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 (58)
Benenden School, founded in 1923, is an all-girls boarding school situated in 250 acres of parkland in Kent, a rural setting. It accommodates approximately 550-560 girls aged 11-18, with a limited number of day places. The school claims to focus on a 'Complete Education', aiming to shape future generations of successful, visionary women, and fostering values such as confidence, compassion, courage, and courtesy.
Berkhamsted Prep is a co-educational independent day preparatory school for pupils aged 7-11, situated in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. Operating within an urban setting, the school claims to focus on a child-centred approach, aiming to foster curiosity, motivation, and a thirst for learning. The curriculum is stated to develop life skills, critical thinking, and fluency in technology and creative arts, incorporating a metacognitive approach. The school also highlights a supportive community environment.
Blackheath High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 3-18, located in Blackheath, southeast London. Situated across two sites, with a Junior School in Blackheath Village and a Senior School bordering Greenwich Park, the school benefits from a village atmosphere alongside urban amenities and extensive heathland. As part of the Girls' Day School Trust, the school claims to focus on delivering an inspiring education tailored for girls, fostering confidence, individuality, and leadership. It was rated 'excellent in all areas' in its 2022 ISI inspection and has seen significant investment in state-of-the-art facilities.
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.
Bromley High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, situated on a leafy 25-acre site in Bickley, within the London Borough of Bromley. The school, part of the Girls' Day School Trust, has an exemplary reputation for academic results, sport, and music. It was awarded 'excellent' in all areas following an ISI Inspection. The school claims to focus on academic excellence, personal growth, and empowering young women, fostering social responsibility and well-being. It is also noted as the first all-girls' All-Steinway School in the world.
Burgess Hill Girls is an independent day and boarding school situated in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, for girls aged 2.5 to 18 years, with boys accepted in the nursery. The school is located on a 14-acre campus within a conservation area, near the town centre and accessible by rail and road links. Awarded an "Excellent" rating by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, the school claims to focus on fostering confidence, resilience, and creativity. Its motto is "I am, I can, I should, I will."
Bute House Preparatory School for Girls is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 11, situated in Brook Green, Hammersmith, London. Established in 1958, the school claims to focus on fostering curiosity, independence, and character development through its "Learning Powers" within a non-competitive academic environment. It offers specialist teaching spaces, including a Wilderness Garden, and sports facilities like a swimming pool and various pitches. The urban campus has historically featured a central copper beech tree.
Channing School is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, located in Highgate, North London. Founded in 1885, it is the UK's only Unitarian school, claiming to uphold principles of free thinking, acceptance, and inclusivity. The school's grounds feature natural wooded areas and utilize off-site facilities for sports. In 2015, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) awarded Channing School the highest possible judgements across all inspected categories.
City of London School For Girls is an independent day school for girls aged 11-18, established in 1894. Situated adjacent to the Barbican Centre in the City of London, it operates within a Grade II listed building in an urban setting. The school claims to foster inspirational learning, intellectual excitement, and a culture of self-reflection, guided by values of respect, responsibility, and resourcefulness. It provides an extensive range of facilities, including a swimming pool and drama studio, and maintains strong links with the Barbican Arts Centre. The school emphasizes its commitment to bursary provision for a diverse student body.
Cobham Hall is an independent co-educational day and boarding school situated in Cobham, Kent, for pupils aged 11 to 19. The school is housed in a historic Grade I listed 16th-century manor house, set within 150 acres of Grade II-listed parkland. The school claims to nurture potential through the Round Square IDEALS, focusing on internationalism, democracy, environmentalism, adventure, leadership, and service. Its motto states, "There's more in you than you think."
Croydon High School GDST is an independent day school for girls, established in 1874, and part of the Girls' Day School Trust network. Situated in the leafy suburb of Selsdon, South Croydon, Surrey, the school occupies extensive grounds that include a Forest School area and sports facilities. Catering to girls aged 3 to 18, the school claims to focus on an "Every girl, every day" mantra, aiming to develop confident, engaged, compassionate, and ambitious young women. Its ethos encompasses values of Empowerment, Aspiration, Kindness, and Pride.
Dunottar School is a co-educational independent day school for students aged 11 to 18, founded in 1926. Situated in Reigate, Surrey, the school occupies 15 acres of woodland and grounds, featuring a Palladian Mansion. The school claims to focus on an ethos of "bringing out the best in every pupil" and emphasizing "Warrior Learning" behaviours such as aspiration, creativity, and collaboration. Pastoral care is central to its approach. Facilities include a 25m indoor swimming pool, sports hall, outdoor classroom, and a performing arts centre.