The Girls’ Schools Association was founded in 1874 by Francis Buss (pictured on the left) and Dorothy Beale (pictured on the right).
Over 150 years ago, Frances Mary Buss and Dorothea Beale, the Girls’ Schools Association’s pioneering founders, challenged the historical status quo that denied equal access to education for girls. Their vision and activism created girls’ schools that provided schooling to young women to match that of boys; schools where girls had the chance and choice to study the full range of academic subjects, from Maths and Science to Latin and Greek and not just traditional ‘lady studies’ (as they were quaintly described at that time). These studies were limited, as you would expect, to domestic science, cooking, laundry, and compulsory needlework.
In 1851, female literacy rates were still only 55% compared to nearly 70% for men and careers for women were limited in 1850; becoming a governess was the only way to earn a living for women and only for those of ‘gentle birth’.
Buss and Beale, drove the development of girls through a reimagined curriculum so that young women could stop dreaming, and start living through learning.
Together, they confronted the entrenched stereotypes of girls and women, of their aptitudes and interests. Their brio galvanised educational policy and public examinations were opened to girls. They stood up for every girl, adamant in their knowledge that girls could rival boys’ academic achievements.
How right they were.
It is with pride that we stand upon their shoulders today; their spirit guides the purpose of the Girls’ Schools Association and the practices in our schools; their vision lives on in us.
Captains of Their Ships
Captains of Their Ships
Watch our film Captains of Their Ships to learn more about the history of the Association and to see our extraordinary community of girls and young women, headteachers and school colleagues, and alumnae, in action.
The film comes with free teaching resources suitable for every age to use in any school. Please feel free to use these to help all young people learn more about the history of girls’ schools and the vital role they play in the world, today.
