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
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
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 1916–1924Council 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 1880–1883Magistrate; Vice President, International Association of Children's Courts Judges
Professor Millicent Pope
EHS 1881–1888Vice‑Principal, Somerville College, Oxford
Mrs Eveleyn (Nettlefold) Crosskeys
EHS 1902–1910Chairman, Harborne Tenants; Alderman, Birmingham City Council
Dame Joyce Bishop
EHS 1906–1915Leading historian and author on botany
Laurels in medicine
Deborah Stone
Consultant Paediatrics
Catherine Butt
Consultant Paediatrics
Fearlessly Female in Action












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