Stockport Independent Issue 206

13 AUGUST 2026 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk Independent EDUCATION www.kingsmac.co.uk | 01625 260000 The King’s School in Macclesfield Charity No. 1137204 • A Top 10 School in the NorthWest for academic results • One of the UK’s Top Sports Schools • Outstanding wellbeing programme • Small classes and year groups • Unrivalled enrichment & co-curricular programme • Award-winning outdoor learning programme • Large network of school coaches BOOK ONLINE: www.kingsmac.co.uk Sixth Form Open Evening Wednesday 30 September | 6.30 pm Open Day Saturday 10 October | 9 am – 2 pm KING’S Infant & Junior Division has been for- mally recognised as a Harmony School, mark- ing an exciting milestone in the development of its ‘Enquiry Curriculum’. Richard Dunne, CEO of The Harmony Project, visited King’s to officially present staff and pupils with the Har- mony Accreditation Award, to see the pupils’ work and learn more about the implementa- tion of the Harmony Princi- ples at King’s. Over the past year, staff have implemented an ambi- tious curriculum that places curiosity, creativity and mean- ingful learning at its heart. Rooted in the Harmony Principles of oneness, diver- sity, adaptation, health, cycles and interdependence, the Enquiry Curriculum encour- ages pupils to ask thoughtful questions, make connections across subjects and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. From Early Years through to Year 6, pupils have embraced opportunities to investigate, collaborate, create and reflect. Whether exploring the natural world, considering sustainability, or studying local and global communities, learning has been purposeful, engaging and linked with real- world experiences. RichardDunne formally pre- sented the Harmony Accredi- tation certificate to staff and pupils, visited classrooms, seeing first-hand the breadth and quality of learning taking place across the school. Pupils confidently shared their books, explained their thinking and proudly showcased the work they had produced, beautifully demonstrating how the Har- mony Principles are woven throughout the curriculum. Richard described the pupils’ work as being “alive”, and full of vitality. He described King’s as a pioneer- ing school and discussed how it could be a role model and partner with other schools interested in starting on a similar journey. Mrs Cookson, Principal of King’s Infant & Junior Division, said: “Embracing of the Harmony Principles has extended far beyond the class- rooms at King’s. It has been supported by every part of the KING’S School, Maccles- field will be throwing open its doors on October 10 for all prospective families. All three Divisions – Infants & Juniors, Seniors and Sixth Form – will be open. Pupils will act as expert tour guides. This event allows you to: Tour our 80-acre campus and see our extensive teaching, learning and sporting facili- ties; talk with the Head and Principals; view departments and classrooms; talk to the teaching staff, pastoral team and Senior Leadership Team; see some of the sporting activ- ities taking place; meet pupils; enjoy music, entertainment and refreshments; discuss entry procedures with the Admissions team. A MACCLESFIELD head- teacher has been appointed to one of the top educational positions in the country. Tytherington School has announced that headteacher Manny Botwe will serve as act- ingpresidentoftheAssociation of School and College Leaders (ASCL) fromSeptember 2026. Mr Botwe, who previously served as ASCL President dur- ing 2024/25, has been asked by ASCL executive to return to the presidential role for the forthcoming academic year to provide leadership and conti- nuity for the association. In the association’s 150-year history, this is only the second time that a former president has returned to serve in this capacity, making it an ‘excep- tionally rare’appointment. Mr Botwe said: “It is a real privilege to once again serve ASCL and represent school and college leaders across the country. I was pleased to be able to step forward and sup- port the association, and I look forward to working closely with the general secretary, the presidential team and col- leagues across the profession to ensure that school and col- legeleaderscontinuetohavea strong and constructive voice.” As acting president, Mr Botwe will once again rep- resent members nationally, working closely with govern- ment ministers, Ofsted and other key education organ- isations to influence policy and champion the interests of schools, colleges and the young people they serve. King’s Open Day for prospective families Headteacher lands top role King’s celebrate their award (Image: Supplied) Everyone is in Harmony school, including the Estates team, IT department and catering partners, Holroyd Howe, who have all played an important role, sharing things like data on food waste and power generated by the school’s solar panels, and working alongside pupils to deepen their understanding of sustainability. These authen- tic experiences have helped make learning particularly relevant and meaningful.”