Empowered, Inspired, and Unstoppable: How Girls' Schools Are Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders
Carole Cameron, head of Queen Mary's School, shares the power of a girls-only education
‘Having led both co-ed and single-sex schools, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of an all-girls education. I feel deeply privileged to lead a school uniquely equipped to bring out the best in every girl, preparing each for leadership and success in a world that needs their voices now more than ever as Queen Mary’s looks ahead to the next century.’
Queen Mary’s is leading the charge, ensuring pupils are not just ready for the future but actively shaping it.
The Power of a Girls-Only Education
All excellent schools strive to help pupils reach their full potential, but girls-only education offers something distinct, freedom from societal pressures and stereotypes that can shape a girl’s choices. In co-educational settings girls often adopt roles that reflect others’ views of them, narrowing their academic and personal options.
Queen Mary’s is proud to reject gender norms in sports, academics, and career ambitions. Girls here explore all possibilities, becoming leaders in STEM, excelling in sports, and challenging themselves creatively. Research backs this up. Girls in single-sex schools are:
- 2.7 times more likely to take Further Mathematics.
- Twice as likely to study Physics and Computer Science at A-level.
- 43 percent more likely to choose Biology, 85 percent more likely to study Chemistry, and 87 percent more likely to take Mathematics.
These statistics are not just numbers; they represent opening doors for a generation of girls unafraid to follow their passions.
A Place Designed for Her
Society may be moving towards gender equality, but biases persist. While co-educational schools strive to be gender-blind, they remain far from gender-equal. Some argue schools should mirror society’s gender composition, but we believe schools should challenge inequities.
In co-ed settings, girls often conform to roles shaped by societal expectations. In all-girls environments, they are free to be themselves whether excelling in robotics, becoming a sports captain, or leading a debate team. Queen Mary’s environment is designed specifically for girls, with teaching methods tailored to their strengths. In depth studies have evidenced that girls are happier and do better in collaborative, discussion-led learning environments and excel when supported to take risks.
The All-Girls Edge
All-girls schools are uniquely positioned to cultivate confidence, resilience, and career success. ‘At Queen Mary’s, we are not just developing happy, confident scholars, we are nurturing change-makers,’ Carole explains. ‘All-girls education is transformative. Young women perform better in examinations, show a greater propensity to innovate, and excel in leadership roles. They step into the world ready to carve their own paths.’
Through a tailored curriculum, rich co-curricular offerings, and outstanding pastoral care, Queen Mary’s equips girls to grow into bold, well-rounded individuals who are ready to lead. Nothing holds them back.
The Legacy of Queen Mary’s
Queen Mary’s has been empowering girls for a century, and the school's values remain steadfast. Hard work, good manners, trustworthiness, and public spirit are as central to the school culture now as they were in 1925. Girls simultaneously develop a strong moral compass and foundation that positions them for success not only in their academic and professional careers but also in their personal lives.
‘Our school is built on mutual respect,’ remarks Carole. ‘Every girl is encouraged to mature from the inside out, supported by a community that believes in her.’
The world was not designed by women or for women, but Queen Mary’s ensures girls are ready to challenge that. During their time here, they are in a space designed exclusively for them, one where they take centre stage and their voices are celebrated and heard.
A Time for Girls
‘The 21st century is an exhilarating time to be a girl. Women are stepping up globally, shaping policies, industries, and society.
‘To any parent wondering whether an all-girls education is right for their daughter, I warmly invite you to visit us. Experience the culture, the community, and the incredible energy that fills the school.
‘The world needs the voices of our girls more than ever,’ Carole says with pride. ‘At Queen Mary’s, we are preparing them to lead, to inspire, and to become who and what they want to be.’
