GDST
South Hampstead is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), a family of 25 independent girls’ schools and academies throughout England and Wales, founded in 1872 by four pioneering women who were fearless in their pursuit of providing educational opportunities for girls.
As one of the first GDST schools to open, in 1876, South Hampstead has always been at the forefront of empowering women and girls and has a long legacy of promoting equality. With our sister schools, we share a vision and purpose: to be pioneers in, and shapers of the future of, girls’ education – and to help every girl to learn without limits and to fulfil her potential. Our talented young women will one day be leaders, thinkers, creators.
The GDST offers unrivalled expertise in teaching girls, developed over many decades; our pupils take part in a plethora of GDST-wide initiatives, from competitive sports rallies to career insight days; they also have exclusive access to a number of prizes and scholarships each year. On a daily basis, the school benefits from infrastructure of the GDST – from IT and HR support to on-going investment in facilities – while staff benefit from comprehensive training programmes. Our alumnae network of over 70,000 former GDST pupils provides unparalleled opportunities for mentoring: notable ‘old girls’ include prize-winning authors, cutting-edge scientists, passionate campaigners, legendary broadcasters, creative entrepreneurs, Oscar-winners, eminent professors, dedicated police officers, Olympian sportswomen and distinguished lawyers.
The GDST Trust Office is based at 10 Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DH. The GDST trustees, chaired by Vicky Tuck, form a Council which is legally responsible for the GDST's activities, including financial viability and the safety and welfare of pupils. They also set strategy, authorise building and other capital development programmes, review policies and procedures and regularly assess the broad educational direction of the Trust.