Last week I mentioned that our fantastic Girls under 16 football team would be playing their final game for the school today – Thursday 30th April. The team have had an amazing two years winning the Treble last year, and then already picking up another trophy this season too. Their final game was to be the defence of the Greater Manchester Schools Cup, against the same tough opponents that they narrowly beat on penalties last summer.

This year, playing at home and in front of a great crowd of students of all ages, parents, family members, staff and Governors, was a slightly different story. The MHS girls started with great confidence and dominated the play from the first minute, quickly establishing a three goal lead before piling on the pressure even more. The final score of 8-0 to Marple did not flatter the team at all, they were excellent value for every goal. It was wonderful to see Madison lifting the team’s fifth trophy in two seasons, and to be a part of the full celebrations that followed.

A quick word then here to thank the parents and family members who have supported the team over the years, the fellow students for their loyal support, and of course my colleagues especially within the PE department who work so hard with extra curricular sport. To Mr Stretton and Mr White, the staff directly involved in leading the team – thank you for your amazing work.

And so that just leaves the team. I hope you realise what an amazing thing you have done for MHS. You have pushed our sporting success to levels never before seen, and even more impressively have kept it there for over a year. I have no doubt that you have inspired younger students to try their best and to participate in sports themselves, and that is the greatest thing I could ask of you before you leave us in a couple of months. So team – well done and thank you.

Have a great long weekend,

Joe Barker

2025 Stockport Schools champions, Greater Manchester Cup winners, National FA cup winners

2026 Stockport Schools champions, Greater Manchester Cup winners, National FA cup semi-finalists

‘Turn up and Read’. My favourite mantra for how to get the best out of school. I like it as it’s simple and effective – and it’s true.

Students who attend more, and students who read more – especially fiction books – are more likely to enjoy and succeed in school compared to their peers. That’s why we spend a lot of time encouraging good attendance, why we make no excuses for taking action when attendance is slipping, and why we talk about books and reading A LOT.

Mrs Lawton is renowned for her reading focussed assemblies and has showcased so many great books and series of books over the years. This year has seen Mrs Lawton sharing a range of stories with the students in assembly so that they don’t miss out on those cultural links that those ‘in the know’ just understand. After all there are some stories that just come around again and again and again – and are referenced in other books, films, games, TV shows and the like. Our thinking was that we need to make sure MHS students know these famous tales, and can therefore appreciate the other content they consume that little bit more.

Depending on their year group, so far this year students in different years have heard the stories of Theseus and the Minotaur, Gulliver’s Travels, Huckleberry Finn, Perseus and the Gorgon, 1984, The Crucible, Samson and Delilah and, this week, Les Miserables (in 8 minutes – quite a feat!). Hopefully the students remember something about these tales…why not ask them to tell you about them at home!

Lastly this week a mention for the amazing U16 Girls football team. Already treble winners last year, they are on for the double this time with the Greater Manchester Cup Final next Thursday afternoon. It’s their last ever school game and we wish them all the very best!

Have a lovely weekend,

Joe Barker

As we begin the summer term, I would like to extend a very warm welcome back to all our students, families and staff. There is a real sense of momentum around the school at this time of year, with longer days, brighter mornings and a shared focus on finishing the year strongly.

In particular, I want to speak directly to our students who will be sitting exams in May and June. The commitment, resilience and quiet determination you are showing each day has been truly impressive. Revision sessions, practical examinations, and moments of self‑doubt are not easy, but you are meeting them with maturity and purpose. We are incredibly proud of the way you are approaching this important period.

Please remember that you are not doing this alone. Your teachers are here to support you, your families are behind you, and we believe deeply in your ability to achieve and thrive. Be kind to yourselves, keep going, and trust the hard work you have already done.

Best wishes

Joe Barker