2025-2026
IMPACT REPORT
The Difference We Made. Together. cheadlehulmeschool.co.uk
Intro d a e H he t from
Mr Lee Richardson
Schools are often measured by the results they achieve. Exam grades, university destinations and league tables all have their place, and we are rightly proud of what our students accomplish. But they tell only part of the story. At Cheadle Hulme School, we have always believed that education carries a greater purpose. Our founders created this School to open doors for young people who might otherwise have been denied opportunity. More than 170 years later, that belief continues to shape who we are. Success is not only about where our students go after they leave us. It is about the difference they go on to make in the lives of others. This report tells that story. What links every story in these pages is not simply what happened, but what was learned, shared and passed on. You will notice a series of reflections throughout this report entitled What I Learned. They capture something that cannot be measured in grades or statistics: the moments that shape character, broaden perspectives and stay with people long after they leave school. None of this happens in isolation. It is only possible because of the extraordinary generosity, commitment and belief of our students, staff, parents, Old Waconians, partners and supporters. Every person featured in these pages has helped create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the Green Door. I hope this report leaves you with the same feeling it has left me: immense pride in what our community has achieved together, and excitement for the difference we can continue to make in the years ahead.
The Difference We Made. Together.
Cheadle Hulme School | Impact Report 2026
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“ What I learned... Mr Lee Richardson
“I have learned that a strong school community is defined not only by what it gives its students, but by what it inspires them to give to others. Helping young people recognise their privilege and use it with compassion and purpose is an essential part of a CHS education.”
You really can change the world if you care enough.” - Marian Wright Edelman
Cheadle Hulme School | Impact Report 2026
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1in 6
Where CHS has made a difference to young people
Protecting what makes CHS different The 1 in 6 Campaign is about protecting something that has always defined Cheadle Hulme School: a community where young people from different backgrounds to learn, grow and succeed together. Our ambition is to increase the number of students benefiting from bursaries from one in eleven. In doing so we are offering opportunities to young people, while strengthening the experience of every students who walks through the Green Door.
Why 1 in 6 Matters to Me “Some of my closest friends have had very different journeys to get here. At the time, that just felt normal. Looking back, I realise how important it’s been. Learning alongside people whose lives don’t look exactly like yours teaches you empathy, perspective and confidence in a way no lesson ever could.” “A strong school community isn’t one where everyone is the same. It’s one where everyone belongs.” Luna, Sixth Form Council 2026, Bursary Fund lead
The impact of opportunity 1 in 11 CHS pupils currently receives financial assistance
Our ambition 1 in 6 90%
of bursary recipients progress to university
Cheadle Hulme School | Impact Report 2026
60% 4
study at Russell Group universities
30%
come from households with an annual income below £30,000
Alyssa’s story When Alyssa joined CHS through a bursary, Cambridge felt like somewhere other people went. This year, she returned having completed her finals there. Her story reminded us that talent is never determined by circumstance. “I come from a single parent, low-income household and without a bursary I would not have been able to come to CHS. It’s invaluable how the bursary programme diversifies the school. It gives everyone more of a flavour of what life outside of the bubble is actually like, different perspectives and different opportunities to people who wouldn’t have them otherwise and it means young people are not determined by your parents’ finances The 1 in 6 campaign is life changing.”
What I learned...
“Being at CHS has shown me that everyone’s journey is different. The people I’ve met here have changed how I see the world, and I hope I’ve done the same for them.”
Watch Alyssa’s Story
Alyssa, Head Pupil, Class of 2023
A Campaign for the Whole Community The progress of the 1 in 6 Campaign belongs to the whole CHS community.
“
All things are difficult before they are easy.” - Thomas Fuller
Throughout the year, parents, Old Waconians, staff and friends of the School continued to invest in future generations through fundraising, philanthropy and regular giving. One particularly memorable evening saw families and Old Wacs come together for A Question of Sport to raise funds for future opportunities. Elsewhere, the Class of 2026 chose to make the campaign part of their own legacy, organising a Curry & Quiz evening before leaving school.
What I learned...
“I’ve learned that supporting a bursary isn’t simply about opening a door for one young person. It’s about protecting the kind of school community where everyone benefits from different experiences, perspectives and opportunities. I wholeheartedly support the 1 in 6 campaign and hope more members of our community get behind it next year.” Anonymous Parent Donor
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Community
Where CHS has made a difference within our community
Sharing our people, places and expertise to create opportunities beyond our own classrooms.
The strength of a school is measured not only by the education it provides for its own pupils, but by the contribution it makes to the community around it. Throughout 2025–26, we welcomed hundreds of children, teachers, families and community groups through our doors. Local primary pupils discovered a love of science in our laboratories, teachers came together to share ideas and expertise, students volunteered in community organisations across Greater Manchester and the CHS site became a place where charities, families and local organisations could come together.
“
No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.”
1200
1000
members of local sports activity groups access our facilities every week
hours of volunteering completed by Sixth Form students
This was achieved through the weekly Tuesday afternoon Service Programme, supporting local care homes, primary schools and charities including The Wellspring.
- Aesop
What I learned...
“Being involved in the Science Outreach programme helps our students realise how fortunate they are to have these opportunities and how important it is to share with them with other young people.” Ros Leonard, Science Outreach Lead Cheadle Hulme School | Impact Report 2026
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Opening Doors to Learning For more than 15 years Cheadle Hulme School has partnered with local primary schools. This partnership now includes 5 fantastic primary schools from across the Borough of Stockport. We work together with the overarching aim to improve outcomes for young people through personal development, raising aspiration and enhanced educational opportunities through sharing expertise, resource and professional development opportunities. A big part of this has been the science lessons for Year 5 pupils. Led by one of our specialist science teachers, pupils explored habitats, investigated materials, studied forces and examined living organisms under microscopes, giving them access to specialist facilities and experiences not always available in the primary classroom.
STOCKPORT
15+ years
of partnership with local primary schools
GATLEY
280
pupils participated across four partner schools (up from 140 last year)
88%
CHEADLE
of pupils said they preferred learning science in the CHS environment
BRAMHALL
31%
increase in interest in science careers (from 29% to 38%)
125%
OUR PARTNER SCHOOLS
increase in highestrated science enjoyment (20% to 45%)
“The Science lessons have been amazing this year, the children have loved the lessons and they have mentioned it as one of their favourite trips in their end of year reports. Thank you for providing these lessons.”
“The class loved the sessions and reference them a lot during our in class Science sessions. They have had a lasting effect on learning and I am looking forward to next year!”
Mrs Ainsworth, Lum Head Primary School
Mr Wyngard, Thorn Grove Primary School
“What a pleasure it was for me to visit Cheadle Hulme School on a day on which Science sessions were taking place. What struck me was the sheer joy of the primary school children in their learning and the pride the CHS Sixth Formers took in helping them to make the most of the opportunity. The sessions were carefully planned and cleverly executed to allow every visiting pupil to access and enjoy them. This is true partnership.”
Dr Jo Spence, CEO of Schools Partnership Alliance
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LearningTogether Throughout the year we welcomed 39 teachers from our partner primary schools for the first in our series of professional development sessions, creating opportunities for teachers and school leaders to learn alongside one another. Led by Mr Weightman, CHS Junior Head, ‘Beyond the Screen’ explored the impact of technology and smartphones on young people and challenged schools to think differently about digital well-being, prompting discussion that extended far beyond the event itself. Teachers described the session as “real food for thought” and reported that it had already begun influencing school development planning and conversations with parents.
4.9 / 5
Average feedback rating from attendees “Very thought provoking - opened up lots of discussion.” Teacher, Cale Green Primary School
Inspiring the Next Generations of Musicians Local schools came together to watch our production of Shrek The Musical JR and our annual Music From the Shows Afternoon, opening up opportunities that many children had never previously experienced. Teachers told us their pupils left inspired. One school was so enthused they chose to stage the production themselves at the end of the school year with a little help from CHS cast and director Joe Clarke during our Enrichment and Service Week.
Enrichment and Service Week
During Enrichment & Service Week, students spent time working alongside charities, schools and community organisations across the local area, putting their learning into action through meaningful service.
Celebrating Local Community
Students created artwork celebrating Cheadle Hulme village and businesses within in it.
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Community Volunteers
Students volunteered in Cheadle Hulme Library and Clay Cafe in Poynton.
Community Book Exchange A team of students restored and curated the community book exchange at Cheadle Hulme Railway Station - platforms 1 and 2
Supporting Local Charities Students volunteered with the Allen House Charity, Arts for Recovery in the Community (ARC)
Inspiring Young Athletes Sports students supported sports week at Lum Head Primary School
Community Pride Initiative Students completed a litter pick and cleaned railings at the entrance to Oak Meadow Park where Mayor of Stockport and former MP for Cheadle, Cllr Mark Hunter stopped to commend the students and invite them along for afternoon tea at Stockport Town Hall
Supporting Families Together Working with Clark House Charity, Ronald McDonald House which supports families staying close to children receiving hospital treatment
Connecting Generations
A team of students and staff hosted afternoon tea for residents from local care homes
What I learned...
“One of the most rewarding parts of the service element of a CHS education is watching students realise they can make a genuine difference to people they have never met before. Those experiences stay with them.” Primary School Partnership CHS hosted the Year 5 residential for Cale Green Primary School
John Wilson Director of Co-Curricular & Partnerships
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Supporting those who support others Throughout the year CHS became a venue where charities raised vital funds. We welcomed more than 600 families for the Schools Triathlon, with CHS students, parents, staff and governors volunteering throughout the day while helping support both Restless Development and the School’s own 1 in 6 Campaign. The event raised more than £70,000, demonstrating the remarkable impact that can be achieved when communities work together. The School also continued its long-standing support for local charities by providing facilities for events such as the Christian Aid Swim, helping raise almost £3,000 for Christian Aid through free use of the swimming pool.
The Wellspring Partnership Our partnership with The Wellspring continued throughout the year, with Sixth Form students volunteering at the charity’s food bank as part of the Pathways Programme and supporting the annual Rucksack Project by collecting essential items for members of our Stockport community experiencing homelessness. Year 7 students also heard from Janet Parish, whose inspiring talk encouraged students to think about the role they can play in supporting those facing hardship within their own community.
Opening up Cricket
Senior School House Charities 2025 - 2026 ALLEN
We hosted the Cheshire Regional Finals of the inaugural Barclays Knight-Stokes Cup, welcoming state schools from across the county to compete in the national hardball cricket competition designed to increase access to the game.
Arts For Recovery in the Community (Arc) is one of the UK’s leading arts and mental health organisations MARSH
A charity that helps to care for and rehome Manchester’s unloved and unwanted dogs
CLARKE
Provides ‘home away from home’ accommodation for families with children in hospital WHITEHEAD
Set up in memory of Old Waconian, Harry Dubois, the charity provides free heart screenings for 14 - 35 year olds
CHS Proud to Support Inaugural Stockport 10K We had a wonderful day at the first-ever Stockport 10K, with a team of staff, parents and Old Waconians taking part as runners and volunteer at the inaugural event. The event was in aid of the Stockport County Community Trust.
“As a school, we believe in the importance of being an active and positive part of our local community, and this event is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate everything that’s great about Stockport.” Fran Kennedy, Director of External Relations
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How CHS made a difference to belonging At CHS, fostering a safe, inclusive environment is part of who we are. Throughout the year, students, staff and parents came together to explore topics including identity, inclusion, respectful relationships and allyship. By encouraging open conversations and celebrating diverse experiences, we continue to prepare young people to thrive in an increasingly diverse world.
Challenging Stereotypes One of the highlights of the year was welcoming educator and speaker Mike Nicholson from Progressive Masculinity to work with both students and parents. Through separate sessions, he explored modern masculinity, challenging harmful stereotypes and encouraging boys to develop confidence, empathy and healthy relationships. The parent workshop extended these conversations beyond the classroom, providing practical guidance on supporting young people as they navigate the pressures and expectations of growing up today.
Celebrating
Representation “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved.” Sir Ian McKellen
During Pride Month, students explored the stories of inspirational figures who have challenged barriers and changed society through courage, creativity and leadership.
“Stories have the power to change how we see the world.” Lucy Pearson
Rather than focusing solely on history, the programme celebrated role models with strong connections to Manchester and the wider CHS community, helping students see that positive change often begins close to home.
“Being yourself is the most powerful thing you can do.” Eva Echo
Figures included Sir Ian McKellen, a long-standing friend of CHS, former Head Lucy Pearson, Old Waconian Eva Echo, recently elected Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig, alongside pioneers including Alan Turing, Dame Carol Ann Duffy, and Jackie Kay. Their stories encouraged students to reflect on authenticity, resilience and the importance of creating a society where everyone can flourish.
What I learned...
“I’ve learned that when we create spaces for honest conversation, young people almost always rise to the challenge.”
“Sometimes it is the people no one imagines anything of who do the things no one can imagine.” Alan Turing
“You can’t be what you can’t see.”
Mike Jones, Head of Sixth Form Cheadle Hulme School | Impact Report 2026
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Overseas
Where CHS has made a difference overseas
ore Read m 2025 he about bt ia visit Gam
For more than twenty-five years, Cheadle Hulme School has developed a meaningful partnership with a school community in The Gambia. What began with one teacher returning from a volunteering visit with an idea has grown into a long-standing relationship that continues to shape generations of CHS pupils. Throughout the years, our community has continued to support fundraising initiatives, helping provide resources and opportunities for our partner communities in Tendaba, Soma, Dumbutu and Birkama. In December, 30 students travelled to The Gambia, spending time playing and learning with local pupils, experiencing daily life and supporting projects. Many of the students said the trip became one of the defining experiences of their time at CHS.
“It’s impossible to come home unchanged. You begin to appreciate how much you have, but you also realise how much we all have in common. That’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.” Maryam, Class of 2026
“
It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.” - Confucius
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What I learned...
“I learned that you can’t understand a community from a distance. You have to meet people, hear their stories and be willing to question your assumptions.” Caroline Dunn, Senior Deputy
85
students travelled to South Africa
5
community projects launched in The Gambia
48
children engaged in CHS Soma
More than a Sports Tour For 85 students, the South Africa Sports Tour provided unforgettable sporting memories. But some of the most meaningful moments happened away from the pitches.
25 years
of partnership with The Gambia
30
students travelled to The Gambia
From Debate to Difference Our annual Model United Nations (MUNCH) conference once again supported Small Steps, the Uganda-based charity founded by Old Waconian Cat Dunlop, Class of 2012. As students debated global issues, they also helped raise awareness and funds for a cause that is changing the lives of children with learning disabilities through inclusive education.
During the visit, students spent time with children living in local communities and orphanages, visiting projects supported by the Winnie Mabaso Foundation. They donated football shirts collected by the CHS community, played games together and, most importantly, spent time talking, laughing and learning from one another.
Cheadle Hulme School | Impact Report 2026
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Old Wacs
Where CHS has made a difference over a lifetime
The true impact of education is measured not only by where young people go, but by what they choose to give back. Throughout this year, Old Waconians have returned to mentor students, judge competitions, speak at careers events, support bursaries, share professional expertise and reconnect with the School community that helped shape them. Some have given their time and opportunities while others have chosen to invest in future generations through philanthropy.
“Every time an Old Waconian walks back through the Green Door, they bring with them years of experience, encouragement and inspiration for the next generation.” Fran Kennedy, Director of External Relations
136
Old Waconians gave talks, mentored students, volunteered for CHS
310
Old Waconian donors
600
Old Waconian event attendees
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What I learned... “There are so many ways to give back and support the next generation from Waconians..Every contribution, however large or small, helps today’s students imagine what’s possible.” Amanda Newman, Alumni Board Chair
365 days of making a difference...
Looking after our pollinators
Our Junior School beehives continue to thrive, giving pupils first-hand experience of biodiversity, food production and environmental stewardship.
9%
32%
ere staff w of CHS ools, h c s rs at o n r e v ere Go h half w of whic ained maint schools
of sta money ff raised fo unrela r charities ted to activit CHS ies
From Garden to Plate!
Junior School pupils grew potatoes in the School garden, which were later harvested and cooked by our catering team for school lunches.
Doing our bit for the environment Solar panels on the Gym, Pavilion and Lockhart deliver a 20% reduction in electricity requirements and reduce carbon emissions by 130 tonnes of CO2 per year.
Pre-loved uniform sale diverted more than 1000 items from landfill.
Walk This Way
Students and staff took to the streets again for the annual Waconian Walk. Cheadle Hulme School | Impact Report 2026
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The time is always right to do what is right.” - Dr. Martin Luther King
Head - Lee Richardson Claremont Road · Cheadle Hulme Cheadle · Cheshire · SK8 6EF Tel 0161 488 3330 Email head@chschool.co.uk cheadlehulmeschool.co.uk Registered Company Number 3823129 Registered Charity Number 1077017