It is a privilege and pleasure to serve as Principal of Hulme Grammar School. Integral within the community of Oldham, Hulme stands as a beacon of academic and co-curricular excellence welcoming children in their formative years to the Prep and nurturing their individual talents to emerge as thoughtful and considerate members of their community, ready to serve in their turn.
Since 1611 Hulme has welcomed young people from a wide variety of backgrounds and we are proud of the excellent academic tradition that underpins our success. With an unrivalled 6th Form Programme, young people are supported through their A Level journey to be guided towards the careers and apprenticeships that will set them up for life. They are encouraged to give more than they take and return as Old Hulmeians ready to support the next generation of young people.
However, accomplished 18 year old adults, with excellent grades in their hands, are not born, they are made. Through our wonderfully vibrant, colourful and caring Prep, children from 3 years old are welcomed into the Hulme tradition. Excellent teaching, a wonderful Forest School and outstanding facilities, including an on-site swimming pool, allow the children to realise their potential, and make the friendships that will sustain them throughout their school journey.
Whilst academic grades are, of course what underpins the success of Hulme students, this wonderful school is about far more than this. Independent education – with Hulme being a proud member of the HMC – offers students the ability to explore their interests, and find their niche. For students of all ages, there are unparalleled opportunities to compete in sports, choirs, orchestras, debating teams, academic competitions, or social clubs. There is never a lunch time or afternoon where the site is quiet, there is always the tinkle of laughter, the sound of willow on leather or the faint strains of the cello or violin from the music school. And with comparatively smaller numbers and excellent coaches and teachers, students of all abilities have the opportunity to experience the activities that light their fire and spark their dreams.
Education is the best investment that you can make, and the greatest gift that you can give your children. As Nelson Mandela says ‘Education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world’. If you would like to see how Hulme can change the world for your son or daughter, please do join us. These pages are but the start of the story, please do contact us for a visit, where you and your sons and daughters can experience the joy and magic of Hulme for yourselves. I would be delighted to welcome you.
Kirsten Pankhurst – Principal