About girls' schools

So what do you really know about girls’ schools?
Hockey? Yes. Jolly? Probably. But there’s also self-esteem, opportunity, freedom from stereotypes, friendship, leadership, success…

Sarah Goulding

Picture of Sarah Goulding

Q. Your name?

Sarah Goulding

Q. Your school?

Guildford High School

Q. Your current occupation?

General Practitioner and GP training scheme Programme Director

Q. Your favourite subject at school?

Biology (predictably!)

Q. Your best and worst memory of your school days?

Worst – School dinners and having to compose music without being able to play a musical instrument.

Best – school trips and “wet break” – fits of giggles, singing and dancing with my friends.

Q. What or who inspired you to follow your career?

Being an all-rounder and an innate curiosity about people.

Q. What do you feel you gained by attending a girls’ only school?

Feeling secure to be myself without the pressure to be attractive to the opposite sex. An incredible group of friends who I’ve stayed in touch with for 20 years now.

Q. Any advice for parents choosing a school for their daughter?

Look for a school that will help maximise your daughter’s potential and confidence. Self-confidence is vital to their future career and happiness.

Q. Any advice for girls planning their university and/or career choices?

Choose an area which really interests you – it will spur you to perform at your best and might take you in new, exciting directions.

Q. Any other comments you would like to make?

School is an amazing opportunity to try everything – don’t be scared of failure- only be ashamed of not trying.

Case studies

Read other families experiences of raising and educating girls. How did they research, debate and decide on the best school for their daughters? Was it the right choice for their daughter and how do they know? Read the real-life stories…

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FAQs

Read our experts’ replies to those questions that every parent asks. Our “agony aunts” draw on their experience as parents, teachers and Heads to offer suggestions, explanations and solutions

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