The GSA acts as the professional association for the Heads of leading independent girls' schools in the United Kingdom. A constituent member of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), the organization advocates for the specific benefits of single-sex education, aiming to empower young women to become confident leaders. Beyond advocacy, it provides professional development for teachers, promotes high academic standards, and serves as a representative voice for the girls' school sector in media and government policy discussions.
GSA Member Schools (84)
Blackheath High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18, situated on the edge of the Heath in South East London. Founded in 1880 as the first purpose-built school of the Girls’ Day School Trust, it was officially opened by Princess Louise. The school operates across two sites: the Junior School in Blackheath Village and the Senior School at Vanbrugh Park. Facilities include an £18 million campus redevelopment with a state-of-the-art library, fitness suite, and an extensive sports campus at Kidbrooke Grove.
Kensington Prep School GDST is an independent day school in Fulham for girls aged 4 to 11. Established in 1873 as the first school of the Girls' Day School Trust, it relocated to its current site in 1997. The school emphasises a "Growing Great Minds" ethos, prioritising curiosity, creativity, and holistic development. Notable facilities include the "Explore Floor" for immersive learning and a playground spanning over an acre with on-site netball and tennis courts. Alumnae include the suffragette Emily Wilding Davison and former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
Croydon High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18, situated on a 20-acre site in Selsdon, South Croydon. Established in 1874, it was one of the earliest schools founded by the Girls’ Day School Trust. The campus features extensive green space and facilities such as a 25-metre swimming pool, a sports hall, and a dedicated sixth form centre. The school provides a broad curriculum designed to encourage independence and leadership, supported by a wide range of extracurricular clubs and activities.
Putney High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, situated on a leafy campus in southwest London. Founded in 1893, the school is a prominent member of the Girls' Day School Trust and emphasises an ethos of 'modern scholarship'. The site on Putney Hill combines original Victorian architecture with contemporary sustainable developments, such as the Athena Centre for science and drama and pioneering biophilic classrooms. The school fosters intellectual curiosity and real-world agility, offering a broad curriculum and extensive extracurricular opportunities within reach of the River Thames.
Streatham & Clapham High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18, situated across two sites in South London. Founded in 1887 and a member of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the school features a Prep School in a Victorian building and a Senior School bordering Tooting Common. Notable architecture includes 1930s modernist structures and a contemporary Sixth Form wing. Specialist facilities include a recital hall, art suites, and a floodlit all-weather pitch. Guided by the motto "Towards wisdom unafraid," the school balances academic breadth with a wide-ranging co-curricular programme.
The Royal Masonic School for Girls is an independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 18, set within 315 acres of parkland in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. Founded in 1788 to provide for the daughters of Freemasons, the school relocated to its present site in 1934. The campus features a blend of historic architecture and modern facilities, including a planetarium, a dedicated performing arts centre, and extensive sports grounds. The school focuses on nurturing individual talent and potential, offering a broad curriculum alongside a diverse range of extracurricular activities.
Northwood College for Girls GDST is an independent day school for pupils aged 3 to 18, located in Northwood, Greater London. Founded in 1878 and a member of the Girls’ Day School Trust since 2014, the school moved to its current site in 1892. Facilities include a performing arts centre with a recital hall, a sports hall with an indoor swimming pool, and specialist studios for dance and art. The school’s ethos focuses on character development and intellectual curiosity, aiming to nurture confident individuals within a supportive community.
St Mary’s School Colchester is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 16, which also includes a co-educational Kindergarten for children aged 2 to 4. The school is structured across three stages: the Kindergarten, Lower School, and Senior School. It focuses on providing a tailored education designed to build confidence, support personal development, and encourage academic achievement. Extracurricular activities and enrichment opportunities form a key part of the school's holistic educational model. Notable facilities include 'The Turrets', a Grade II listed Gothic Revival building located on the senior school site.
St Catherine's Preparatory School Bramley is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 11, situated on a 25-acre campus in the Surrey Hills. Founded in 1885, the school provides a Church of England education that focuses on the personal and intellectual development of its pupils. The grounds feature a Grade II listed school house and a Victorian chapel with Kempe stained glass windows. Specialised facilities include the WonderLab science centre and Soundscape music suite, alongside extensive outdoor learning spaces such as a cottage garden and woodland areas.
Notre Dame Senior School is an independent Catholic day school for girls aged 11 to 18, set within 26 acres of parkland in Cobham, Surrey. The school occupies Burwood House, a Grade II listed 18th-century manor house once owned by the Earl of Ellesmere. Founded by the Company of Mary Our Lady, it follows the educational philosophy of Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac. Facilities include a 370-seat professional-standard theatre, a heated indoor swimming pool, and an Innovation Hub for STEM studies. The curriculum is complemented by a diverse range of extracurricular activities in music, drama, and competitive sport.
Situated in the heart of Brighton, Brighton Girls GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18. Part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the school was founded in 1876 and claims to focus on the joy of learning, instilling curiosity, adventure, and independence. The main campus at Montpelier Road features the historic Temple building. Facilities include a sports hall, gym, dance studio, and an Astroturf pitch. The school provides an all-through education, comprising a prep school, senior school, and sixth form within a vibrant urban setting.
Situated in a coastal setting in Brighton, East Sussex, Roedean School is an independent day and boarding school for girls. Established in 1885 by the Lawrence sisters, the school claims to provide a thorough physical, intellectual, and moral education. The campus occupies a site overlooking the English Channel. Its ethos focuses on academic excellence, personal independence, and a broad co-curricular programme including sport, culture, and the arts. The school aims to provide a high-quality, all-round education within a supportive community, utilising its expansive grounds for diverse activities.