Hulme Grammar School pupils shine at national chemistry final

Four talented young scientists from Hulme Grammar School showcased their exceptional chemistry skills at the national finals of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s prestigious ‘Top of the Bench’ competition.

Having secured victory at the regional heat hosted by Liverpool University, the team earned their place among the best young chemists in the country for the highly-anticipated event in Cardiff.

Oliver (Year 9), Freddie (Year 9), Harry (Year 10), and Azlan (Year 11) embarked on their journey to Cardiff on Friday evening, ready to take on the challenge at Cardiff University’s state-of-the-art Centre for Student Life the following day.

The competition tested their theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory skills under intense conditions.

The day began with a rigorous written exam focused on the chemistry of air, where the team demonstrated their deep understanding of the subject.

Their enthusiasm and teamwork were evident throughout the event, lighting up the room with their energy and positive attitude.

Following a short lunch break, the real challenge awaited in the laboratory: a two-hour practical task requiring extreme precision.

The students had to determine the precise conditions needed to make the famous ‘blue bottle experiment’ change colour at exact time intervals of 50, 100, and 200 seconds.

Despite their impressive performance, the team narrowly missed out on a podium finish.

However, Dr Millington, who accompanied the students, expressed immense pride in their dedication, resilience, and exceptional display of scientific talent.

“The boys were brilliant and incredibly positive throughout the day. They represented Hulme with great spirit, and it was inspiring to see their passion for chemistry in action,” he said.

Returning to Manchester late on Saturday night, the students brought back not only an unforgettable experience but also a testament to the excellence in science that Hulme Grammar School continues to foster.

The school extended its congratulations to Winchester College, who were crowned the overall winners for 2025.

Hulme Grammar School has a long history of producing outstanding scientists, including Professor Brian Cox, the well-known physicist and science communicator who has inspired millions with his work in astrophysics, Dame Mary Susan Bailey, an eminent medical scientist known for her contributions to public health research, Dr. Chris Wareing, an expert in fluid dynamics and computational modelling, and Dr. Darren Kilroy, a distinguished figure in emergency medicine.

Their achievements serve as an inspiration to the next generation of scientists emerging from Hulme.

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