Alumni Stories
Where are they now? Find out more about your Old Stopfordian community here.
Professor Tim Thornton
OS 1986
Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Huddersfield, Fellow of the Royal Historical Society & The Higher Education Academy, General Editor of the Chetham Society & Historical Consultant for BBC2's 'Lucy Worsley Investigates'
Clare Francis
OS 1994
Savings & Investments Director at Barclays, Board Trustee for the Money & Mental Health Policy Institute and Financial Journalist.
Lord President John Bradshaw
OS 1618
President of the High Court of Justice for the trial of King Charles I, President of the Council of State of the Commonwealth, English Judge
Professor Vikas Shah MBE DL
OS 1999
Vikas is the Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, CEO of the Swiscot Group and is recognised as a leading business professor, entrepreneur, adviser, philanthropist and author.
Dr. Jessica Piasecki née Coulson, PhD
OS 2008
Jessica is a British Olympic Athlete, the second fastest female marathon runner in British marathon history, top British women's marathon runner for the 2022 season and a lecturer in exercise physiology. Jessica represented Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Marianne Elliott OBE
OS 1985
Marianne is a multi-award winning Theatre Director and co-owner of Elliott & Harper Productions, known for the Broadway productions of War Horse and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
Dr Alex Kumar, MD
OS 2001
Alex is a global health physician, expedition doctor, scientific researcher, photographer and public engagement specialist.
Professor Sir Anthony Cheetham FRS
OS 1965
Distinguished Research Fellow for the University of Cambridge and former Goldsmiths' Professor of Materials Science, Vice-President & Treasurer of the Royal Society.
Sarah Carroll
OS 1983
Sarah is the Managing Director of Global Multinationals for Corporate Banking Division at MUFG and is recognised as a Financial Times top 50 Champion of Women in Business.
Geoff Downes
OS 1971
Geoff is a multi-talented keyboardist, music producer and songwriter and a member of Yes!, Asia and The Buggles.
Sir Frederic Celland Williams CBE, FRS
OS 1929
Sir Frederic was an engineer and a pioneer in radar and computer technology. He built the first electronic digital computer, known as the Manchester Baby.
Sophie Skelton
OS 2012
Sophie is a British Actor known for playing the lead female roles in productions including Blackbird, Day of the Dead and Outlander which was nominated for a clutch of Golden Globes, BAFTAs and Emmy Awards.
John Amaechi OBE
OS 1989
John is a leading psychologist, organisational consultant and high-performance executive coach. He is a New York Times best-selling author and a former NBA basketball player.
Peter Boardman
OS 1968
Peter Boardman was a British mountaineer and author known for a series of expeditions to the Himalayas and for his contribution to mountain literature.
Richard Kirby
OS 1977
Richard is a BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning wildlife cameraman credited on a wide-range of productions. He has spent over 25 years of his career working alongside Sir David Attenborough.
Professor John Stewart
OS 1947
Former Professor & Director of Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV) at the University of Birmingham and Former Local Government Finance Board Member.
Di Dougherty née Stewart
OS 1997
Di is a television presenter, reporter, corporate events host, MC and presenter for Sky Sports.
Anil Ruia Esq OBE JP DL
OS 1974
Anil is a Director at Botraco Limited, Chairman of Warren Tea Limited India & former Chair of the Governing Body of the University of Manchester.