WHY GIRLS & GDST?

We believe in the importance of putting girls first in an environment where gender stereotypes have no place. We relish being part of the GDST and leading the way in girls’ education.

"With an inspiring head at the helm, expert teaching and a warm, nurturing atmosphere, Sydenham High School is powering ahead at full steam."

Good Schools Guide, 2024

GDST girls possess a spirit of inquiry, collaboration, resilience, and responsibility. Our schools are designed for girls, getting the best from them and supporting their onward journeys. We aim to challenge persisting gender asymmetries, acknowledging the fact that society, and co-ed schools, are not yet gender-equal. We believe wholeheartedly in the benefits of girls-only education, providing a unique environment for girls to thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Please click the button below to read the GDST insights report: Why (and how) girls thrive in girls-only schools.

Key findings include:

Gender Matters: Gender influences how students experience education, with girls facing pressures to conform to stereotypes, especially in co-ed environments.
Space to Thrive: In girls only schools, girls benefit from dedicated learning spaces where their needs and preferences are fully accommodated.
Successful Girls’ Schools: Single-sex schools prioritise girls’ education in all aspects: design, curriculum, teaching, and culture. They aim to subvert stereotypes and empower girls.

Successful Girls’ Schools: Single-sex schools prioritise girls’ education in all aspects: design, curriculum, teaching, and culture. They aim to subvert stereotypes and empower girls.
Benefits of Single-Sex Education: Girls in single-sex schools are less likely to conform to stereotypes, have broader subject choices, are more likely to take risks, perform better academically, have more leadership opportunities, and are more successful in the job market.
Learning Needs: Girls often prefer cooperative, discussion-led learning and respond differently to curriculum content than boys. In co-ed settings, they may adapt their behaviour to their disadvantage.

Focus on the Individual: Single-sex settings allow teachers to better address individual girls’ needs.
Key Ingredients: Successful girls’ schools have a commitment to excellence, purpose-built spaces, open curriculum access, girl-focused teaching, and a supportive culture.
Challenging Stereotypes: GDST schools actively challenge gender stereotypes in areas like sports, subject choices, and career paths. Girls in these schools are more likely to pursue “masculine” subjects.

Leadership and Enrichment: Girls in single-sex schools are more likely to take on leadership roles in extracurricular activities.
Addressing Concerns: The report acknowledges caveats like the influence of socio-economic factors and the need for single-sex education to be more than just separating the sexes. It also discusses the evolving conversation around gender identity and inclusivity within girls’ schools.
Significant Outcomes: The report cites evidence of the positive impact of single-sex education on academic performance, enjoyment of school, reduced bullying, and greater sense of belonging.

Why and how girls thrive in girls-only schools