On Thursday 17 November, Northampton High enjoyed a very special assembly led by Cheryl Giovannoni, in celebration of the GDST’s 150th birthday. Our students listened carefully as they learned more about the history of the GDST and the brave and ambitious women who paved the way in girls’ education.
‘In 1872, the founders of the Girls’ Day School Trust embarked on a mission that would change the course of girls’ education forever. Our very first schools – Kensington Prep and Notting Hill & Ealing High School – were established at a public meeting held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The ambition was to make a first-class education available to as many girls as possible.
These four brave women – Lady Stanley of Alderley, Maria Grey, Mary Gurney and Emily Shirreff – dedicated their lives to making sure that girls were given the same opportunities as their brothers, at a time when opportunities for girls to be educated were scarce and hard won. Their mission has burned bright ever since and is reflected in the ambition and innovation in each of our schools today.
I believe, without any doubt, that in today’s complex, contradictory and pressurised world, girls’ education has never been more important. As we celebrate our 150th birthday and reflect on the noteworthy achievements of the past, we should remember that each one of us is playing our individual part in writing this chapter of the GDST’s history, to be celebrated by girls and women for generations to come.’ – Cheryl Giovannoni, GDST Cheif Executive
