Manchester Grammar School selects new School Captain for 2026–27
Year 12 pupil Will has been chosen as the new School Captain at The Manchester Grammar School for the 2026–27 academic year. Since joining during the Covid-19 pandemic, he has immersed himself in a wide range of academic and co-curricular opportunities and is now looking forward to leading the school officer team. As he enters his final year, Will reflects on his journey so far and the values he hopes to uphold.
“Since joining The Manchester Grammar School, I have enjoyed every moment! Even though my time at MGS began in the unusual circumstances of Covid-19, I was immediately inspired by the scale, ambition and history of the school. What stood out even more was the shared sense of purpose that runs through the entire community. MGS has a culture that encourages curiosity, celebrates individuality and pushes each of us to discover what we are capable of. From the very beginning, MGS has been a place where I have felt both challenged and supported, and it is this environment that has shaped who I am today.”
Photo credit: Sitara Bartle Davies.
During his time at the school, Will has immersed himself in a broad range of activities, balancing academic study with sport, music and wider interests.
“I always tried to embrace the full breadth of what MGS offers. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, on Trek, or in music rehearsals, the opportunities here have allowed me to grow in ways I never expected. Academically, I have learned the value of discipline and intellectual ambition, balancing rigorous study with a wide range of commitments. My love of languages has been nurtured through inspiring teaching, Debating competitions, trips abroad and the chance to contribute to societies such as SlangSoc.”
Outdoor education has also played a significant role in shaping his confidence and resilience.
“Beyond the classroom, one of the defining experiences of my time at MGS has been taking part in annual Treks to Llyn Peninsula, Ayrshire, Tenerife, Norway and Sweden. I often think back to the drenched 12-year-old version of myself trudging through Wales and wonder what he would make of the young man preparing to travel to Iceland this summer, ready to take on navigation and group leadership. I think he would be astonished by the confidence, resilience and sense of responsibility that have grown since those rain-soaked miles.”
Reflecting on the school’s ethos, Will highlights the importance of community and participation in shaping pupils’ character.
“What ties all these experiences together is the ethos of MGS: the belief that education extends far beyond the classroom, and that character is built through challenge, service and participation. Everything I have done here has helped me understand what it means to be part of a community that values integrity, kindness and ambition.”
Looking ahead to his new role, Will is keen to represent and support the whole school community.
“I am incredibly proud to have been chosen as the School Captain going into my final year at MGS. My aim is to serve the school community with integrity, enthusiasm and humility. I want to be a visible and approachable figure for pupils across all year groups, someone who listens, supports and helps strengthen the bonds that make MGS such a vibrant place to learn.”
With the support of his fellow pupil leadership team, he hopes to give back to the school that has played such a formative role in his development, concluding his time there on a high note of service and leadership.
