Altrincham Grammar School For Boys
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Altrincham Grammar School For Boys (A.G.S.B.) is an all boys school situated in the town of Altrincham in Greater Manchester, England. Whilst the school is non-fee paying, it has foundation school status which allows it to have a degree of independence from the local education authority.
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[edit] Location of the School
The school is situated on Marlborough Road in Bowdon, Altrincham and is only 1 minute walk away from Hale train station.
[edit] History
The school was originally called Altrincham County High School for Boys and was founded in 1912 as a direct result of the Balfour Education Act to provide secondary education (partly fee-paying) for an area which stretched from Sale to Knutsford and beyond.
It opened with only 57 pupils and 3 staff (a Headmaster, a Deputy and one other), housed in the distinctively decorated red brick building, which still forms the central block of the school today. The south wing and the assembly hall were added in 1938 and the present science block, gymnasium and workshops in 1964. A programme of school refurbishment and extension is presently in progress which will result in improved facilities in a number of areas of the school.
In 1974, the school passed from the control of Cheshire County Council to the newly formed Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council and remained so until 1st January, 1996, when it became Grant Maintained, and was granted a new Coat of Arms by the Royal College of Arms. In September 1999 the school became a Foundation school when Grant-maintained school status was abolished.
[edit] The School Today
The number of boys in the school has been rising steadily in recent years as the popularity of the school has increased, so that the school has had a five form entry for several years. Indeed, 2003 marked a further augmentation to six Year 7 forms. These forms include many pupils from outside the traditional catchment area of the school, although it is still committed to being 'Altrincham's grammar school'.
In September 2003 the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) awarded the school specialist school status as a Language College. [1]
[edit] Recent and Future Developments
Recent additions include new blocks for Art and Design Technology, new ICT suites, the Stamford Hall canteen and the new sixth form block.
At this present time, a new sports hall is being built as well as a hockey/football astroturf pitch and tennis courts. This is due to a £3.5million grant provided by the government in the mid stages of 2006.
[edit] Parents and Friends Association
Since its founding in 1957, the Association has played a vital role in the life of the school, organising a wide range of social events and funding all aspects of school life. When a boy enters the school, his parents are invited to become members of the association.
Elections of the General Committee take place at the Annual General Meeting in September. There are approximately 24 parent members and 2 staff members on the committee with the Headmaster acting as President. The meetings are chaired by the elected chairman.
‘Altrincham Grammar School Developments’ was established in 1998 as a company with charitable status. It is charged with raising and holding money for the development of the school – mainly large capital projects.
[edit] Notable Alumni
Ian Brown - Former lead singer of the indie rock band The Stone Roses
Graham Brady MP - Member of Parliament for Altrincham and Sale West - 1997-Present
Ian Livingstone - Executive Chairman of EIDOS interactive, Co-founder of Games Workshop and Creator of Tomb Raider and Lara Croft
[edit] References
- ^ Specialist Schools Home. DfES (July 2006). Retrieved on 2006-08-02.
Geoffrey Ma - Chief Judge, High Court, Hong Kong.
