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We are Fearlessly Female

At Edgbaston High School, Fearlessly Female is not just a phrase, it runs through the veins of everything we do. It embodies our belief in the power of an all‑girls education and, more profoundly, our ethos: educating girls to be their boldest, most authentic selves. We believe girls can do anything, and we prove it every day.

Girls in GSA Schools

Find out more about the Girls' School Association here

2.7 ×

more likely to take Further Maths

2 ×

more likely to take A-level Physics and Computer Science

< 50%

of GSA alumnae work in STEM-related careers, compared to just 8% nationally.

Confidence and leadership

In girls’ schools, every leadership opportunity belongs to a girl. Whether it’s captaining a team, leading a debate, or taking the spotlight in performance, girls are front and centre. GSA research shows that girls are more likely to take on leadership roles and feel their voices are heard.

Wellbeing and personal growth

Girls’ schools create environments where students feel safe, seen, and supported. GSA research shows that girls in these settings report higher levels of wellbeing, motivation, and self-belief, particularly those with SEND or from disadvantaged backgrounds. They’re also more likely to learn about gender equality and feel confident discussing it with trusted adults.

Participation in sport is also higher than mixed schools

25%

more PE time

5 ×

girls are more likely to play cricket

30%

girls are more likely to play football

Starting Sixth Form?

see what sixth form life has to offer

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What Fearlessly Female Means to Us

But don’t just take it from us. Hear directly from our students and staff, explaining what Fearlessly Female truly means to them. From quiet confidence to bold leadership, they’ll share their thoughts and take on what it takes to be Fearlessly Female.

At EHS, we see the benefits of an all-girls education every day. Our students are ambitious, thoughtful, and unafraid to lead. In a world that often underestimates them, we give girls the space to grow without limits, and the belief that they can do anything.

At Edgbaston High School, we’re proud to be a member of the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA), an organisation that champions the life-changing impact of girls’ education. GSA research shows that girls thrive in single-sex environments, with proven advantages in academics, confidence, and wellbeing.

At Edgbaston High School, we use the term female to refer to our girls’ school context. We recognise that identity is deeply personal and diverse, and we are inclusive of all viewpoints and expressions. Our community values openness, individuality, and respect, supporting every student’s journey to be their truest self.

But don’t just take it from us. Hear directly from our students and staff, explaining what Fearlessly Female truly means to them. From quiet confidence to bold leadership, they’ll share their thoughts and take on what it takes to be Fearlessly Female.

At EHS, we see the benefits of an all-girls education every day. Our students are ambitious, thoughtful, and unafraid to lead. In a world that often underestimates them, we give girls the space to grow without limits, and the belief that they can do anything.

At Edgbaston High School, we’re proud to be a member of the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA), an organisation that champions the life-changing impact of girls’ education. GSA research shows that girls thrive in single-sex environments, with proven advantages in academics, confidence, and wellbeing.

At Edgbaston High School, we use the term female to refer to our girls’ school context. We recognise that identity is deeply personal and diverse, and we are inclusive of all viewpoints and expressions. Our community values openness, individuality, and respect, supporting every student’s journey to be their truest self.

Our Fearless Female Herstory

Generations of bold, trail‑blazing women since the 19th century, the inspiring EHS alumnae who define "Fearlessly Female". Each one embodies the fearless ambition, integrity, and impact we nurture at EHS.

Recent decades

Mrs Joyce (Mathews) Cadbury

EHS 1916–1924

Council Chair 1943–1967) – Chair of Civic Education Committees and EHS Council

Dame Sally Davis

Chief Medical Officer for England

Jennifer Howarth

Film producer (e.g. Arthur)

Sybil Thomas

High Court Judge, Family Division (West Midlands); Vice President

Elizabeth Whittaker

Army Nursing Reserve leader of field hospital in Iraq

Professor Kate Williams

Historian and TV presenter

Emma Harding

BBC Radio producer

Martha Howe‑Douglas

Writer and actress (Ghosts, Horrible Histories, Doctors)

Kate Fisher

ITV newsreader, now newscaster in the USA

Francesca Massey

Cathedral organist

Sally Bruce‑Payne

Mezzo‑soprano

Helen Thomas (George)

Actress on Call the Midwife

Malala Yousafzai

Pakistani education activist (honorary association)

Charlotte Clemson

Violinist

Leyla Ogan

International tennis player (age‑group)

Laura (Kenny) Whittle

Olympic athlete (representing Scotland)

19th century

Dame Geraldine (Southhall) Cadbury

EHS 1880–1883

Magistrate; Vice President, International Association of Children's Courts Judges

Professor Millicent Pope

EHS 1881–1888

Vice‑Principal, Somerville College, Oxford

Mrs Eveleyn (Nettlefold) Crosskeys

EHS 1902–1910

Chairman, Harborne Tenants; Alderman, Birmingham City Council

Dame Joyce Bishop

EHS 1906–1915

Leading historian and author on botany

Laurels in medicine

Deborah Stone

Consultant Paediatrics

Catherine Butt

Consultant Paediatrics

Moving up to Senior School?

What you can expect from senior school life

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Fearlessly Female in Action

Starting School?

what you can expect from a typical day at prep school

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Our mission is to nurture confident, considerate and intellectually curious young women.