Giving Impact 2024-25

Your impact

Changing lives 2024 – 2025

Thank you

“When I look at the incredible young women around me – in my class and across the GDST – I see a future full of courage, potential, and brilliance. That future isn’t just bright. It’s dazzling.”

These words, passionately written and delivered by a Sixth Form student from Howell’s School, Llandaff at our Designing the Future of Girls’ Education event at the House of Lords, perfectly capture the impact of a GDST education. We see it in our classrooms, in the curriculum and through whole-school culture. We hear it from our students. We witness it in the achievements of our outstanding alumnae. GDST girls act and speak with conviction and are unafraid to think differently.

Our strength lies in being a family of schools that connect, inspire and innovate together. It is a family steeped in history, and as schools continue to mark milestone anniversaries, we celebrate our shared and unwavering commitment to empowering young women to reach their full potential through a forwardlooking and inspiring GDST education.

The year 2024-2025 was a particularly challenging one for the independent school sector, with VAT on independent school fees bringing into sharp relief our need, as a charity, to look increasingly to philanthropy to help fund and grow our bursary programme. Your support has never been more important as it enables us to continue to meet our charitable purpose of reaching as many girls as possible, so that they can benefit from an outstanding GDST education.

You will read in these pages about the Emma Pattison Limitless Learning Scholarship Fund –a fundraising appeal begun at Croydon High School to honour the outstanding legacy of Emma Pattison, our former Head. Emma was an inspiring changemaker and leader, and her tragic death is deeply felt by all who knew her. I am proud to support this fund and would like

to take this opportunity to thank you for the ways in which you continue to support GDST causes.

Our GDST family of schools is enhanced and enriched by the students who receive financial assistance, many through a life -changing bursary. We could not deliver our mission of helping girls learn without limits without your support and generosity, at a time when we need our community of dedicated advocates more than ever. Your dedication as loyal donors and supporters, and the commitment of our wonderful staff and alumnae, help us to equip ever more girls and young women to become the future leaders and changemakers the world needs. Our publication “Giving” highlights just a few of the many inspiring examples of philanthropy in action across the GDST.

Thank you for your support. I hope you enjoy reading about the wonderful work being done across the GDST family to help realise our mission to help girls learn without limits.

Cheryl Giovannoni Chief Executive, Girls’ Day School Trust

Your impact in 2024-25

932 girls received a GDST education through life-changing bursaries

1 in 2 bursaries awarded were fully funded places, helping to remove financial barriers £4.3 million given by our community of alumnae, parents, staff and friends –supporting girls in our schools to flourish

1,418 gifts Big and small, your gifts change lives – thank you!

Conversations connecting generations

Our alumnae community in action

This summer a team of 17 dedicated Sixth Form students and recent leavers from six GDST schools came together for our 2025 Telephone Campaign.

In an increasingly digital world, picking up the phone can feel daunting, but our callers embraced this challenge, building confidence and their communication skills along the way. Over two weeks, our young alumnae callers connected with more than 700 alumnae. Alongside securing generous financial support, they built meaningful, lasting connections within the GDST alumnae network as they heard inspiring stories, celebrated achievements and received invaluable career advice and mentoring offers. These conversations strengthened relationships across our community, giving students a glimpse of the opportunities ahead while deepening alumnae engagement with their schools.

Thank you to every alumna who donated, shared her experiences, or offered her time to support the next generation. Your generosity and encouragement ensure that we reach as many girls as possible, supporting and empowering them to achieve their full potential.

“I loved speaking to a fellow full bursary award holder, who was incredibly open about the assistance she had received and how it had impacted her. As I had received identical support, we had a lovely conversation about our unique shared experiences.”

Norwich High School for Girls caller,

Class of 2025

6 schools united: Newcastle, Norwich, Nottingham, Sheffield, South Hampstead, Wimbledon

709 meaningful alumnae conversations

1in3 calls resulted in new support

£125,000 unlocked for bursary awards

“I really enjoyed speaking to people who loved their time at school and had interesting jobs. I also enjoyed the connections and laughs I had with other GDST girls and, of course, raising money for a cause I think is so important.”

Norwich High School for Girls caller, Class of 2026

Regular giving ensures sustainable financial support for the girls who need it most.

If you would like to set up your own regular gift, contact Sabine Russell, Philanthropy Manager, at s.russell@wes.gdst.net or by calling 020 7393 6898.

Alternatively, you can visit gdst.net/donate.

Coming together in memory of Emma

Continuing a legacy of opportunity and limitless potential

Renowned for her warmth and intellectual curiosity, Emma Pattison, Head of Croydon High School (2016-2022), believed deeply in the potential of every girl. The Emma Pattison Limitless Learning Scholarship Fund was created following her tragic and untimely death to honour this dedication and ensures her memory continues to shape future generations. Her scholarship fund was first awarded in September 2025 to three remarkable Sixth Form students who showed academic promise, curiosity and the qualities Emma championed: empathy, courage and a desire to make a difference. For the scholars, the award has an immediate and lasting impact - easing financial pressure while affirming that someone believes in their future.

Emma’s scholarships exist thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Croydon parents, alumnae and staff who share her belief in the power of young people and opportunity. Their support ensures her legacy continues to financially help talented students - giving them the same encouragement and sense of possibility that Emma embodied.

“Being awarded this scholarship has given me confidence in myself and my ambitions. It reminds me of the belief Mrs Pattison had in her students and inspires me to work hard, embrace opportunities, and fulfil my potential.”

Emma Pattison Limitless Learning scholar, 2025

“As parents, we know how powerful a GDST education can be in shaping a young person’s future. Supporting this scholarship felt like a way to honour Emma and ensure that other students can grow, thrive and realise their potential.”

- Emma Pattison Limitless Learning donor

You can help ensure that Emma’s vision of limitless learning continues to transform lives, supporting more students to grow in confidence, embrace opportunities and realise their potential.

To find out more, please contact Fran Cook at f.cook@cry.gdst.net

Alternatively, you can visit gdst.net/donate

An investment in girls’ potential

Mollie Winifred Maud Dark, Class of 1946, Wimbledon High School

When Mollie Dark (née Prescott) arrived at Wimbledon High School in 1940, the world was at war. Alongside her sister, she began her education at a time of uncertainty and disruption. Even cherished traditions were interrupted; birthday celebrations paused as pupils set aside banners and games to help clear rubble and debris. In those moments, the values of resilience, responsibility and community were not simply taught, they were lived.

Those formative years shaped Mollie profoundly. The school nurtured her intellectual sharpness, independence of mind and quiet determination. In an era defined by challenge, she developed the confidence to think critically, adapt quickly and seize opportunity, qualities that would guide her throughout her life.

In adulthood, Mollie built a successful career in the financial world, applying her keen intellect and instinct for negotiation with assurance and skill. Later, she embraced a life enriched by art, culture and community, becoming part of Cornwall’s vibrant creative scene. She formed lasting friendships, cultivated a remarkable art collection and created a home known for its warmth and generosity, a reflection of the curiosity and openness first encouraged during her school days.

In her later years, Mollie turned her attention to the future. Through a gift in her Will to Wimbledon High School, she ensured that other girls would benefit from the same transformative education that had shaped her own life. Her legacy will fund bursaries for talented and motivated students from all backgrounds.

In 2024–2025, Mollie became part of a remarkable community of donors whose legacy gifts raised more than £2 million across Girls’ Day School Trust schools to fund bursaries. Together, these gifts represent a shared belief in education and in the power of girls to shape their own futures.

“We are so grateful to those who have left a legacy to the school in their Will. They continue to have a transformational effect on all aspects of school life. Gifts like Mollie’s ensure future generations of girls and young women benefit from a Wimbledon High School education. Thanks to Mollie and to all our legators, the WHS community continues to thrive.”

Fionnuala Kennedy, Head of Wimbledon High School

A chance to flourish

Thandi, Year 13, Wimbledon High School

“When I was younger, my family’s financial situation made me doubt whether I could achieve the same as my peers. Being granted a bursary changed everything. I was shocked when I got the offer, but seeing my family’s joy made me realise just how special this opportunity was. It gave me the confidence and determination to prove that the school had made the right decision. Since joining Wimbledon High, I’ve embraced every new experience that has come my way. I’ve participated in musicals and plays, joined the Eco Committee and gone on school trips abroad, including performing in Rome. None of this would have been possible without the support I received.

One of the highlights of my journey has been being appointed as an1880 Ambassador. This role has given me the chance to connect with other bursary students and with the alumnae community, helping to share the support that has meant so much to me. The bursary isn’t just financial - it’s about recognising potential and giving students the encouragement and resources to flourish. I will always appreciate the possibilities Wimbledon High has opened up for me. ”

Make a difference

Like Mollie, whose thoughtful legacy is helping talented girls such as Thandi access a Wimbledon High School education, you too can have a lasting impact. A gift in your Will can unlock opportunities and transform lives for generations of talented girls. Those who make this commitment are welcomed into the GDST’s Minerva Circle, a growing community of over 300 like-minded supporters united by a shared dedication to nurturing potential, inspiring curiosity and helping girls flourish.

If you would like to join the Minerva Circle or want to find out more, please contact Rachna Purdie, Deputy Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships at r.purdie@wes.gdst.net or visit gdst.net/support/giving-in-your-will.

A community that gives back

How Notting Hill & Ealing High School supporters launched a new bursary fund

Notting Hill & Ealing High School’s 150th anniversary provided a moment to both celebrate the school’s proud legacy and to invest meaningfully in its future.

Building on the success of the Parents’ 150th Anniversary Appeal, more than 200 alumnae, former parents and staff came together to establish the Old Girls’ Association (OGA) 150th Award. This new bursary will enable a talented student to thrive at the school from Year 7 through to Sixth Form, sustaining the school’s commitment to excellence and inclusivity and ensuring that more girls can benefit from the care and outstanding teaching that define Notting Hill & Ealing High School.

The campaign marked a historic moment for both the school and the GDST community. Together, supporters raised £180,000 - a remarkable testament to the loyalty, affection and gratitude felt by generations of the school community.

For many families, supporting the bursary award is a meaningful way for them to give back to a school that has profoundly influenced their lives.

Former parents spoke of the joy of watching their daughters flourish, while alumnae reflected on the impact of their education and the opportunities it created.

Voices of 150: a community reflects

To mark this milestone, members of the Notting Hill & Ealing High School community shared what the bursary means to them - a powerful reminder that this achievement belongs to generations past, present and future.

“I was thrilled to hear that the target has been reached - I never doubted this community. I hope everyone who contributed is as proud as I am.”

Susan Whitfield, former Head of NHEHS

“Our daughters thrived at NHEHS. We are delighted to support this hugely worthwhile cause.”

Mary Baum, Former Parent

“I benefited hugely from my free place at Notting Hill - it stretched my horizons and made so much possible. I’d like others to experience that too.”

Vanessa

Hammond, Class of 1970

Partnership in action

The Hargreaves Foundation and the GDST A shared commitment to widening access

As the independent school sector navigates significant change, including the introduction of VAT and wider shifts across the education landscape, the demand for bursary support across our GDST family continues to grow. We are responding with urgency to protect access for those who need it most, forging new partnerships to ensure as many girls as possible are supported to achieve their full potential, regardless of financial circumstance.

The Hargreaves Foundation shares our mission to remove barriers to education and widen access for talented young people. From September 2025, they are generously supporting a Year 7 student at Brighton Girls. Their funding ensures she not only benefits from an exceptional academic education but also experiences the full breadth of the GDST experience - rich co-curricular opportunities and a community that empowers every girl to find her voice and develop the confidence and skills to flourish

Partner with us

To meet this rising demand for bursary support across our GDST family and for new innovative educational programmes, we are seeking partnerships with forward-thinking businesses. These organisations will benefit from the skills, confidence and leadership of future GDST alumnae, who are prepared to become leaders and change-makers. If your organisation would like to explore a partnership, or can introduce a company that shares our mission, we would welcome the chance to start a conversation about how we can empower girls and widen access to an exceptional GDST education.

If you can help advance GDST’s partnerships, please contact Rachna Purdie, Deputy Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships at r.purdie@wes.gdst.net