GSA team

A former headteacher and executive leader, Jeanette brings wide-ranging education experience to the role. She has led in grammar, comprehensive, and integrated schools in England and Northern Ireland and worked internationally; she has experience of both the National Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate. With an MBA in Educational Management, she combines strategic acumen with a deep commitment to inclusion, excellence, and empowering girls through education and leadership.  

Donna Stevens was previously Head of Research for the Independent Schools Council, where she was responsible for overseeing a wide range of projects each year, such as the ISC Annual Census, the economic impact of independent schools on the UK economy and the impact of independent-state school partnerships. As a result of this, and her knowledge of the ISC’s other work, she has gained considerable insight to the issues surrounding the independent education sector and the role it plays within the UK education sector as a whole, as well as internationally. She is a regular speaker at education sector conferences.

Donna has also worked in strategic consultancy, advising across a wide range of sectors on financial matters, communication and brand strategies. In addition, she has experience in the social sector, working with organisations such as The Challenge and Action Tutoring. Donna has a degree in Mathematics from the University of Oxford, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational and Social Research from UCL. Outside of work, she owns and manages a successful performing arts weekend school which caters for 100 youngsters – including Donna’s own three children – and offers means-tested scholarships to local pupils. Donna also enjoys jogging and spending time with her family.

After studying Modern Foreign Languages and History at Magdalen, Oxford, Sue did a PGCE in French and German before beginning her career in a state comprehensive in Peterborough. She went on to work at Marlborough College (where she was a Boarding Assistant, Head of Junior Scholars and then Head of French), Gresham’s School in Norfolk (as Head of Foreign Languages, temporary Housemistress, and Timetabler), the King’s School in Worcester (where she was the first female Deputy Head as well as the Acting Head during the Headmaster’s sabbatical term), before joining Bolton School as Headmistress of the Girls’ Division in 2011. During her time at Bolton, the School was given the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and, in 2019, was TES Independent Senior School and Independent School of the Year. Sue was GSA President in 2019, having been Chair of the Education Committee for five years. Having completed her presidential year, Sue was Secretary of the North West region as well as the GSA representative on the ASCL Board and at ISC. Sue left Bolton School in the Summer of 2020 and has now returned to Worcestershire to look help care for her mother, who has Dementia. She is a Governor of a GSA Boarding School, as well as a Governor of Bolton University, of The King’s School Worcester and a Trustee of the Bolton Impact Trust. Sue also works as an Associate Non Executive Director for Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care Trust, which looks after Community and Mental Health provision in those two counties.

Jeven assists Donna Stevens in the fulfilment of her duties. She is responsible for diary management and agenda planning, as well as operational tasks within the office.

I’ve had a 20 year career in media working across editorial, photography, marketing and even the odd TV appearance. Six years ago I retrained in social media and have been working in this area ever since. I work with a wide variety of clients ranging from multi-national organisations to start-ups and embrace a number of roles including management, strategy work, advocacy, e-commerce, influencer activity and advertising.

With over 8 years’ experience working in the events industry, I have organised several events from conferences to festivals. One thing is for sure, being an Events Manager is always interesting, fast paced and most importantly rewarding!

As the Conference and Events Manager at the Girls’ Schools Association, I handle all things events, such as; delegate registrations, website management, marketing materials, venue management, programme forming and speaker liaison. I also work with all of our wonderful sponsors and exhibitors!

In my spare time I enjoy being with friends and family, walking our cockapoo Roo, running and exercising, interior design and everything Disney related.

Jules is a firm believer in girls-only education having attended a girls’ grammar school in Buckinghamshire. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1995 after studying Economics at the University of Leeds.

Jules has almost 30 years of post-qualification experience gained in the commercial, charity, not for profit and public sectors. She is currently the Finance and Office Manager for the Independent Schools Council and supports GSA one day a week as a finance consultant. She is also a Director of the Independent Schools Teacher Induction Panel (ISTIP).

Jules enjoys travelling, going to the theatre and spending time with her husband, children and friends.

I have worked in the filed of accounting and finance for about 12 years. At GSA, I am responsible for all aspects of accounting including, purchase and sales ledger, payroll, bank reconciliations, monthly management accounts and budgeting. My role is very varied hence enjoyable!

In my spare time, I like meeting friends and family and having a good natter and laughter!