Cheryl Giovannoni, Chief Executive of the GDST commented: “Every year, International Women’s Day provides a powerful reminder of the importance of what we do as educators to help girls learn without limits, so that they can go on to lead lives without limits. This year, to ensure our mission is aligned with what girls need for their future lives, our Girls’ Futures research will be used in shaping further the kind of education that best delivers to meet GDST girls’ needs.

“This research provides clear evidence that girls do genuinely thrive, not just in a girls’ school, but in a GDST school, more than they might do anywhere else. We 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 activities. GDST girls feel more prepared to face their futures, more confident that they can overcome problems, and more able to look after their physical and mental wellbeing – an important reflection of the all-round experience girls have in a GDST school.”