One of Manchester’s longest-established schools is marking a significant milestone this year, as St Bede’s College celebrates 150 years at the heart of the city.

Founded in 1876 on the site of the former Manchester Aquarium, St Bede’s has been part of Manchester’s educational landscape for a century and a half. For generations of families, becoming a “Bedian” has meant more than attending a school. It has meant belonging to a community shaped by faith, service and a deep sense of responsibility to others.

The 150th anniversary was celebrated on Wednesday 7th January, with a full day of celebrations bringing the entire school community together. The programme includes a whole-school Mass, birthday cake for every pupil, and activities reflecting on the College’s past, present and future.

While the anniversary celebrates history, the year ahead is firmly focused on giving back. As part of the 150th celebrations, St Bede’s has committed to a year-long programme of charitable fundraising and community support, with pupils, staff and families supporting charities across Greater Manchester.

Throughout the anniversary year, the College will raise funds and awareness for organisations supporting some of the city’s most vulnerable people, including food banks, homelessness services, mental health support and hospices. Supported charities include:

• October: Caritas Cornerstone Foodbank, Hulme

• December: Francis House Children’s Hospice, Didsbury

• February: Caritas Morning Star Homelessness Service, Manchester

• March: Willow Wood Hospice, Ashton-under-Lyne

• April / May: The Nightingale Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital

• June: Caritas Mental Health and Wellbeing Services, Hulme

Many of the school’s original buildings remain in daily use, and archive photographs show pupils standing in spaces that today’s students still pass through every day.

Over 150 years, St Bede’s has educated thousands of pupils who have gone on to shape sport, broadcasting and public life at the highest level. Former pupils include England and Manchester City footballer Phil Foden, England Lionesses Georgina Stanway and Keira Walsh, BBC journalist Nina Warhurst, broadcaster Cel Spellman and television presenter Terry Christian.

Maria Kemp, Head Teacher at St Bede’s College, said:

“Reaching 150 years is an extraordinary moment, not just in the life of a school but in the life of a city. St Bede’s has always been about more than academic success. It’s about forming young people with strong values, a sense of purpose, and a responsibility to serve others. That is what it means to be a Bedian.

Throughout our history, generations of pupils have carried those values with them into the wider world, and during our anniversary year we want to honour that legacy in a very practical way. While we celebrate our past, we are equally focused on giving back to Manchester, supporting charities that serve some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

This year is about gratitude, generosity and belonging. We are proud of our pupils today, deeply thankful to the generations who came before us, and excited to welcome former Bedians back to the College to celebrate what connects us across 150 years.”

As part of the anniversary year, St Bede’s is inviting former pupils from across Greater Manchester and beyond to reconnect, share memories and take part in events throughout the year, celebrating what it means to be a Bedian across generations.

To get involved go to: www.sbcm.co.uk/alumni.co.uk/