GDST welcomes new Director of Education

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Philip Purvis as the new Director of Education at the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST).

Following a rigorous and competitive recruitment process, Philip brings extensive leadership experience across a wide range of educational settings, including day and boarding schools, single-sex and co-educational environments, and senior, prep, and all-through schools. He has held a variety of leadership positions, including two Deputy Headships, Head of Senior School, Head of Sixth Form, and Interim Head of Educational Partnerships and Projects for the GDST.

A passionate advocate of girls’ education, Philip’s notable achievements include leading a music department to national recognition, overseeing educational quality assurance across the Francis Holland Schools Trust, and designing a GCSE curriculum and staffing model from the ground up at Dulwich Cranbrook.

Within the GDST, Philip has already demonstrated his ability to deliver complex, multi-stakeholder projects. He led the GDST Insights Report and strengthened global partnerships with the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools.

With a strong research background, experience as an ISI inspector and a deep commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, Philip is ideally placed to contribute to the GDST mission of shaping and advancing the future of girls’ education. He will join us in January 2026.