At the beginning of last week, I had the privilege of attending the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) Annual Conference to support Mrs Hughes, our Headmistress, in her role as GSA President for this academic year. The theme, Fearless Females: Leadership that Lifts Girls Up, beautifully captured the spirit of the event. Over two inspiring days, we heard from an impressive range of speakers: Dr Kaitlyn Regehr, who explored how schools can take a thoughtful, whole-school approach to managing digital habits; Evelyn Forde MBE, who spoke compellingly about creating cultures of belonging where every girl feels able to lead; Vivienne Porritt OBE, who challenged us to rethink what leadership looks like for women in education; Jess Phillips MP, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls who offered her characteristically candid insights into the political landscape; and journalists and Channing parents (Mr) Hugo Rifkind and (Ms) Lucy Manning, who brought a national perspective on the issues shaping girls’ lives today. Annie and Natasha, our own Senior School Head Girls, spoke with maturity, clarity and characteristic Channing confidence in their Girls in Society conversation. I felt particularly proud, as when I first joined Channing as Head of the Junior School, Natasha was in Year 5; seeing her now as a poised and thoughtful Head Girl in Year 13 felt especially meaningful.

Throughout the conference, one message resonated strongly: girls’ schools remain powerful, relevant and deeply impactful. This commitment to empowering women sits at the heart of the wider benefits of all-girls’ education, particularly for our youngest pupils.

In an all-girls’ environment, pupils grow up in a space designed entirely with their development in mind. They have the freedom to be themselves, discover who they are and take risks without the pressure of comparison or stereotype. Many girls feel more self-conscious in mixed settings; in girls’ schools, that pressure is lifted. They speak up more readily, volunteer answers without hesitation and share their opinions with confidence because they know their voices are valued.

Girls’ schools also create an environment where ambition is encouraged and achievement is celebrated without caveat. There is no sense of certain subjects belonging to one gender. Whether a pupil loves science, art, cricket, computing, drama, creative writing or anything in between, she can pursue her passions freely and without stereotype. This creates a culture where learning feels expansive, and where academic curiosity can truly flourish.

Leadership development is another cornerstone. Every leadership opportunity in our school is held by a girl – whether as a School Council or Sustainability representative, Channing Character Champion, House Captain, Digital Leader or Head Girl. Pupils grow up surrounded by strong female role models, both their peers and their teachers, who show daily that leadership can look many different ways. This visibility is powerful, allowing girls to imagine themselves in positions of responsibility long before they step into them.

Girls’ schools also nurture emotional confidence and wellbeing. Pupils learn to support one another, celebrate each other’s successes and navigate challenges with empathy. They form friendships rooted in collaboration rather than competition, which strengthens resilience and social awareness. They learn early that their voices matter, that authenticity is embraced and that success is not a single path, but something deeply individual.

Ultimately, at Channing we empower pupils to define success on their own terms. Free from the social constraints that can sometimes emerge in co-educational settings, our girls feel able to take intellectual risks, try new activities, step into leadership roles and challenge outdated stereotypes. They leave us feeling seen, supported and wholly capable of shaping their future with confidence. This is exactly what we strive to cultivate every day: an environment where girls enjoy success – whatever that looks like for them – and grow into thoughtful, confident and compassionate young people who are ready to make their mark on the world.

It was such a pleasure to end the week with our inaugural Reception Parents’ Tea Party alongside the Senior Team. It was wonderful to see so many Reception parents enjoying tea, cake and a relaxed chat together. Several of you asked whether we had used our well-known ‘magic oven’ to bake the cakes, just as we do at the 4+ playdates, which made me smile – it is currently having a well-earned rest before January!

In the Spring Term, we will also be hosting a tea party for parents of other year groups as part of our Open Classroom event, so everyone will have the chance to come together and share in the same sense of community.