The Girls’ Schools Association Welcomes Lindsey Hughes as GSA President

The Girls’ Schools Association welcomes Mrs Lindsey Hughes as its new President.

Mrs Hughes begins her first term with a rallying call for courage, compassion, and bold leadership in girls’ education. She steps into the role at a time of both challenge and opportunity, and set out her vision for the year ahead at the GSA Summer Briefing, this June, underlining the transformative power of all-girls education in developing confident, resilient young women.

Mrs Hughes says: “Our girls need to be brave, and they need to be willing to show leadership in their own spheres, whatever that may be, because the world is not yet equal. The truth is simple and sobering: the world needs fearless young women. It needs their ambition, their energy, their anger at injustice, their hope for a better planet. It needs their curiosity to ask better questions – not just “What is?” but “What could be?”.

As leaders of girls’ schools, we must continue to support one another and lead with the courage we want to see in our girls. ”

Over a dynamic year, she will urge educational leaders to inspire girls to develop an understanding of their own strengths and the ability to celebrate them and to practice self-compassion so that they can become the fearless young women the world needs. Lindsey will work closely with GSA member schools, teachers, other stakeholders, and girls themselves to champion educational spaces where girls can thrive free from stereotype and expectation, and instead grow into leaders.

As GSA President, Mrs Hughes will continue to build on the legacy of others to champion the role of all-girls schools in nurturing leadership, self-belief, and resilience. She also acknowledges the complex landscape that school leaders are currently navigating, from funding challenges to workforce pressures, and reaffirms the GSA’s commitment to supporting leadership in girls’ schools. She is steadfast in her belief that girls-only schools are uniquely able to equip young women for life in the modern world; honouring who they are, as they are, and empowering them to choose the lives they want to live.

As GSA President and Headmistress at Channing School, Lindsey brings both a deep understanding and commitment to the collective mission of the GSA community. In her school she has led a substantial curriculum review and spearheaded a thriving education partnership with local charity Highgate Newtown Community Partners. Mrs Hughes started her career in state education before moving to independent education, and was previously Deputy Head at Lady Eleanor Holles School and Director of Students at St Helen and St Katharine.

Donna Stevens, The Girls’ Schools Association chief executive, welcomes Mrs Hughes: “Lindsey brings a deep commitment, and dynamism, to the Association with a clarity of vision that will serve our community exceptionally well. She steps in with not only a powerful voice for girls but a fierce belief in their potential. At a time when the role of girls’ schools has never been more vital, I know that she will be a force for unity, clarity and strength. It’s a pleasure to welcome her as GSA President.”