BWS Alumni

Former Bridgewater School pupil Peter Harris has paid tribute to the late English teacher Mr Norman Pakes, whose encouragement helped launch his career in journalism and writing.

Peter went on to spend more than 25 years as Health and Medical Correspondent for the Manchester Evening News, reporting across the UK and overseas. Since retiring, he has published three non-fiction books and two novels, with a new title – The Surrogate Assignment – due later this year.

His first novel, The Filipino Doll, was dedicated:
“To my wife, Wendy, and my late English teacher, Norman Pakes, who encouraged me to write.”

Peter said:
“Had it not been for Norman Pakes I can say with certainty that I would not have had a successful career in journalism and, now, as an author.”

Read more:

The teacher who inspired a lifelong writing career - Bridgewater School Author Peter Harris paid tribute to the late English teacher Mr Norman Pakes, whose encouragement helped shape a distinguished writing career

Former pupil Charlie Gray is going from strength to strength for Manchester City. Wonderful to see.

Who is City's Charlie Gray? Charlie Gray made his senior debut on Wednesday evening, featuring as a sub in City’s Carabao Cup quarter-final game against Brentford at the Etihad.

Rooted in science, grounded in nature - Bridgewater School For 20 years in the Prep Dept, Mr Grant has been nurturing young minds and opening up the world of Science for the next generation of learners. What next in retirement?

We are delighted to share some wonderful news regarding former BWS student, Lyall Rowland, who has just been accepted a place at the prestigious Guildford School of Acting. Out of thousands of applicants, he was one of only 20 to be accepted onto the course.

His parents said: “We are incredibly proud of him and we are also very aware that without the solid foundation, support and encouragement he received at Bridgewater School, this may not have been possible. Please accept our heartfelt thanks.”

✨Incredibly Proud!! ✨
Another top offer has landed and been accepted by the talented Lyall for the prestigious That completes an amazing set of destinations for our wonderful senior members. So excited to see what the future holds. 🔥

Mrs Hilton had the pleasure of watching former BWS student Michael Celino in his first formal gig with his new band ‘The Undecided’, at Bar Four - The Vaults in Bolton, on Saturday 21st Oct. Michael plays the bass guitar in this extremely talented group of young musicians at the very start of their careers, playing a wide variety of genres from Stevie Wonder to Amy Winehouse and The Beatles. Look out for their future events!

Farewell to the Class of 2023 - Bridgewater School Mrs Hilton takes the opportunity to mark the end of the Class of 2023's Bridgewater journey and the accomplishments made along the way.

JCB Business Apprentice Scott Woodford returns to Bridgewater this term as part of a national Early Careers initiative.

JCB apprentice returns to his roots - Bridgewater School Business Apprentice Scott Woodford returns to Bridgewater as part of a national Early Careers initiative by British multinational JCB.

We were delighted to hear of the success of former student Jonathan McCaul, who graduated this summer with a First Class Honours degree in Real Estate Surveying (Planning and Development) from The University of Salford. Congratulations to Jonathan who is now working for the family business and is, at present, project managing a development of 4 houses in Worsley next to St Mark's Church, a stones throw from the school!

After twenty wonderful years being part of our Bridgewater family and supporting so many young people through the most important and transformative years of their lives, this year Head of Sixth Form’s Mrs Minta will say farewell to teaching. As she looks ahead to a well-deserved retirement, we asked her to take a look back at her time in teaching and the memories she has of a career well spent. Read more> https://bit.ly/3ntrkbd

If you would like to leave a comment for Mrs Minta, please do and we will share your messages with her.

A fond farewell to Mrs Minta - Bridgewater School After a lifetime of teaching, Bridgewater School's Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Minta, shares her memories of a career well spent.