Independent School of the Year recognition for Bury Grammar School

Bury Grammar School Celebrates National Recognition for Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Justice after being commended in the Independent School of the Year (ISoY) Awards 2026.

 

The national awards celebrate excellence across independent education and recognise schools that are making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.  This category highlights schools where diversity, equality, inclusion, and justice are embedded into everyday life and where pupils are empowered to help shape an inclusive future. 

(Pupil leadership, Roger Kay Lecture Series, Progressive Masculinity) 

The school’s competition entry highlighted pupil voice and the culture of belonging at the school and across the community, including pupil leadership through the Expanding Horizons committee, work to support LGBTQ+ inclusion, interfaith dialogue and flagship status recognition through the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Mental Health Award. 

A key feature of the submission was the emphasis on listening to and empowering students to lead change, not a set of initiatives, but a culture where inclusion is embedded in systems, relationships, and daily experience. 

Principal, Mrs Anderson said: 

“We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised as Independent School of the Year in this category.  This nomination reflects the commitment of our entire school community - our pupils, students, staff and families, creating a culture where every individual feels valued, respected and able to thrive. 

What makes this recognition more meaningful is that it celebrates work that is lived every day through relationships, conversations and opportunities for our pupils and students to lead.  Inclusion is not an initiative at our school; it is part of who we are.” 

The school also submitted a short film as part of the awards process, featuring student reflections on the impact of inclusion and the role of the Expanding Horizons committee in helping shape school culture. 

 

One student involved in the project said: 

“It’s not just about being included - it’s about knowing you belong.  Being part of these conversations has shown me that students can make a real difference.” 

Students lead projects and discussions exploring identity, mental health, inclusion and understanding across the school community.  Experiences including conversations with faith leaders and student-led initiatives have helped create opportunities for reflection, dialogue, and connection. 

This recognition comes at a time when schools across the country are facing increasing pressures, and it highlights the value of creating environments where young people feel heard, supported, and encouraged to contribute positively to society. 

Everyone at Bury Grammar School is now looking forward to the awards ceremony and celebrating alongside schools from across the country.