First established 70 years ago by Dr Arnold Meier, a Master at the School, this remarkable programme is one of the longest-running pupil exchanges in the UK, and it continues to offer our pupils an unforgettable opportunity to experience life, language and learning in another culture.  

This year also saw the biggest uptake of the German Exchange in recent times, a wonderful reflection of the enthusiasm and curiosity our pupils have for international friendship and cultural discovery. We are very proud of our cultural and linguistic links with our German partner school and delighted to be celebrating 70 years of this important partnership, which has meant so much to generations of pupils and staff. 

A Memorable Visit to Cologne 

Earlier this month, a group of Bury Grammar School pupils from Years 9 to 13 travelled to Germany, accompanied by experienced BGS staff.  They were warmly welcomed by their German hosts and enjoyed a wonderful week of cultural exploration, new friendships and shared experiences. 

Some highlights of the trip included: 

• Time in school, attending lessons with hosts and taking part in a badminton and table tennis tournament, a more inclusive take on the competitive football fixture in the Exchange calendar! 
• An entertaining visit to Phantasialand Theme Park, enjoyed by all pupils. 
• A fascinating trip to the Rhine Museum in Bonn, where pupils explored the city’s history and its connection to the River Rhine through interactive exhibits and hands-on displays. 
• A weekend with host families, giving pupils a true taste of German life and hospitality. 

The Exchange once again proved to be a fantastic experience for everyone involved, whether they were practising their German, developing confidence, or simply building lasting friendships which reach beyond borders. 

Reflecting on the trip, BGS pupils, told us, 

“The best part was the friendships I made with new people; they were all so nice and welcoming.” 

“I enjoyed being surrounded by the language and culture.” 

“It was great to try traditional German food.” 

“It was great learning about the different quirks of living in Germany compared to England and the differences between our schools.” 

“By the end of the week, I didn’t want to leave — one thing I would change is staying for longer!” 

Special thanks must go to Mrs Taylor, Head of German, who has organised this trip for a number of years. She said,  

“Had I not participated in school exchanges as a pupil, I would not be in the job I love today. Our Exchange builds confidence, self-reliance, resilience, and a genuine sense of global connection. Thank you to Mr Dennis and Mr Entwistle at BGS, who stepped up to the challenge of having their own exchange partners.  Thanks also go to my colleagues at the Deutzer Gymnasium for making this happen and to all the families who supported the pupils.” 

Looking Ahead: 70th Anniversary Celebration 

To mark this remarkable 70-year partnership, Bury Grammar School will soon host a special alumni celebration later this week, honouring decades of cultural and educational exchange between BGS and Deutzer Gymnasium. 

We are delighted to announce that Jon Meier, son of Dr Meier - who founded the Exchange in 1955 - will be joining us as a guest speaker. We also look forward to hearing from current pupils and staff, as well as sharing stories, photographs and memories from across the years. 

Representatives from Deutzer Gymnasium have been invited to attend, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming back former participants from both schools for what promises to be a warm and memorable reunion. 

We now look forward to welcoming former pupils and staff to a special 70th Anniversary Celebration Event later this term. To join us, please sign up here so we can accommodate numbers accordingly: 70th Anniversary Celebration Event

Previous Participants 

If you happen to have any photographs, stories, or memorabilia relating to your time on the Exchange, we'd love to hear from you! These will form part of a new exhibition celebrating the legacy of the Bury - Cologne Exchange, as part of our whole school archive. Thank you.