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

Sue鈥檚 career in education spans nearly four decades, six schools and both the state and independent sectors in the UK and in Europe.听 Since taking up her post as Principal at GSAL in April 2016, Sue has pushed academic standards and aspirations even higher. Under Sue鈥檚 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鈥檚 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听Heads鈥� Conference (HMC).

Angus Martin(OL77), chair of GSAL鈥檚 governing body, said, 鈥淲e 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.鈥� 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鈥檚 new Performing Arts Centre.

The search for GSAL鈥檚 next Principal will begin immediately to ensure a smooth transition to the next stage of GSAL鈥檚 journey in September 2025 and according to Sue 鈥淭hey will be the luckiest person in education to get this job.鈥�

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Leeds Girls鈥� 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鈥檚 West End. And although her 99th birthday is approaching in March 2024, she shows no sign of slowing down.

鈥淚n the film, I play Amy鈥檚 great-aunt Rene – the sister of her beloved grandmother, played by Lesley Manville,鈥� explains Thelma. 鈥淚 had such a wonderful time making it – everyone was so kind and welcoming.鈥�

Temperatures plummeted when the cast were required to film a funeral scene outside a London crematorium. 鈥淚t was a freezing cold January day,鈥� says Thelma. 鈥淎nd every time there was a break in filming, the dear man playing Amy鈥檚 father – Eddie Marsan – would shout out 鈥楪et a seat for Thelma!鈥� 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!鈥�

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. 鈥淭here 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.鈥�

Of Marisa Abela, who plays Winehouse, Thelma has nothing but praise: 鈥淪he鈥檚 a wonderful girl, and she does all her own singing,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 was in another family scene with her where she sings Fly Me to the Moon with her father – just terrific!鈥� But Thelma admits she wasn鈥檛 a huge Amy Winehouse fan before filming. 鈥淚鈥檓 afraid my interest in popular music ended in the Irving Berlin era,鈥� she says. 鈥淏ut nevertheless, I think it鈥檚 going to be a very good film.鈥�

Thelma left Leeds Girls鈥� High School in 1939 as war broke out, moving to the United States with her mother. 鈥淚 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, 鈥業鈥檓 from Leeds and my father was a dentist! Which school did you go to?鈥� When she said Leeds Girls鈥� we both started singing the school song in Latin!鈥�

Thelma鈥檚 first starring role was at age 5, playing The Old Woman Who Lived In a Shoe in a school performance. 鈥淢y 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 鈥榊ou thought you were going to see me put my children to bed, didn鈥檛 you? But you鈥檙e not!鈥� They all fell about laughing!鈥�

Thelma has some more performances coming up in her 100th year and is already making plans for her milestone birthday in 2025. 鈥淚鈥檓 very able, feeling fine and very much enjoying life,鈥� she says. 鈥淚鈥檓 a very, very lucky woman.鈥�

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. 鈥淗eading up the drive, I was struck by LGS鈥檚 attractive leafy location and university-feel campus,鈥� says Rowan. 鈥淚 determined at that moment that I definitely wanted to work here.鈥� And she clearly impressed director of studies Eric Medway and deputy head Steve Field in the interview, which consisted of a series of 鈥渘ice chats鈥� with various members of staff. 鈥淵ounger colleagues might be surprised to hear that there was no desk task, no pupil interview, no lesson to teach,鈥� 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 听with over 700 students. 鈥淎fter 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鈥檚 been hard work, but a true labour of love for us both.鈥�

There have been many highlights over the last 25 years. 鈥淗elping Saud Chaudry get into Cambridge – to my alma mater, Robinson College – to study Spanish was a wonderful moment,鈥� says Rowan. 鈥淎nd setting up GSAL鈥檚 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.鈥�

Plenty has changed, says Rowan – 鈥淔or 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鈥� – but plenty has stayed the same, too. For Rowan, academic rigour, and innovative and imaginative teaching is GSAL鈥檚 mainstay. 鈥淭he staff remain GSAL鈥檚 greatest asset,鈥� she says. 鈥淲e are fortunate to be able to work with a high degree of freedom and collegiality.鈥� And her favourite thing about GSAL? 鈥淔or 25 years, I have really appreciated being able to start my day three times a week with a swim in our beautiful pool.鈥�

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

Twenty five years may sound like a long time, but Rowan says it鈥檚 鈥渇lown by鈥�. 鈥淎nd best of all, I鈥檓 still learning,鈥� she adds.

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The BBC鈥檚 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 鈥渋nvested every resource鈥� into his first dental practice – to the point where he was left with just 拢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鈥檚 attention and win 拢250,000 of investment. And if all else fails, he has a secret skill to fall back on: body popping. It鈥檚 worked before: Paul secured a Britain鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檇 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鈥檒l need to ride the inevitable ups and downs in a show that鈥檚 famous for throwing in a surprise or two – and the occasional 鈥榲illain edit鈥� – into the mix.

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

Images: BBC Pictures

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Nigel West (OL78) has a fascinating connection to one of the world鈥檚 most famous literary families, and is using the link to help preserve a terraced house in Thornton, Bradford, where the three Bront毛 sisters were 鈥嬧�媌orn. Known as the Bront毛 Birthplace, their childhood home is now a cultural and education centre.

Nigel鈥檚 father, Jim West is descended from Charlotte Bront毛鈥檚 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鈥檚 Way. In the early 20th century, a painting of the three 鈥嬧�婤ront毛 sisters was discovered at Hill House, stuck on top of the cupboard. The painting – painted by their brother, Branwell 鈥嬧�婤ront毛 – became known as the 鈥楶illar Portrait鈥�, 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 鈥嬧�婤ront毛 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 鈥嬧�婤ront毛 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 拢120,000 through a crowdfunding appeal – which, together with 拢250,000 from Bradford UK City of Culture 2025 and 拢240,000 of levelling up funding, means the 鈥嬧�婤ront毛 Birthplace can be purchased and refurbished in time for Bradford鈥檚 City of Culture celebrations in 2025.

Nigel says, 鈥淚 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鈥檚 amazing to secure the 鈥嬧�婤ront毛 Birthplace for future generations.鈥�

鈥淭he 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.鈥�

Nigel added, 鈥淲hat 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鈥檝e already signed up as a volunteer for Bradford City of Culture 2025, and I鈥檓 really looking forward to spending time in Thornton.鈥�

鈥�

Find out more about The 鈥嬧�婤ront毛 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. 鈥淲hen we鈥檙e doing an arena tour, we only need 23,鈥� he laughs. 鈥淲hen it鈥檚 a Big Top show, we bring 80.鈥�

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

鈥淥VO 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,鈥� Duncan explains. 鈥淓xpect lots of Brazilian influences in the colours, music and dance, some incredible acrobatics and a little bit of a love story.鈥�

What should first-timers know about going to see a Cirque show? 鈥淎t Cirque du Soleil, we don鈥檛 just create stories – we create worlds,鈥� says Duncan. 鈥淲e鈥檙e much more interested in the audience imagining their own narrative than telling them what鈥檚 happening.鈥�

And OVO, says Duncan, is a great entry point for those new to Cirque du Soleil. 鈥淚t鈥檚 probably our most family friendly show,鈥� he explains. 鈥淚t鈥檚 so colourful and energetic, and it鈥檚 so accessible. The characters don鈥檛 speak English; they use bug language.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 pleased to bring Cirque to Leeds which gives me an excuse to come home! 鈥�

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.

鈥淚鈥檇 love to go to Elland Road while I鈥檓 home,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 was in San Francisco recently and was lucky enough to meet the Chairman of Leeds United there – so I鈥檓 really, really hoping we can make it happen!鈥�

鈥�

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鈥檚 passion for art began at school thanks to Leeds Girls鈥� High School teacher, Mrs Stephenson. 鈥淪he retired when I was in the lower sixth – I was devastated.鈥� explains Cate. 鈥淎fter 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鈥檚 still hanging in my home today.鈥�

On Cate鈥檚 election, former Master of the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers Barbara Beadman MBE said, 鈥淐ate operates at the top level of her profession, and has an unrivalled knowledge of the north east glass scene.鈥�

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

In reality, Cate is looking forward to using her Freeman status to influence industry: 鈥淎t the moment, glass and glass artists are being hit hard,鈥� she says. 鈥淚鈥檓 interested in demonstrating how glass can be used more efficiently, cheaply and sustainably.鈥�

See more of Cate鈥檚 work on her .

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Thirteen students from 最新麻豆视频 (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鈥檚 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鈥� Russian, biology, philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) and classics and English respectively.

Students, their families and staff are thrilled with the news. 鈥淚 was absolutely delighted to receive my offer, and so were my parents,鈥� said Olivia, who has secured an offer to study English at Clare College, Cambridge. 鈥淢y 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!鈥�

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: 鈥淭his is a moment for hard work, of course, but also of great excitement.鈥�

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

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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 鈥� which stands at 5895m tall – gradually rising to 5500m to suitably acclimatise.

As of December, Simon has raised 拢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.听 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.鈥� 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 鈥渟ee sunrise as you reach the volcanic crater rim before the final push to the summit.鈥�

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鈥檚 ambition and determination never faltered.

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

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Twenty five students from 最新麻豆视频 (GSAL) received the much-coveted Gold听听(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鈥檚 Patron. In a speech from the Palace鈥檚 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:

鈥淒 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.鈥�

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 awarded the honour of Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) in the King鈥檚 first Birthday Honours List in recognition for his service to young people.

The award acknowledges Alan鈥檚 exceptional service and selfless commitment to the 10^th North Leeds Scout Group at 最新麻豆视频 (GSAL) spanning five decades.

He said: 鈥淚 am absolutely delighted and feel very proud of what I have achieved, but you don鈥檛 do these things on your own. There have been many young people and leaders who have worked with me over the years.鈥�

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: 鈥淪couting 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.鈥�

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Ten GSAL alumni and former Explorer Scouts took part in a Day of Celebration at Windsor Castle recently for Queen鈥檚 Scout award recipients.

The long-awaited celebrations, attended by over 400 Explorer Scouts who received their awards during the pandemic, included a parade in the quad and a service in St George鈥檚 Chapel, attended by HRH The Duke of Kent and Chief Scout Bear Grylls.

The GSAL alumni who attended were Millie Johnston, Kate Costello, Josh Osborne, Alyssa Miller, Amy Proctor, Aidan Boulton, Emma Proctor, Paddy Tonge and Patrick Haywood. They took part in the ceremony with leaders, Alan Naylor and Sandra Bavil who were honoured with the Silver Wolf and Bar to the Silver Acorn awards respectively.

The Queen鈥檚 Scout Award, now known as the King鈥檚 Scout Award, is the top achievement for Explorer Scouts and Scout Network members and comprises of a variety of activities to complete. It is equivalent to the Duke of Edinburgh鈥檚 Gold Award.

Also last month the last Queen鈥檚 Scout awards and the first King鈥檚 Scout awards were presented to GSAL Explorer Scouts by Deputy County Commissioner for Central Yorkshire, Alison Fell at the Scout campsite in the school鈥檚 grounds at Alwoodley Gates.

The final five Queen鈥檚 Scout Awards were presented to Benjamin Pettifor, Matthew White, Ashaz Hossain-Ibrahim, Oliver Smith and Tanay Inamdar and the first six King鈥檚 Scout certificates went to Rory Cobb, William Rushton, Adam Turner, Amelie McDermott-Boulton, Anika Mohandas and Shriyaa Papanna. They will attend a day of celebration at Windsor Castle next year.

Image: Queen鈥檚 Scout award recipients and their leaders.

From left to right: Millie Johnston, Kate Costello, Josh Osborne, Alyssa Miller, Amy Proctor, Alan Naylor (leader), Aidan Boulton, Emma Proctor, Sandra Bavill (leader), Paddy Tonge, Patrick Haywood.

听

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Twenty five Leeds Girls鈥� High School OGs met up in Leeds in September 2022 for their 30 year reunion, with guests keen to reignite friendships forged in the 80s and 90s.

For organiser Penny Allen (OG92), it was the latest in a long line of well-attended anniversaries, which started back in 2002. 鈥淏ack then, there was still a little bit of awkwardness and the focus was all on how successful you were. Now the chat鈥檚 all about HRT and fast-approaching 50th birthdays!鈥� she laughs.

This latest reunion was held at Malmaison in Leeds – 鈥淚t鈥檚 so convenient, people can come at any time, order food, drinks, stay or go, whatever,鈥� says Penny. Former teachers Mr Brindley and Mrs Kerr also attended, and there was plenty of reminiscing about the school鈥檚 first visit to Malawi organised by Mr Brindley. 鈥淗e even brought along some mementoes from the trip to share,鈥� says Penny.

So why do so many OGs from this particular year group attend reunions? The answers are varied and genuine. 鈥淚 just love to see how everyone鈥檚 getting on. It feels like coming home in lots of ways,鈥� says one. 鈥淚t鈥檚 great how everyone just rocks up and gets stuck in,鈥� says another. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a supportive group in troubled times and we celebrate the highs, too,鈥� says another. The group also has a very active Facebook group. 鈥淓ven if we haven鈥檛 seen each other in ages, we feel like we鈥檙e still in touch and know about each other鈥檚 families through there,鈥� says Penny.

For Penny personally, now a practising dentist, the event stirred up memories of her time as Head Girl. 鈥淚 suppose I wasn鈥檛 conventional Head Girl material – they were usually Oxbridge candidates, whereas I was more chatty and sporty,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 actually ended up resitting my A levels to get my grades for dentistry.鈥�

But Penny recalls the book she was given where previous Head Girls had written down their advice. 鈥淚t was all along the lines of 鈥榮uccess breeds success鈥� and 鈥榶ou鈥檝e been chosen for this because you can do it,鈥欌�� she says.鈥滻t gave me the confidence to believe I could. I think I鈥檝e always felt incredibly grateful for that and, in return, I try to do my best by my cohort.鈥�

Roll on 2027 and 35 years – meet you in Malmaison?

Pictured: OGs at their 30^th reunion

Pictured: LGHS school photo from 1992

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On Saturday 4 December 2022, GSAL hosted the English Schools Athletics Association (ESAA) Cross Country Cup Final, with runners from over 100 schools and thousands of spectators coming together to compete and support.

And on this occasion, the guests of honour included a very special alumni double act: former ESAA chairperson Jill Wright n茅e Flockton (OG55) and her brother Ken Flockton (OL53). Along with Olympic triathlon gold medallist Jess Learmonth, the siblings awarded prizes to the winners and passed on some words of praise and encouragement.

鈥淭he Cup Final is always a great event,鈥� says Jill, reflecting on the day. 鈥淯nlike at county level, the students are running with their school friends, and they have their teachers there to support them. It makes for a lovely atmosphere.鈥�

Jill made the trip up to Yorkshire for the final from Berkshire, where she spent most of her career as a PE teacher. 鈥淎fter Leeds Girls鈥� High School, I did a year in Switzerland before taking up a place at Chelsea College of Physical Education. I taught for 29 years before taking early retirement to focus on organising, judging and officiating events. It鈥檚 always been my passion,鈥� she says.

Both Jill and Ken were involved in athletics at school. 鈥淭he Cup Final programme featured some nice photos of us, including Ken and his friend behind a table of trophies they鈥檇 won at a Leeds Grammar School sports day,鈥� says Jill. For girls, though, things were different. 鈥淗ockey was the main thing. Lots of athletics events were considered 鈥榰nsuitable鈥� for young women, so there were fewer opportunities.鈥�

Nevertheless, as a teenager, Jill ended up competing for Yorkshire and, in 2019, she was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her service to athletics. The nomination came from a young man she knew through a local athletics group, whose son later competed for the same club. 鈥淚t鈥檚 so much nicer that it came from a personal connection instead of a committee,鈥� she says.

The 鈥榝amily affair鈥� element of the occasion was particularly poignant for Jill and Ken, who still lives in Yorkshire. 鈥淥ur father always inspired us to work hard at sport,鈥� says Jill. 鈥淎nd after we鈥檇 awarded the prizes, I think we both felt that Dad would have been pretty proud looking down at us back where it all started.鈥�

Pictured: Jill Wright (left) and Jess Learmouth with one of the race winners.

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We were overwhelmed by the response to GSAL鈥檚 cost of living campaign, launched in Memento magazine last November via a personal letter from the mother of one of our bursary students.

In the letter, Maria* spoke movingly about how rising costs had impacted their family on top of the sacrifices they already make to pay their son鈥檚 remaining school fees. 鈥淭here are no family holidays, no meals out, no going out for a drink. No shopping. I don鈥檛 even go to meet a friend for a coffee. We wear our clothes until they鈥檙e done,鈥� she wrote with searing honesty. However, the generosity of an anonymous donor means that Maria鈥檚 son鈥檚 transport costs are now covered. 鈥淵ou have made an enormous difference to our lives,鈥� she wrote. 鈥淭hank you.鈥�

Maria鈥檚 words proved to be a rallying cry to our alumni community with donations soon flooding in. To date, the campaign – which was match-funded by two of the school鈥檚 donors – has raised an incredible 拢50,000.

As funds were distributed, countless bursary families got in touch with words of gratitude. One parent wrote to say that money worries had been 鈥渒eeping her awake at night鈥� and that the donation covering her daughter鈥檚 lunches and transport has made a huge difference.

She added: 鈥淎s a family with disabled children, [the rising cost of living] has hit us particularly hard鈥t sounds like a small thing, but knowing that she’s able to join her friends for lunch and not having to worry about how we’ll pay for it is a huge relief.鈥�

In Maria鈥檚 original letter, she wrote of the families who 鈥渢hought they could manage but, with the increased cost of food, gas, electricity and housing, they just can鈥檛 any more鈥�; a sentiment which was echoed by many of the families who contacted us. 鈥滻t will be a big help for our financial situation at present,鈥� said one. 鈥淚t鈥檚 invaluable support when we need it the most,鈥� said another. 鈥淲e are so grateful for [the donors鈥橾 kindness and generosity,鈥� said another. 鈥淭he alumni and the GSAL community are always there for anyone who needs help.鈥�

One father wrote poignantly about his hope for his son to develop the same generous spirit that had been shown to him during his time at GSAL. 鈥淚 hope my child will be able to repay your goodness to him by contributing meaningfully to the community,鈥� he wrote. 鈥淚 wish that he adopts your example, taking inspiration from your kindness to assist those in need.鈥�

Another family sent a poem written by their daughter Megan* to thank the donors who had contributed towards her school lunches. 鈥淔or some it is a privilege, for others it is a right / For me, it is the听difference between a shadow and a future that is bright,鈥� she wrote.

Thanks to the generosity of alumni, parents and friends of GSAL, a huge burden has been lifted for dozens of bursary recipients and their families.

*Names have been changed

鈥�

A donation to GSAL鈥檚 bursary fund can change a life. To discuss making a donation please contact Donna Woodman, Director of Development on alumni@gsal.org.uk, or visit听 /alumni/make-a-gift/.

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An all-star cast of primary and secondary teachers put on a purrrrfect performance of Dick Whittington in January, kicking off GSAL鈥檚 very own Year of Culture 2023.

Performing arts are always in the spotlight at GSAL but, as one of the official supporters of Leeds 2023 Year of Culture, we鈥檙e determined to make even more of a scene about music, theatre and performance. And what better way to begin than with a hilarious and, err, unique interpretation of one of Pantoland鈥檚 finest shows?

An appreciative crowd of GSAL students and families, former staff and alumni packed out the assembly hall for three nights, laughing, cheering and booing in all the right places. Highlights included Dick (Katie Harpin-Lawrence) and Alice鈥檚 (Anna Rusbatch) romantic rendition of Frozen鈥檚 鈥楲ove is an Open Door鈥�, plus standout performances by Paul Rushworth and Gwen Veitch as the shop owner Aldy-Man and a stylish cat with attitude respectively.

There were laidback Mancunian puns from the King of Salford (John Bagshaw), villainous rats played with perfect comic timing by Paul Morris and Lewis Butcher (King Rats) and Chris Dodd and Chloe Griggs (Boris and Liz – any resemblance to real life persons is purely coincidental鈥�) – all topped off with a rousing S Club 7 dance finale.

The biggest laughs this year went to Dame Sally (Jon Tyndall), nor forgetting his three sporting (and long-suffering) foils in the audience. We suspect Mr Tyndall鈥檚 Maths lessons may never be the same again鈥�

Special thanks are due to writer, director and Master of Slapstick, Simon Knowles, who delighted the audience with his performance as Idle Jack – oh yes he did! Mr Knowles has been involved in every staff panto since his debut in Jack and the Beanstalk in 1995, which featured Headmaster Bryan Collins alongside Peter Jolly as the Dame. This year, Simon鈥檚 enthusiastic cast included a number of former Leeds Grammar School teachers: Paul Morris, Paul Rushworth, Suzy Rounce, Kerry Kurczj, Leanne Sutheran and Rachel Purcell.

GSAL鈥檚 talented student band, the camel, choreographer Donna Woodman, technical director Tina Nutt and her backstage team also deserve plenty of praise and thanks. Without everyone鈥檚 efforts, we simply couldn鈥檛 have raised the 拢5000 we did for chosen charities 听 and .

And if Dick Whittington has got you shouting for an encore, keep your eyes peeled for more cultural and arts events this year: next up, the senior school production of Les Miserables School Edition on 26-28 March!

Pictured: Jon Tyndall, Simon Knowles, Paul Morris, Paul Rushworth and Anna Rusbatch

Pictured: The cast of the GSAL Staff Panto 2023

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GSAL welcomed two alumni back into the classroom for Primary Tech Week to inspire the next generation of innovators and disruptors.

Michael Lifford (OL04), Chief Financial Officer at fintech company Landbay, and Adrian Inman (OL98), founder of IT services provider aFinite, spoke to students about their routes into the computing and tech industry and the huge range of opportunities available.

Tech is 鈥渃onstantly evolving鈥�, Michael told a rapt audience of year 5 pupils – and it鈥檚 the variety and the pace of change that makes it an exciting sector to work in. Michael also spoke with GCSE and A-level Computer Science students, providing valuable real life insights to the coders, systems analysts and data scientists of the future.

Adrian (pictured at the top of the article) spoke to Year 4 students about how his company aFinite supports business, charities and educational institutions across the UK – and how he worked on the very first iteration of the GSAL听听听 website! He listened as children shared their coding experiences from their IT classes and explored big questions around how and why we use technology in everyday life.

Adrian, who is a current parent to Alice (year 5) and Tom (year 7), even spent time with the year 5 IT after school club, getting involved with Scratch and micro:bit exercises. Meanwhile, Michael took the opportunity to catch up with a familiar face: Mr Spivey, the former head of Thoresby House, who recently retired after 39 years of teaching at LGS and GSAL.

Huge thanks to Michael and Adrian – we expect there鈥檒l be some GSAL students knocking on your door for work experience very soon!

Would you like to share your career experiences with our students? We鈥檇 love to hear from you. Please get in touch with Donna Woodman, our Director of Development, at alumni@gsal.org.uk to arrange a conversation.

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Recently at 最新麻豆视频 you may have noticed a newly unveiled sun dial on a plinth on the walkway from the visitors鈥� car park to the main reception – but you may find there is more to it than meets the eye.

The sundial was commissioned by the school in memory of Derek Fry, a much-loved physics and astronomy teacher who taught at Leeds Grammar School and 最新麻豆视频 for over 30 years. Otto Stowe (GSAL21) was tasked with creating a plinth for the sun dial as part of his A-level design technology project.

Mr Fry sadly passed away in听2018, two months before Otto, one of his astronomy students, sat their GCSEs.

Otto鈥檚 design for the plinth was inspired by maths, physics and astronomical references and made from steel. The three-part construction reflected trigonometry and Otto incorporated an armillary sphere at its centre. Take a closer look above the sphere and you will see Mr Fry鈥檚 profile.

Dr Michelle D鈥橵ali, teacher of physics and astronomy co-ordinator at GSAL, worked with Otto on the project.

鈥淭his is such a wonderful teaching and learning tool for the current and future GCSE astronomy students and Otto鈥檚 plinth is absolutely stunning 鈥� the care, effort and attention to detail he has put in to this commission is a wonderful tribute to Mr Fry.鈥�

Otto who gained a grade A* in A-level DT, is now studying mechanical engineering at the University of Sheffield.

Dr D鈥橵ali added, 鈥淭he sundial will be to put to practical use too by GSAL鈥檚 GCSE astronomy students as part of their studies. The fact that this is not just a memorial but an invaluable learning tool would have been particularly important to Mr Fry.鈥�

The sundial itself is made of brass with a patinated and filigree finish which Otto incorporated into the plinth design.

Otto is keen that passers-by see something different every time they look at the sun dial and its plinth. Next time you pass take a closer look. It is positioned on the school鈥檚 exact co-ordinates, 53听52N, 131, W.

And finally in the words of Mr Fry, 鈥淚f you scratch off an astronomer, you get a physicist and if you scratch off a physicist, you get a mathematician鈥�. Mr Fry, Otto and all his former astronomy students were certainly proud to be all three.

Pictured: Otto with the sun dial on its plinth and the sun dial.

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A student from 最新麻豆视频 (GSAL) who won a prestigious European climbing competition in Austria this summer, is now looking forward to moving up to new 听challenges.

Representing Team GB, climber Dayan Akhtar (GSAL22), 18, from Alwoodley, came first at the European Youth Bouldering Championship in Graz, Austria on 6 August. His gold medal followed him finishing 11^th in the European Youth Lead Climbing Championship in Augsburg, Germany earlier in the summer.

Just recently, Dayan moved onto the world stage representing GB in both the bouldering and lead climbing disciplines in Dallas at the Youth World Championships on 22-31 August and finishing an impressive 6^th overall.

After his spectacular summer of climbing, Dayan, also achieved a strong set of A-level results and he will be taking up a place at Leeds Beckett University to study sports and exercise science.

Dayan said: 鈥淚鈥檝e had a very busy but exciting summer. I flew to the European Championships just two days after sitting my last A-level exam and received my results just as I boarded the plane for the World Championships in Dallas! Balancing my studies with training and competitions has been tough but my teachers have been amazing and helped me a great deal.鈥�

We wish Dayan well in his studies, his imminent move from youth to senior climbing competitions and his preparation for selection for the Olympics in Paris 2024 and Los Angeles in 2028.

Image credit: Achim Reinbacher

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Long-serving Scout leader Alan Naylor, who lives in Ilkley, has been presented with the Silver Wolf, the Scout Association鈥檚 highest accolade for exceptional service.

Alan, who has been a leader at 10^th North Leeds GSAL Scout Group for nearly 50 years, was presented with his award by County Commissioner Carol Milburn on behalf of the Chief Scout, Bear Grylls at a special ceremony at 最新麻豆视频鈥� (GSAL) Scout campsite earlier this month.

He said: 鈥淚 feel very proud of what I have achieved, but you don鈥檛 do these things on your own. There have been many young people and leaders who have worked with me over the years.鈥�

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. He has been involved in Scouts ever since first joining the movement as an 11-year-old and was given an award for 40 years of service. As well as GSAL Group Scout Leader, he has served as the Explorer Scout Leader since 2009.

The Chief Scout awards the prestigious Silver Wolf to a select few long-serving leaders 鈥榝or services of the most exceptional character鈥�. Alan received a small silver wolf suspended on a dark green and yellow ribbon, along with a certificate.

The presentation on 6 May 6 at GSAL鈥檚 scout campsite was attended by over one hundred current and former Scouts, Explorer Scouts, fellow leaders, alumni, staff and parents. Next year Alan will be invited to a day of celebration at Windsor Castle which will include a Queen鈥檚 Scout parade and presentation.

Last year 最新麻豆视频 celebrated 100 years of Scouting at the school and its predecessor, Leeds Grammar School. Through the years Alan has led hundreds of Scouts on overseas trips, summer camps and fantastic outdoor adventures. Many former and current Scouts have expressed their heart-felt thanks for his hard work, dedication and service.

He said: 鈥淪couting 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 can develop friendships for life.鈥�

Alan was also featured in the Ilkley Gazette, the Wharfedale Observer and the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Pictured – Alan Naylor at the award ceremony.

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