Much has been written about the success of girls’ schools and research backs this up: girls achieve better academic results and are more likely to engage with STEM subjects and sports if they attend a single-sex school.
I believe inclusive girls’ schools in particular provide an even stronger formula. A non-competitive ethos celebrates each individual and what she brings to the team – bold or reserved, quick or thorough - and ensures each girl discovers a love of learning, the ability to work in a collegiate manner and a willingness to take risks. This increases self-esteem and is a great foundation for later life.
Schools must inspire the next generation of female leaders. This is easier to achieve in a single-sex environment where girls thrive given the opportunity.
At The Cavendish this can be seen in the way the school council (with pupils of all ages) influences decision-making: we regularly implement their suggestions, such as Meat Free Mondays, and sometimes explain why they are not practical, like having a swimming pool onsite!
It is seen also in the variety of girls who perform in our auditorium, singing a song, performing a stand-up routine that has us in stitches, delivering a speech, awarding prizes or playing in the orchestra. The girls make props and stage sets for productions – Gilbert & Sullivan being favourites for Year 4 - and there is a role for everyone on stage and off so all can shine.
It is a joy to witness the girls fully engaged and taking on positions that in a co-ed school often fall to boys: football players, clowning around, scientists, leaders speaking up.
In maths lessons, whiteboards around the room allow groups of girls to work together, explaining, questioning and helping one another; in creative writing tasks, the ideas of a ‘mixed ability’ cohort bounce off one another to the benefit of all.
Our teaching team ensure that each child receives appropriate support, stretch and challenge, whether gifted or struggling in a given area. While we have invitation-only squads for some sports, there are clubs for all and a range of after school clubs (from circus skills to chess to cookery) for everyone to explore new interests.
Our admissions process is inclusive: we don’t believe in testing four-year olds. Children develop differently and every child should be celebrated in the moment. They should feel great about being at school, happy and developing a life-long love of learning amongst friends.
At The Cavendish School we are ambitious for each individual and our incredible 11 plus results reflect this; more importantly, our girls reflect this. They are part of a team – learning together, supporting one another, celebrating wins, learning from mistakes, ready and excited to be moving on to senior school with the new challenges and opportunities that await. Every one is a winner.
- Mrs Taryn Lombard is head at The Cavendish School Camden.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here