Blackheath High School shares a mission with the GDST, global leaders in girls’ education, to design an education specifically for girls, in an environment in which they can flourish and learn without limits.  From the design of the curriculum and our academic offer, to the range of co-curricular opportunities open to students, to the environment and culture of the school, girls sit at the very heart of every decision we make and every opportunity we create. Every subject here is a girls’ subject. 

In November 2024, the GDST launched the latest in its series of innovative research reports to provide parents and educators with a framework for supporting girls to achieve their ambitions and find their place in a world which is still far from equal. Designing the Future of Girls’ Education brings together rich data on girls’ attitudes, beliefs and hopes for the future, with expert opinion from contributors including Blackheath High’s very own Kristina Lewis, Deputy Head (Academic), and Hannah Morrell, Director of Sport; as well as Edwina Dunn OBE, Founder of The Female Lead, Professor Sarah Smith OBE, Head of Economics at the University of Bristol, and Mary Ann Sieghart, Broadcaster and author of The Authority Gap.  

The report aims to provide practical, applicable expertise to help shape the future of girls’ education, by focusing on three core principles: 

• Classroom – there is a profound need for all those involved in education to address the gap in authority and confidence between boys and girls. Research consistently demonstrates that girls continue to be under-represented in the classroom, and it is incumbent on educators to cultivate a learning environment - co-ed or single-sex -that encourages girls to find their voice and empowers them to use it with conviction 

• Curriculum & Co-Curriculum – educators must deliver a forward-focused curriculum and co-curriculum that removes barriers, breaks stereotypes and develops essential skills for girls. STEM subjects and sports participation areas for focus, and there is also an urgent need to provide girls with the right conditions and opportunities to develop their leadership skills, financial literacy and entrepreneurial ability 

• Culture – the culture created in schools can be used to deliver the best possible outcomes for girls. It is vital to discuss, openly and transparently, the challenges girls will face in their lives and careers; and to find a variety of internal and external role models for girls, with particular emphasis on teachers as role models 

Blackheath High School is a proudly feminist environment, providing an education that is designed for girls. We understand and honour the critical role we play in preparing girls for the real world, and work hard to close gender gaps in areas such as STEM, sports participation and leadership positions in a world still characterised by structural inequality. We are excited to use these new insights to continue supporting girls to discover their passions, find their voices and achieve their full potential. 

Read the full report. 

Visit our own webpage Proud to be part of the GDST.