Bury Grammar School is delighted to welcome two new governors to the Governing Body as the School prepares to celebrate its 455th anniversary. 

Sarah Lester is the Editor of the Manchester Evening News. She began her career more than 25 years ago as a news reporter before focusing on investigative journalism. Sarah then took on a series of news desk roles before becoming Head of News and leading the newsroom's digital transition. The Manchester Evening News is now the largest regional news brand in the UK with a huge reach across Greater Manchester and beyond and a reputation for campaigning journalism. 

She said:

"There is something special about BGS - you can feel it when you walk through the doors. I hugely admire the focus on educational excellence and effective pastoral care; there is an understanding that without the latter you can't have the former. I hope very much to be able to support the continued development of the school while serving as a governor." 

Sarah is a former BGS pupil. 

The Rt Hon Alistair Burt is Pro Chancellor and Chair of the Governing Body of Lancaster University. A former student of St John’s College, Oxford, where he was president of the law society, he became a solicitor in 1980 before moving into politics, serving in a number of esteemed positions. He was the Member of Parliament for Bury North between 1983 and 1997 and held various Minister of State roles: for the Middle East at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, at the Department for International Development, and for Community and Social Care at the Department of Health.  

Alistair commented,

"It is a privilege to be asked to join BGS Governors. Challenges and opportunities for schools, and in education generally, come from all directions at present. My present role as Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Lancaster University gives me a good insight into some of these, and I hope my background and experience in public life representing parents, communities and schools determined to seek the very best in educational opportunities will be of help in working with excellent colleagues on the Governing Body."   

He is also a former BGS pupil. 
 

Mr Richard Smyth, Chair of BGS Governing Body, responded,

"I am very pleased that Sarah and Alistair are able to join the Governing Body, adding further strength and depth to the broad range of expertise we are fortunate to have. Notwithstanding the current economic climate we are determined to maintain the very highest standards of education within the caring and enriching environment that is Bury Grammar School.  In our 455th year we can all face the future with confidence." 

Mrs Jo Anderson, Principal, added,

"We are delighted to have such high-profile figures with a deep admiration and fondness for Bury Grammar School on our Board. Our School is thriving and in good heart and we are very proud of how we are preparing well-rounded and happy pupils to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. The leadership team and I very much look forward to working with Alistair and Sarah as we prepare for the next stage in our School’s history and the next steps in our pupils’ futures."