The Hulme Grammar School community is proud to announce the establishment of The John Stapleton Bursary Fund. This initiative has been created to honour the memory of cherished alumnus, John Stapleton (Hulme 1957–1962), whose profound connection to the school and passion for giving back remains an enduring inspiration.
John attended Hulme Grammar School from 1957 to 1962, leaving an indelible mark on the community.
John, who sadly passed away this year, was a true champion of young people and a great supporter of the school. This Fund is the most fitting way to commemorate his legacy: by providing the life-changing opportunity of a Hulme Grammar education to future generations of children whose families may not be financially able to afford fees.
Since John’s passing, we have received many moving tributes from former pupils and staff, all of whom highlighted his genuinely interested, straight-talking nature. John was widely regarded as a “kind and warm gentleman always having time to chat about school, Oldham and Manchester City!”
Many alumni shared how he always made time to chat with people at our London reunions, reflecting his warmth and commitment to the Hulme community, even while he was in the public eye.
The most striking theme in all the memories shared with us is John’s deep-seated passion for ensuring the opportunities he received at Hulme were available to others. He was “really keen to make sure that the opportunities he had at Hulme were available to children whose families were not financially able to send them here.”
The John Stapleton Bursary Fund directly builds upon this passion. It is a commitment by the school and its community to transform young lives in his name.
The Goal: To secure funds that will allow us to offer full or partial bursaries to bright and deserving children, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
Timeline: We are actively beginning our fundraising campaign with Old Hulmeians and the wider Hulme community and are aiming to be in a position to offer our first John Stapleton Bursary places in September 2026.
A bursary place offers more than just an education; it offers confidence, aspiration, and the chance to build a brighter future.
We invite all Old Hulmeians, staff, parents, and friends of the school to join us in establishing this powerful and lasting legacy for John Stapleton. Every donation, large or small, moves us closer to providing a life-changing opportunity for a young person.
Make a Donation: following this link >
Please select ‘The John Stapleton Bursary Fund‘ from the options when donating.
Fundraising Events: Keep an eye on our events page for upcoming activities dedicated to the fund.
Share John’s Story: Help us spread the word amongst your network of friends and fellow alumni.