Stockport Independent Issue 203

15 MAY/JUNE 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 Friday 3 July Find out more at our... Taster Day for Year 5 s TYTHERINGTON School students took to stage for its annual ‘Night at the Globe’ production –bring- ing Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night to life with a vibrant 90s twist. The stage was filled with baggy, brightly coloured cos- tumes, and not a head was without a bucket hat! The soundtrack captured the spirit of the decade, featuring everything from Blur to the Beastie Boys. Audiences were trans- ported to the island of Illy- ria, where twins Viola and Sebastian are separated in a dramatic shipwreck. What followed was a laugh- a-minute journey of mistaken identity, love triangles, clever disguises and playful pranks, all leading towards their joy- ful reunion. Catherine Moore from the school’s drama depart- ment, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure working with students from Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 over the past two months. “Their dedication, energy and enthusiasm have been outstanding. Of all the Shakespeare productions we have staged so far, this was certainly one of the most challenging, with com- plex and sometimes confus- ing language. “But they rose to the occa- sion brilliantly. I am incredi- bly proud of what we achieved together and am already look- ing forward to what next year will bring.” THE King’s School inMac- clesfield has announced that Jason Slack, its cur- rent Head of Foundation, will be retiring at the end of the 2026–2027 aca- demic year. Jason’s tenure started in 2020 and coincided with a period of significant change -combining the move of the 524-year-old school to a new campus, the move to full co-education and an immediate response to the Covid pandemic. In a statement announcing his retirement the school said: “Whilst these early days were characterised by Jason’s calm approach and the provision of stability within a dynamic environment, the last six years have also seen significant pro- gress and development. “Under his leadership, the school has enjoyed improved academic attainment coupled with significant extra-cur- ricular success, reflecting Jason’s commitment to a holis- tic education and the provision of a breadth of opportunity for all pupils. “His work has played a vital role in supporting the Retirement plans: Jason Slack (Photo credit: King’s School) Jason announces his King’s departure Brushing up their Shakespeare! school’s strategic priorities and enhancing prospects for present and future genera- tions of King’s pupils, and truly building upon the won- derful opportunity that mov- ing to a new campus offered all the King’s community.” The statement added: “The school is in a position of strength, having a growing pupil roll, strong educational provision and a Top 10 rank- ing in the North West for aca- demic results. “Governors have every con- fidence that Jason’s successor will be another outstanding leader for the school and will continue to build on the impressive legacy Jason leaves at King’s.” The school governing body’s ‘rigorous process’ of identify- ing and appointing his succes- sor through is now underway. In the meantime, King’s is looking forward to the next 16 months before Jason’s departure, including to the opening of its Forster Sports Pavilion in September and the School’s 525th anniver- sary celebrations. THEMacclesfieldAcademy (TMA) hosted the town’s MP Tim Roca for a day of political engagement and student-led discussion. The visit began with a 30-minute roundtable between the MP and the acad- emy’s incoming and outgoing school captains. He then addressed students from Years 7 to 9, sharing personal insights into his journey in politics and the daily realities of representing a constituency. The floor was then opened for a Q&A session, where stu- dents challenged the MP with probing questions on national policy and local issues. Head Mat Galvin said: “We are incredibly grateful to Tim Roca for taking the time to Engagement: Tim Roca meets students (Photo credit: TMA) Academy students quiz MP visit us on such a busy day. “Our students dealt with the session skilfully, demonstrating critical think- ing and a keen interest in the democratic process.”