Wednesday 8 January 2025
In December 2024, Mr David Marsden stepped down from the Local Governing Body after serving for 40 years. David attended the school himself in the 1950s and was also the parent of a son who attended. He became a Governor in 1974 and Chair of Governors in 1999. More latterly he was Vice Chair. He was Chair of the Finance Committee, with finance, buildings and health and safety being his particular areas of expertise. He also maintained a very keen interest in sport and extra-curricular and continues to be very active as Chair of the WHGS Foundation, which helps to support enrichment activities for current students. He has previously served as a past President of the Old Hulmeians Association (OHA) and is now an Honorary Life Member. He remains an active and positive force within the OHA and is open to a new approach regarding recent alumni.
David was highly instrumental in making the school what it is today having overseen the transformational move from the independent sector to the state sector in 2007, which saw him negotiate a distinctive and secure future for WHGS with the government. He was keen to retain the school’s ethos and commitment to families, providing an academic education that prepares children for the future. David foresaw the need to be part of a Trust (United Learning) and worked closely with United Learning and Manchester City Council over several expansion projects, which saw the school expand from 600 pupils in 2007 to 1600 pupils today.
David’s relentless energy, positivity and enthusiasm for the school has never dimmed and we wish him a very happy retirement.