A week before Mother’s Day, we also mark International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March, celebrating the achievements of women around the world. Education has long been one of the most powerful drivers of social change. In recent years, girls have, on average, achieved higher GCSE results than boys across many subjects, and more women than men now go on to study at university. Research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies has also shown that improved access to education for girls has played a significant role in increasing career opportunities, lifetime earnings and social mobility.
The history of education in Britain has been shaped by many women who believed deeply in the transformative power of learning. One such figure is Dorothy Stringer, a pioneering headteacher from Brighton, my hometown. At a time when educational leadership was overwhelmingly male dominated, she led Brighton High School for Girls for many years and became a respected figure in education locally and nationally. Her leadership and commitment helped to broaden expectations about the roles women could play in education and society.
At Rookwood, we want every pupil to be ambitious in their thinking and confident in pursuing their interests. We encourage young women to explore subjects and careers that might once have been seen as traditionally male dominated, whether in science, engineering, sport or leadership. Personal growth comes from trying new things, taking intellectual risks and learning from mistakes.
International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day therefore offer us a moment to recognise the women who influence our lives every day and to be thankful to those who have fought for the equal opportunities we now enjoy. They also remind us of our responsibility to encourage the next generation of young women to pursue their ambitions with confidence, curiosity and determination.
Best wishes,
Paul Robinson
