jo Anderson, Principal
As we celebrate Founders’ Day 2025, we do so with gratitude for all who have contributed to the success of Bury Grammar School - and with excitement for all that is yet to come.
Happy Founders’ Day!
To discover more about our school’s important history, please visit: School History - Bury Grammar School.