New Collaborations Strengthen CHS Accessibility

In a bid to enhance accessibility and inclusivity at CHS, the School has taken significant strides through a series of innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships geared towards reinforcing our commitment to providing transformative education experiences.

Partnerships with local state primary schools such as Adswood, Cale Green, Cheadle Heath, Lum Head, and Thorngrove have continued to progress. Starting in September 2023, CHS has been actively involved in providing curricular and co-curricular support in Science, Music, Modern Languages, Drama, and Sport within these partner schools. Noteworthy initiatives include engaging science workshops in collaboration with state school teaching teams, benefiting 10 teachers and 240 pupils aged 9-11. 

Additionally, a Covid Catch Up Swimming Program to re-address the learning gap as a result of the pandemic ensured 80% of Year 6 swimmers now meet statutory swimming requirements and 100% experienced a boost in confidence. The collaborative efforts also now extend to secondary schools, with the introduction of a Big Sister Mentoring Programme in partnership with the Co-op North Manchester Academy, as well as a transformative collaboration with Roots and St Peters RC High School in Gorton, fostering unity, understanding, and confidence among students from different backgrounds. 

The ongoing partnership with the Royal National Springboard Foundation has seen the identification of two exceptional pupils set to join Year 7 on transformational bursaries. The School works closely with Springboard and the local authorities to ensure the pupils will benefit from additional support by CHS's dedicated pastoral team to ensure a seamless transition into the school community.

Expanding further, CHS has created and strengthened new partnerships with Stockport County, Stockport Young Carers, and TedX Manchester. TedX Manchester speaker, arts professional and presenter of BBC1 ‘Life after Suicide’, Angela Samata, recently visited CHS to deliver the latest ‘Beyond CHS’ lecture for Year 13 students. 

These partnerships represent an ambitious effort to position CHS as a compelling option for families who may not have previously considered it viable due to financial constraints. They reflect the School's commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity that transcends financial backgrounds and maintaining accessibility to the Bursary Programme, in particular the ambition to provide a broad range of means-tested financial support.

Head Pupil for the Class of 2023 and former Bursary recipient Alyssa said, “The Bursary Scheme allowed me to access an outstanding education and be in an environment which nurtures academic potential. I hope to be able to give back to this brilliant initiative in the future and that my journey inspires many more to support and believe in the potential of young people of all backgrounds.” Read about her journey to Cambridge University here. 

These initiatives mark a pivotal moment for CHS as the School continues to evolve and adapt to external challenges, ensuring that our green door remains open to talented individuals from all walks of life.