Criteria for membership

Full member

Heads of independent girls’ schools with girls only on the roll in the secondary part of the school and where he or she is the autonomous Head of the school may be eligible for election to full membership.

Full membership is also offered to Heads of schools which, whilst there may not be girls only throughout the age range, have at least a girls-only 11-16 section. (The Heads of the girls’ section of such schools should be eligible for affiliate membership.) Exceptions to these general principles will be referred to Officers Committee on a case-by-case basis for approval.

Each Head is required to be a member of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) and the school in membership of the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools (AGBIS).

The schools of Heads applying for membership should undergo, or produce evidence of having undergone, an inspection accredited by the Independent Schools Inspectorate or other approved scheme.

Information about applying for membership can be obtained from Jane Carroll, Membership Services Director, on 0116 254 1619 or email janecarroll@gsa.uk.com to receive the appropriate application forms.

Heads who have not previously been members of the Association are required to attended a training course approved by the Council and should undertake to attend such a course within two years of admission to membership.

All applications for membership are considered by Membership Committee and ratified by Council. The process will also include a visit to the school undertaken by the Chairman of Membership Committee, or their representative, and either the Executive Director or Membership Services Director. Upon election by the Council and payment of the full subscription, the applicant shall become a full member. The decision of Council shall be final.

Members are expected to attend regional meetings on a regular basis and at least once a year.