We are deeply saddened by the passing of Old Boy, Michael Rattigan, Class of 1970 in November 2025.

Michael came from Middleton, and was born in March 1952. From an early age, he was a great reader and his parents kept buying books, which he devoured. He easily gained entry into Bury Grammar School, of which he was extremely proud, and whilst there, they nurtured his intellect. His time at the school provided him with the impetus to gain admission to Pembroke College, Cambridge in 1970, where he graduated with an MA in English, before gaining a BPhil in Medieval Studies at York. Michael moved to Liverpool and became Head of English at Holly Lodge Girls' College. He continued his personal studies, and attained an MA in French Autobiography from Liverpool University. 

Michael kept in touch with BGS and as a member of the Alumni Association he enjoyed the frequent updates on news and events from the school. He has generously bequeathed two collections of books to the School LIbrary, a Brontë collection, and the works of Virginia Woolf and her wider Bloomsbury Group. 

Our thoughts are with Michael's family and friends.