Hale Independent Issue 184

17 OCTOBER 2025 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk A DETERMINED team of six inspirational pupils from Beech Hall School have made waves by completing a remarkable relay swim across the Eng- lish Channel. The young swimmers set- ting a new record time for the Tytherington-based school’s crossing challenge of 11 hours and 32 minutes. The challenge, one of the Making a real splash! Ready: The team gets ready for its challenge (Photo credit: Beech Hall) most demanding feats in open-water swimming, began under the cover of darkness just after midnight as the young swimmers set off from Dover. Battling a spring tide, treacherous conditions and encounters with jellyfish, the resilient team pushed through mile after mile of unpredicta- ble waters to reach the shores of France – an achievement that showcases both their resilience and teamwork. Covering the vast 21-mile crossing, the pupils drew on months of intensive training and open-water experience, with their record-breaking effort highlighting their ded- ication and commitment. Beech Hall School’s spir- ited swimmers, aptly named the Mencap Marvels, once again rose to the test in aid of Mencap, a leading charity supporting those living with learning disabilities, raising over £17,000 and counting. James Allen, headmaster of the independent school, said: “This is a truly remark- able accomplishment. For many months, our pupils have committed themselves wholeheartedly to this chal- lenge – training tirelessly and braving many open-wa- ter swimming sessions across the country. “Their resilience, courage and mental strength have shone through at every stage. They have showcased true grit, dedication and unity in conquering this feat, and I could not be prouder of them.” Swim star: Teammember Ed Heyworth • Top performing school at GCSE & A-Level • Scholarships & bursaries available • State-of-the-art campus • Wide enrichment offer • New bus routes from Buxton, Hale & Altrincham www.kingsmac.co.uk | 01625 260000 The King’s School in Macclesfield Charity No. 1137204 ‘BEST EVER ’ A LEVEL RESULTS 2025 Sixth Form Options Evening Entrance Examinations Thursday 13 November | 6 pm Friday 16 January 2026 To register go to: www.kingsmac.co.uk Find out more at our... Independent EDUCATION THE languages depart- ment at Macclesfield’s King’s School is celebrat- ing Year 13 student Kieran Schwartz’s success. Kieran, who is studying A-Levels in Spanish, Ger- man and English Literature has received a prestigious translation award as part of a national competition run by the University of Oxford. He was awarded a Com- mendation for Spanish by the Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators, out of a total 22,000 students that applied. The top 5,000 entries went on to be judged by lit- erary translators and mod- ern languages students at the university. In a letter to King’s, Dr Charlotte Ryland of The Queen’s College, University of Oxford, said: “Commended entries show an impressive balance of accuracy and creativity, and this year our judges remarked on the extremely high standard… your student and whole lan- guages department should be extremely proud.” Award: Keiran Schwartz (Photo credit: King’s School) The language of success The competition involved Kieran translating a Span- ish comprehensive text into English, demonstrating his in-depth language skills and grammar. Kieran said: “I’m pleased I entered the competition and to have been recognised for my language skills, as I’d like to further my language stud- ies at university and use in my career.”