About the area

Wright Robinson College is located in Abbey Hey, in the Gorton district of Manchester, famed for its landmark and world renowned Victorian gothic Monastery.

Gorton, like Wright Robinson College, has an arts and sports pedigree. The Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1854 and is an amateur orchestra. The folk comedy group Gorton Tank was based in Gorton and were popular in the Manchester area.

The actor John Thaw, who is perhaps best known for his role as Inspector Morse, was born in West Gorton, as was the painter Michael Gutteridge. The Gorton Morris Men were responsible for reviving the rushcart ceremony in the district.

Manchester City FC was founded as St. Mark's (West Gorton) in 1880 and many of their footballers, such as Billy Meredith and Tommy Johnson lived in the area. Meredith was married at St. Mark's Church and lived on Clowes Street itself for a while. The less notable Abbey Hey F.C. club is also in Gorton and the area is the birthplace of former Manchester United footballer and Wright Robinson alumni, Nicky Butt.