To mark the GDST’s 150th anniversary, we commissioned a landmark survey of 5,000 girls in state and independent schools and academies across the UK. Our aim was to understand what matters most to girls today and how they feel about what lies ahead in their futures, in both their personal and professional lives. 

As pioneers and shapers of girls’ education, we are dedicated to delivering  an education that empowers girls to thrive when they leave us, in a world that remains far from equal for women. Understanding girls’ perspectives on the challenges they face is central to helping us achieve that mission. These new insights will inform our work for years to come, as we continue to shape the future of girls’ education: one where girls learn without limits, so they can go on to lead lives without limits. 

150 years from our founding, the research – carried out by leading independent experts, YouthSight-Savanta – reaffirms the impact and relevance of a girls-only education, and in particular a GDST education, today.

Our research found that, in comparison to girls at other schools across the UK, GDST students are more passionate about pursuing leadership positions; more comfortable speaking out and expressing their views; and significantly less likely to feel that being a girl holds them back from participating in subjects at school.

The evidence from the Girls’ Futures Report is compelling and demonstrates that our students leave our schools feeling more prepared to face their future. They have the confidence to take the lead when it comes to pursuing their ambitions and are more able to look after their physical and mental wellbeing – an important reflection of the all-round experience girls have in a GDST environment throughout the school day.

Our girls tell us that they have confidence in their futures and believe they will – and do – go on to lead lives without limits.

Girls across the country have given us clear answers on how they see their futures, how they feel about the world around them and what they need from their education. We are uniquely placed to empower girls, to change the course of history and bring equality for women. As leaders in girls’ education, we advocate for best practices and share our expertise globally – and as educators, we must all come together and examine how schools, in every setting, can better support girls and prepare them for their futures.

At the GDST, we ensure girls have experiences that will help them overcome barriers, open their eyes to opportunities and ensure they have the confidence and belief that they can take on any role when they leave school. Over the coming months and years, the findings from this research will guide how we continue to enhance our offer across the GDST family of schools. From expanding opportunities to build practical skills and gain real-world experience, to supporting girls’ growing desire to drive social change, our focus will remain firmly on what girls need, and how they learn best.

We all want girls, in all schools, to be empowered to embrace the futures they deserve.

We hope that our research will help shape the future for all girls, beyond the walls of GDST schools. True to our public purpose of reaching as many girls as possible, we are committed to sharing these insights to help shape the future for girls everywhere. For these reasons, and to provide universal insight for girls everywhere, our published report does not include responses from GDST girls.