Withington Girls’ School commemorated its 135th anniversary and 100 years since its first ever Founders’ Day with an uplifting occasion held at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, before an audience that included descendants of the school’s visionary founders. The speeches by Chair of Governors Malcolm Pike, Headmistress Sarah Haslam, alumna Denise Parnell and Head Girl Arabella acknowledged the values and principles embedded in Withington’s founders’ original vision. “Our founders chose for their school, the motto ‘Ad Lucem’, towards the light – and through the endeavours of all in our community, our school continues to flourish and shine as a beacon of excellence for all of our pupils today in 2025, as it has done for 135 years,” said Mrs Haslam.
Withington’s pupils, past and present, were celebrated too. With the traditional presentation of books to all Year 13s and a moving Head Girl’s speech delivered by Arabella, the event was a fond farewell to the outgoing Upper Sixth. Alumnae were recognised in the Ad Lucem Awards presentations, and the Founders’ Day guest speaker, Denise Parnell, Wimbledon’s first female Championship Referee, was one of the worthy Ad Lucem award recipients. Her speech drew on similarities between the lauded Wimbledon Way and the Withington ethos, with principles of heritage, integrity, respect and excellence at the heart of both. Her final message to Withington’s pupils was: “Be big and brave and be true to yourselves. Ad Lucem.”
Head Girl Arabella addressed the auditorium, but in particular her peer cohort, expressing her gratitude for their true friendship throughout their unforgettable seven-year Withington journey together. She also spoke of the wealth of extracurriculars she had embraced during her time at the school, “I’ve had the freedom to throw myself into the things I love”. As always, Withington’s talented musicians and choristers made an impressive contribution. This year’s performances included an original composition by Year 12 pupil Emily and a selection from Wicked.
