Education Life, compiled by Sophie Ames

Grand Opening Hillcrest Grammar School opened its new preparatory school building. Stockport Metro's Olympic and World Championship swimming finalist, Michael Rock, was chosen to cut the ribbon on the stunning new �1million development. The building features four classrooms for children aged from seven to 11 years, a new ICT and Library suite and a separate nursery for three years-olds.

Sky highAfter raising more than �6,000 for Manchester's Christie Hospital with their fun run through south Manchester, pupils at Withington Girls' School have kept the cause flying high.Sixth formers closed the week of fundraising events with a balloon race. More than 300 bio-degradable balloons were released into the sky with help from Key 103 DJ Mike Toolan. Jane Maher, Withington's head of history, will also donate money she has raised from a 5k Night of Neon run to the charity total.

Kings of musicThree budding students from The King's School, Chester have been chosen to compose a piece for the New Music North West Festival. They have been picked along with nine other students from the region.Seb Fayle,16, of Frodsham, Edward Andrade, 16, of Chester and Selim Ungut, 16, of Guilden Sutton are going to write a piece based on a four note motif penned by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies specifically for the occasion.

Award-winning speech Altrincham's Daniel Callaghan is celebrating after winning the Catenian Association National Public Speaking competition held in Manchester. The A-level student at St Bede's Sixth Form, beat off competition from twelve regional finalists from all over the UK to win the prestigious trophy. Daniel has high political ambitions and has just won a place at Christ Church College in Oxford, which has produced 13 British Prime Ministers.

Vietnam voyageAfter a year of fundraising and preparation, 21 sixth formers from Stockport Grammar School and four members of staff, went on a month long visit to Vietnam. During the trip pupils got involved with a school building project and taught English to local children.After a lot of hard work the students spent the end of their adventure relaxing on a two-day luxury boat tour.

Queen's new recruitThe Queen's School, Chester has announced the appointment of a new headteacher who will take up the post in September.Mrs Sarah Clark MA, currently deputy head at Wellingborough School, Northamptonshire will succeed Catherine Buckley, who will be retiring after nine years' service to the school. Mrs Clark was educated at Queen Mary's High School, Walsall and studied history and classics at Newnham College.

On a rollCheadle Hulme School's Girls' Hockey team have been crowned north west champions in the National Schools' Tournament for the second year running. The girls, who are already Under 18's champions, were delighted to achieve a 4-3 victory to claim their title against Liverpool College. The team, together with joint winners Arnold School, now progress to the North Finals of the national competition.

Pizza perfectThe kitchen was buzzing when children from St. Gregory's Primary School in Bollington were invited to top Italian restaurant Osteria Mauro, in Mottram St. Andrew. Teacher Mrs Gittins took along 32 very eager pupils for Chef Enzo Mauro and his team to teach them how to make the perfect pasta and pizza.Chef Enzo gave a master class in making different pastas before the children helped make Parma ham and mushroom ravioli, which they all devoured along with their pizzas.