GSA appoints Charlotte Avery as 2017 President
Our Headmistress, Charlotte Avery, has been appointed President of the national Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) for 2017. Ms Avery will assume the position of President Elect with immediate effect and will take over as President in January.
The GSA represents the heads of many of the top performing day and boarding schools in the independent schools’ sector. As President, Ms Avery will promote the benefits of excellent independent education for girls on a variety of national platforms. She will play a pivotal role in committees responsible for examining policy and practice across important areas of education, ranging from examination marking to university entrance and the increasing importance of apprenticeships. She will work with organisations such as the ISC (Independent Schools Council) and the ASCL (Association of School and College Leaders) to keep the government informed about the views of the independent schools’ sector. The role also involves public speaking and liaising with the media.
A key event in the GSA calendar is the annual conference which Ms Avery will oversee in November 2017 in Birmingham. There will be opportunities for the Head Girl, Head Boarder and chamber choir from St Mary’s School, Cambridge to be involved in the event.
Commenting on her new role, Ms Avery said: “The GSA promotes excellence in education for girls and the benefits of learning in a single-sex environment in terms of academic success and personal development. At St Mary’s School, Cambridge we know that our girls flourish in a supportive peer group of like-minded individuals who are determined to make the most of the opportunities provided for their own benefit and for the greater good of their wider communities. Our girls develop confidence and independence, an instinct to achieve and the ability to lead: this is a very powerful combination! It is an honour to be elected to represent the heads of over 150 independent girls’ schools across the country who share this exciting and ambitious vision for girls’ education.
“Here in Cambridge, we have the necessary resources and structures in place to ensure that the school runs as smoothly as ever and provides excellence in every aspect of a ‘St Mary’s education’ whilst I undertake duties as GSA President. I am grateful to my school governors who are delighted to support my appointment. I look forward to being part of the national educational debate and flying the flag for girls’ schools nationally.”