Chief Executive Officer – Girls’ Schools Association

The Officers of the GSA have launched the search for the next CEO of the Girls’ Schools Association. The post will become available from January 2026 although a later start date will be possible for the right candidate.

Founded in 1874, the GSA was established to challenge the historical status quo that denied equal access to education for girls. The bold activism of the GSA’s founding Heads encouraged and supported the establishment of girls’ schools whose education matched that of their brothers. Since that time, and for just over 150 years, the GSA has been a pioneering force in the education of girls.

The GSA remains committed to promoting the highest standards of education for girls and the significant benefits of being taught in a girls-only environment. The GSA also prides itself on informing and influencing national and international educational debate, providing its member schools and their staff with professional development opportunities, conferences, advice and chances to debate and share best practice. 

The Association seeks a new CEO to lead it into the next exciting phase of its development, expanding membership and member services, whilst also strengthening its influence as a forward-thinking professional body.

This is a significant moment in the GSA’s growth, and the opportunity for the new CEO to become a powerful and effective leader for this well-respected Association. The new CEO will be deeply versed in the education sector, a great communicator, a strong people manager, a skilled strategist and diplomat. They will have the intellect and personal authority to lead a diverse membership association, and the ambassadorial skills and influence to build close connections with an equally varied range of external stakeholders.

Potential candidates are invited to email one of the following consultants for a confidential initial conversation:  

Sarah Glencross: sarahglencross@rsacademics.com or  

Claire Oulton: claireoulton@rsacademics.com  

The closing date is Tuesday 2nd September 2025 at 10.00am UK time.   

Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application, please click on “Apply Now” and upload your documents according to the instructions provided.

You should submit the following (both in PDF format):

• a completed application form
• a covering letter addressed to Mrs Lindsey Hughes, President of GSA 2025-26. The letter should explain your reasons for applying.

If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please contact Jonathan Barnes, Head of Operations (Leadership appointments) at applications@rsacademics.com. Jonathan Barnes can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0) 204 6269 791.

• The Girls’ Schools Association is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service. 
• This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
• The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.
• RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.