History of GSA

The Girls’ Schools Association was established in 1974 as a result of the amalgamation of two sub-groups of the Association of Head Mistresses; the Association of Heads of Girls’ Boarding Schools (founded in 1922) and the Association of Independent and Direct Grant Schools.
The Girls’ Schools Association provided a forum for reaffirming the best of its rich inheritance and for providing mutual support as members sought to meet the challenges of the future in a positive spirit.

The first constitution listed the objectives of the new association as:

• to discuss matters concerning the policy and administration of independent and direct grant girls’ schools
• to consider the relation of such schools to the general educational interest of the community
• to express the views of Heads on the foregoing matters, and to take such action as may be expedient

The Association of Head Mistresses had come into existence in 1874 as the movement for girls’ education was gathering momentum. Headmistresses sometimes considered that they lived and worked in strange conditions of isolation. As a result they felt it was important for them to meet together and exchange views, to compare ideas and to act wisely to address situations which had no precedent. The Association of Head Mistresses (AHM) did much in a spirit of real co-operation to promote girls’ education within the substantial social and educational changes of the 20th Century. Its membership was open to heads of all girls’ schools (independent, direct grant and maintained).

Initially GSA did not have a paid secretary or a permanent office. By 1979 it was clear that the business affairs of the association could not be carried out by serving heads unaided and a part-time appointment of a General Secretary marked a new growth for the Association. A regional structure was set up and two national committees were established – education and public relations. In 1989 this became a full time appointment with appropriate support, establishing a full programme of national and regional activities, extensive networks and support systems.

GSA initially shared office premises in London with the Secondary Heads’ Association (formed as a result of the amalgamation of the Association of Head Mistresses and the Headmaster’s Association) and HMC. However the accomodation was proving too small for its occupants and it was agreed premises would be sought out of the capital. In 1988 130-132 Regent Road, Leicester was purchased by the Secondary Heads Association, with the assistance of GSA and HMC, where GSA still shares office accommodation with ASCL, the Association of School and College Leaders (formerly SHA).