Dear Candidate,
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) to lead Birkenhead High School Academy.
In 2022, GDST celebrated its 150th anniversary. GDST was founded by four uncompromising suffragists – brave women and pioneers who had a vision for a girls’ education at a time when girls were not considered worthy of an education equal to that of their brothers.
With girls and young women still facing vast inequalities in society, and in every aspect of life, their mission continues to be ours today. As the global leaders in girls’ education, we remain fearless in fulfilling that mission. Our promise is simple: to help girls learn without limits, so they can go on to lead lives without limits. We provide a forward-looking and inspiring education that prepares girls to confidently go out into the world as changemakers who use their education to make the world a better place for us all.
GDST alumnae continue to make an incredible contribution to society. Some of our alumnae were among the first female doctors and the first female members of parliament. Most recently, Dr Nikki Kanani oversaw the development and roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine programme across the UK and Oscar winning actress Olivia Colman and classicist Mary Beard, lead the stellar list of GDST alumnae making their mark on the global stage. Today, our alumnae network of over 70,000 women – the largest of its kind in the UK – continue to give back to our schools and each other, underpinning our commitment to support our students – and women everywhere – for life.
We are looking for an inspiring, energetic and forward-thinking Principal who can build on Birkenhead High School Academy’s, current strengths and excellent reputation for learning and innovation.
As a GDST Principal, you will play a key role in contributing to and enhancing our forward- thinking leadership in girls’ education. You will also role model competencies as demonstrated through the GDST Senior Leadership Qualities framework. In joining the GDST, you will become part of a formidable group of Heads, all working together, alongside and supported by experts across our organisation, to shape the future of girls’ education.
With kind regards,
Cheryl Giovannoni
CEO, Girls’ Day School Trust
The Recruitment Process
We will treat all enquiries, formal and informal, in confidence.
If you wish to visit the Academy, arrangements will be made by Pentir. Please contact Sara Buthlay at [email protected]
Closing date for applications: Monday 13 January 2025
Preliminary interviews with Pentir: w/c 20 and 27 January 2025
Final interviews and Assessments: Thursday 13 February (at BHSA) and Tuesday 25 February (at the GDST Trust Office).
If you are unavailable for any of the dates outlined in the recruitment process, please advise your availability in your supporting statement.
