Hulme Grammar School is currently hosting a comprehensive programme of events for International Women’s Day 2026, reinforcing its commitment to gender parity and leadership. Centred on the theme “Give to Gain,” the initiatives integrate high-level industry partnerships with a robust public benefit strategy aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – specifically Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
The schedule brings global industry perspectives directly to pupils here in Oldham, illustrating the school’s mission to ensure that access to opportunity is shaped by talent and ambition rather than background.
Manufacturing Leadership: The John Budding Lecture
A highlight of the programme was a keynote for the John Budding Lecture Series by Claire Whelan (Class of 2006), CEO of the BCW Group. Claire, who leads a £50m+ global powerhouse, discussed the reality of modern UK manufacturing and her journey from a Law degree to spearheading strategic dealmaking and innovation in a high-tech sector.
She shared candid insights into representing women in engineering and how her foundations as Deputy Head Girl at Hulme – during the historic integration of the first mixed-gender cohort – prepared her for the “Power of the Pivot” in a global industry.
Alumnae “Power Panel” Discussion
The celebrations included an online panel discussion featuring distinguished alumnae from across the globe. The session was facilitated by Claire Brownlie (Class of 1990), Director of Student Futures at Liverpool Hope University, who guided the conversation on how the values learned at Hulme translate into professional impact.
Key insights from the panellists included:
Strategic Partnership: Hilti and the BMIIT
Building on these leadership lessons, the school’s partnership with global construction leader Hilti is providing practical pathways for the future. Ruth Davies (Legal Business Partner) and Gabby Thomas (Regional Manager), who both serve as Gender Group Co-Leads for Hilti, shared insights on corporate Diversity and Inclusion (D&I).
This collaboration is a vital component of the Brenda Mills Institute of Innovation and Technology (BMIIT), which is located on-site at Hulme Grammar School. To further this partnership, Veronique Van Geel (Head of Talent) and Victoria Alekseeva (Talent Acquisition Specialist) from Hilti’s UK and Northern Europe team visited the school to plan an upcoming mock assessment centre. This will offer Hulme pupils the exclusive opportunity to visit Hilti’s Manchester headquarters, experiencing real-world recruitment processes and receiving professional feedback from industry experts.
Widening Horizons: Apprenticeship Breakfast
Hulme’s IWD activities form a core part of its Public Benefit strategy, aimed at countering educational inequalities and supporting the UN SDGs. This was further supported by an Apprenticeship Breakfast, which welcomed a diverse range of regional and national employers to showcase prestigious career paths to the wider community.
The event featured representatives from across the professional landscape, including:
Principal Kirsten Pankhurst commented:
“By connecting our pupils with industry giants like Hilti and inspiring alumnae like Claire, Vanessa, Olivia, and Nicole, we are showing young people that their niche exists in every sector and every part of the world. All of this is happening right here in Oldham, proving that our community is a launchpad for global success. Integrating the UN SDGs into our ethos means we aren’t just celebrating for a day; we are building a sustainable model for equity and opportunity.”