Showcasing the GDST’s global expertise in girls’ education at the House of Lords

GDST brings together leading advocates in girls’ education

The GDST presented its landmark report: Designing the Future of Girls’ Education at the House of Lords before an influential audience that included prominent champions of girls’ education. This event set out a bold and forward-thinking vision, rooted in GDST research and proven best practice, to ensure girls in all academic settings reach their potential.   

Baroness Finlay of Llandaff introduced leading voices in education, business and women’s leadership to the Heads of GDST’s Putney High School, South Hampstead High School and Belvedere Academy, and six inspiring GDST students – our future leaders and changemakers. 

It was a powerful demonstration of the GDST’s commitment to shaping the future of girls’ education – not just within our schools, but across the UK and beyond. 

 

In a world where girls and women face rising hostility, amplified by social media and outdated gender norms, our schools offer a vital alternative: spaces free from stereotyping, where girls are encouraged to be bold, curious, and confident. 

We know the power of a girls-only education. We see it in our classrooms, curriculum and whole-school culture, hear it from our students, and witness it in the achievements of alumnae such as Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller, former Director General of MI5, and Rosemary Coogan, preparing to become the first British woman to walk in space. 

And who better than the students to bring to life precisely why an education designed for girls equips them with the confidence and skills to lead and solve the challenges of our time: 

In the classroom…

“South Hampstead High School prioritises women in the classroom by showing us who we can be and helping us with the tools to become those people.” – Year 10, South Hampstead High School  

“One of the most important skills teachers aim to instil in my school is how to embrace both complexity and failure.”- Year 11, Belvedere Academy 

In the curriculum…

“A curriculum that embraces financial confidence, entrepreneurial spirit and leadership creates an environment where young women can thrive.” – Year 11, Belvedere Academy 

“When I look at the incredible young women around me – in my class, across the GDST and here today – I see a future full of courage, potential and brilliance. That future isn’t just bright. It’s dazzling.” – Year 13, Howell’s School  

A whole-school culture…

“A school with a culture of debate doesn’t just teach students to fight for what they believe – it teaches them to listen, to learn and to compromise.”- Year 13, South Hampstead High School 

An all-girls education brings girls like me to platforms like this and asks, ‘What do you think?’ – Year 13, Howell’s School  

Designing the Future of Girls’ Education

As global experts in girls’ education, the GDST is committed to sharing our insights far beyond our schools and classrooms. Designing the Future of Girls’ Education offers practical toolkits and a clear vision for how schools everywhere can give girls the confidence, skills and resilience they need to thrive in the modern world – in the classroom, curriculum and whole school culture.

The opportunity to share our expertise with influential voices ensures we are one step closer to guaranteeing girls can cement their place as future leaders and changemakers, something the world needs more than ever. We invite educators, parents, and advocates to explore the findings and join us in shaping a future where every girl can thrive.  

Read the GDST Insights Report and Framework