Founders’ Day 2026
456 Years of History, Innovation, and Friendship
As we mark 456 years since Bury Grammar School was founded, Founders’ Day 2026 invites us to thank those who founded our School for their foresight and commitment to education. We celebrate traditions that have shaped generations, the spirit of innovation that continues to define our community and the very many friendships enjoyed.
This year’s celebration reminds us that while much has changed since 1570, the values and bonds that unite us remain steadfast.
Reflecting on Our Journey
Founders’ Day 2026 offers a chance to reflect on our remarkable past, celebrate the present, inspire the next generation of pupils and thank our founders, among them: Reverend Roger Kay; Reverend Henry Bury, a philanthropic clergyman devoted to educating the people of Bury; Reverend Peter Shaw, Rector of Bury; and Edward Stanley, the third Earl of Derby, who generously gave the land on which the School was built, more than four and a half centuries ago.
We invite you to join us in celebrating how far our school has travelled and the extent to which its founding spirit continues to guide us today.
Celebrating Founders’ Day 2026
Each year, Founders’ Day brings our whole school community together to honour the vision of Reverend Henry Bury, Reverend Roger Kay, and all benefactors who shaped our history. Pupils, staff, alumni, governors, and community gather for a commemorative service, where readings, music, and reflections celebrate the values that continue to define BGS. But our celebration isn't just on Founders’ Day itself.
Last month we held a Symphony of Celebration – where our BGS community were warmly invited to join us for an unforgettable evening of music, hearing performances from our school ensembles, including the Symphony Orchestra, BGS Beatz, Lads Vocal, Festival Choir, Concert Band and Joint Choir. It was a truly special celebration of music and talent at BGS.
Then, our Founders’ Day week begins with assemblies across all year groups, setting the tone for the important week ahead. Pictured below are our Seniors in the Roger Kay Hall, the oldest hall in Bury.
The day itself saw our whole school community take to the streets of Bury in a powerful celebration of tradition, unity, and legacy. We are grateful to Bury Council, local residents, Bury Parish Church, the Mayor of Bury, and all who helped make this year’s Founders’ Day such a memorable occasion.
One of the most poignant moments took place outside the church, where wreaths were laid in memory of our Fallen Swans. Our pupils marked this occasion with great maturity and respect, honouring those who have shaped the history and values of the School and who gave their lives for their country.
Following the services, guests gathered for the traditional Founders’ Day lunch. Governors, the Principal, Senior Leaders, current and former staff, School Captains, and special guests came together in a spirit of appreciation and reflection. This long-standing tradition remains a meaningful way to thank those who support the School, to honour its past, and - particularly in this anniversary year - to look ahead with renewed purpose and confidence.
With roads temporarily closed, the town came together to share in this special moment - made even more significant as we marked 300 years since the bequest of Reverend Roger Kay in 1726, whose generosity ensured the future of the School.
Led by our student Corps of Drums, the school community processed with pride through the streets to Bury Parish Church for the official Founders’ Day service, led by Reverend Adele McKie. A second service, held in the Roger Kay Hall and led by Reverend Shirley Harrison, gave our younger pupils the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of the day.
Four Years Ago – Building on Recent Success
Looking back just four years, BGS pupils were achieving record-breaking results, excelling in national competitions, and making remarkable impact through leadership and service. Highlights included Gold Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, award-winning music and drama performances, and ambitious community and global projects. These achievements reflect the standard for our current pupils and inspiring them to push boundaries and embrace new challenges with confidence.
Forty Years Ago – Generations of Leadership
Stepping back forty years, we see the foundations of many of our current traditions were being laid. Prefect leadership, House competitions, and a focus on character and resilience continue to shape life at BGS today. Alumni from this era serve as a reminder of the lasting influence of a BGS education—leading in careers, public service, and creative industries, and continuing to inspire our pupils to aim high.
Three Hundred Years Ago – A Legacy that Changed our School Forever
Three centuries ago, Bury Grammar School benefitted from the actions of Reverend Roger Kay, a former pupil, who stepped forward with extraordinary generosity. His bequest 300 years ago in 1726 provided the means to revive and re-establish the School, leading to its reopening in 1730.
This moment stands as one of the most significant in our history, not just preserving our school, but renewing a mission: to provide education, opportunity, and character formation for generations to come.
At this time Bury Grammar School was still a school for boys only, but Reverend Roger Kay also recognised the importance of girls’ education. He said in his will in 1729, “I charge my Estate called Warth in Ratcliff with the payment of £5 yearly in order that ten poor girls born or to be born in the parish and town of Bury might receive an education...to make them perfect in Reading The Bible, to teach ’em to write well and to be good accountants to fit ’em for Trades or to be good Servants.”
At first ten “poor” girls were selected to attend and each year until 1742 three or four new girls were admitted. On average they stayed about two years. A requirement of entry was the ability to read.
Reverend Roger Kay is believed to be buried under the pulpit of Bury Parish Church, which is a memorial to him. His wooden chest, containing his artefacts and letters from his time at BGS, remains at the School.
Four Hundred Years Ago – The Founding Vision
Over four centuries ago, in 1570, BGS was established with a vision to provide quality education for the young people of Bury. The principles of scholarship, moral character, and service that guided the founders remain at the heart of our school today. From early classroom lessons to modern innovative learning environments, the school’s founding ethos continues to shape generations of pupils.
Innovation in Education Today
While we honour our history, Founders’ Day also celebrates how BGS continues to innovate in education. Pupils showcase work across STEM, performing arts, global projects, and community initiatives, demonstrating creativity, collaboration, and resilience. From engaging lessons to award-winning trips abroad, it’s clear that BGS is not only preserving a legacy - it’s creating one for the future. Most of all Founders’ Day is about expressing our gratitude to our founders and donors and being thankful for the education and school we are able to enjoy.
Leadership, Character, and Inspiration
A key highlight of the day was hearing from our Chair of Governors, Mr Smyth, who thanked the many valued supporters of our school and celebrated the spirit of the BGS community. He was delighted to congratulate members of staff who received awards for their service to the CCF- a proud moment for the school community, spoke about the School’s history and the legacy of Roger Kay, and referred to anecdotes told by a much-loved old girl of our School, Victoria Wood, about her hilarious experiences of learning French at Bury Grammar. Stories and memories of school days were joyfully exchanged as old friends reconvened and new friendships were made.
Jo Anderson, Principal reflected:
“Founders’ Day is a moment for reflection and thanks to our founders. It is also a wonderfully joyous time to celebrate our strong roots, our incredible pupils, staff, alumni and supporters and the close bonds which unite them. There are always nerves ahead of Founders’ Day as every single member of the community wants to do the School proud – and today they certainly did. Today was spectacular. It’s such an honour and means so much to be part of the Bury Grammar School community.”
Mr Smyth, Chair of Governors told us,
"In the weeks leading up to Founders Day I have been reflecting on the power and importance of Reverend Roger Kay's bequest made 300 years ago, providing for the education of girls. The impact of that bequest and of all those contributions to our bursary funds made subsequently cannot be overstated; lives are transformed.
It is a privilege to stand as Chair of Governors to the school that first shaped my own journey. I am immensely proud of where the school is today, its strong foundations and the promise it holds for the future."
Looking Forward
Founders’ Day 2026 reminded us that BGS bridges centuries, connecting the achievements of the past with the opportunities of the future. Pupils, staff, alumni and our whole community came together to celebrate the school’s enduring values while embracing new ideas and challenges. From historical exploration to modern innovation, the spirit of 456 years of learning, leadership, and excellence continues to thrive.
As we celebrate 456 years of excellence, we honour the vision of Reverend Henry Bury, Reverend Roger Kay, and all benefactors, along with the generations who have carried their legacy forward. Founders’ Day is not only a moment to look back with pride but to look ahead with purpose — nurturing the curiosity, courage, and compassion that define Bury Grammar School. United by tradition and inspired by innovation, we step confidently into the future, knowing that the spirit of our founders continues to guide each pupil who walks through our doors.