Girls' Schools Association

🏆 GSA’s Woman of the Week - 150th Celebration Edition 🏆 This week, we're celebrating Cornelia Connelly, the inspirational founder of the Cavendish school and many others! Born in Philadelphia in 1809, Cornelia's life was nothing short of eventful and deeply impactful. Her journey began with her marriage to an Episcopal priest, who later converted to Catholicism and persuaded her to do the same and they travelled across Europe and America together. But their paths diverged when her husband became a Catholic priest, taking a vow of celibacy. Despite having children together, Cornelia bravely embraced a new chapter of her life by becoming a nun. Invited to England, Cornelia was tasked with educating Catholic girls and the poor. Despite the heartbreak of losing custody of her three children to her husband — as was practice in the UK at the time — she remained resilient. With a 'broken heart' over her loss, she founded the Society of the Holy Child, dedicating her life to the education of women and girls. Cornelia's approach was revolutionary for her time. She rejected rote learning and instead championed a child-centred approach, aiming to 'meet the wants of the age' by addressing the real needs of those she taught. Her Book of Studies remains relevant today, promoting mastery and independence from the earliest stages of education. Today, the Society she founded has schools in 14 countries worldwide. While these schools are diverse, they all stay true to Cornelia's principles, putting the child front and centre. Cornelia Connelly's legacy continues to inspire educators and students around the globe. 💫

With the summer holidays drawing to a close, we’ve had a sneak peek, along with Muddy Stilettos at what some impressive GSA girls have been up to. They’ve had amazing experiences to inspire everyone next year. ➡ ➡ ➡ 🎶 Polly from King's High School, Warwick tried her hand at a conductor summer school 🚣♀️ Savanna from Oxford High School GDST headed out on the river at Oxford Boat Club Adventure 📚 Lauren from Blackheath High School GDST was lucky enough to do work experience at Jane Austen’s old house, now a museum at Chawton in Hampshire 🥋 Janelle from St Anne's in Enfield competed internationally at karate 🦘 Alesha from St Swithun's School took off across the world, participating in an exchange programme with a school in Sydney, Australia Donna Stevens Rachel Donati Mandy Lam Alex Hutchinson

With the summer holidays drawing to a close, we’ve had a sneak peek, along with Muddy Stilettos, at what some impressive GSA girls have been up to. They’ve had amazing experiences to inspire everyone next year. ➡ ➡ ➡ 🎶 Polly from King's High School, Warwick tried her hand at a conductor summer school 🚣♀️ Savanna from Oxford High School GDST prep headed out on the river at Oxford Boat Club Adventure 📚 Lauren from Blackheath High School GDST was lucky enough to do work experience at Jane Austen’s old house, now a museum at Chawton in Hampshire 🥋 Janelle from St Annes in Enfield competed internationally at karate 🦘 Alesha from St Swithun's School took off across the world, participating in an exchange programme with a school in Sydney, Australia Donna Stevens Rachel Donati Mandy Lam Jannette Davison

🤔 What does it mean to be a girl and how can we embrace and negotiate our unique role in the world? We love these powerful thoughts shared by Alex Hutchinson, Head of James Allen's Girls' School and GSA’s President this academic year.

Following last Thursday’s excellent A Level results, we are delighted that our Upper Fifth (Year 11) secured a fantastic set of GCSE results today. With 64% of GCSEs sat being awarded grades 9 to 7 (A*/A) across all areas of the curriculum from STEM, to Humanities and Arts alike, there is much to celebrate for each of our pupils.  More than a third of the year group achieved 8 or more 9-7 (A*/A grades), with a quarter of the cohort achieving 9 or more grades 9-7 (A*/A grades). This demonstrates the outstanding individual talent, focus and determination of the pupils at Sherborne Girls who juggle their academic studies with a breadth of co-curricular activities where representation at national level is also seen. Whilst we are proud of the success of each of our pupils, particular mention goes to the following, who each secured top grades in all of their subjects: Sophia (12), Elle (11), Sophie (11), Imogen (10), Betsy (10), Daisy (10), Rosanna (9), Tahlia (9).  Commenting on the results, Head, Dr Ruth Sullivan said, “As the GCSE results return to their pre-pandemic levels, I am thrilled for this cohort of pupils who worked with grit and determination to secure grades of which they should be incredibly proud. With many of them also holding a Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, top grades and diplomas in music and representing county and national level sport, they have so much to celebrate. Thank you to the staff and their parents for their invaluable support and guidance over the last two years. I would also like to congratulate the pupils at our brother school, Sherborne School who have also secured some excellent examination grades.”  As this cohort consider all they have achieved through their GCSEs we hope they are excited to build upon this excellent foundation in September as they commence their A Level journey, immersing themselves in the academic challenge of this programme and with the opportunities offered through our unique partnership with Sherborne School. 

🎉 A massive congratulations to all our amazing students on their GCSE results and all the brilliant families, friends and teachers who have been supporting them along the way! Here's to celebrating your achievements and looking forward to an exciting future - we can’t wait to see what you do next! 🌟 Go Girls! 💪 📸 iuliastation on IG

✨ This wonderful life lesson was shared by Sue Hincks, former President of GSA, as part of our ‘Triumph like a Girl’ anthology. Donna Stevens Rachel Donati Jannette Davison Mandy Lam

💪 Why we should always say ‘yes’. We loved this powerful thought shared by Rosane Musgrave, former Head of Blackheath High School GDST from our anthology ‘Triumph like a Girl’ a wonderful part of our 150th celebrations. Donna Stevens Rachel Donati Imogen Vanderpump Jannette Davison Mandy Lam

Congratulations to the class of 2024 on a fantastic set of A Level Results! Our creative students shone particularly bright, with 100% of A*-B grades earned in Textiles and Art and the same going for English Literature and PE! Overall, 50% of grades were A*-B, and almost 75% were A*-C, with over a third of students going on to study STEM related subjects. As well as prestigious Russell Group Universities, students will also be heading to a range of unique and exciting university destinations. Principal Sylvia Brett praised the students, stating,  "Our students' exceptional A-Level results this year are a testament not only to their hard work and determination but also to the unwavering dedication and support of our outstanding teachers. At Harrogate Ladies’ College, we take immense pride in knowing each of our pupils as individuals, nurturing their unique strengths and encouraging them to embrace their true selves. Just as their parents do, we recognise their potential and guide them to be the best they can be. Our school's consistent track record of success reflects our commitment to preparing our students to step confidently into the world, knowing that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to”. A massive thank you to our amazing teaching staff who have worked very hard to support our sixth form pupils over the last 2 years and got them to where they are now! #harrogateladiescollege #independentgirlsschool #alevelresultsday2024 #alevelresultsday

We are so proud of our Year 13 girls, who collected their A-Level results today. Half of the cohort has gained places at the most competitive and academically demanding universities: 🎓Durham 🎓Exeter 🎓Bristol 🎓UCL 🎓Bath 🎓Warwick #ALevelResultsDay #ALevels #UKBoarding #UKBoardingSchools