The power of an all-girls education in preparing the next generation to make global change
In a world where women continue to drive change across industries, lead in government, and advocate for social justice, the need to prepare young women for impactful, global leadership has never been more pressing. An all-girls education provides a unique foundation for this mission, offering an environment where academic excellence, leadership, and personal resilience are nurtured without the limitations often found in other educational settings. At St Mary’s School, Cambridge, girls are not only encouraged to excel in all areas of study - including fields traditionally seen as ‘not for girls’ - but are also equipped with the skills, curiosity, creativity, and compassion needed to tackle the most pressing challenges of our time.
An education focused solely on girls creates a culture of opportunity, where every role, subject, and extracurricular activity is designed with young women’s development in mind. From the classroom to the sports field, and from student councils to community involvement, girls in these environments learn to embrace their abilities, pursue their ambitions, and take ownership of their voices. This setting cultivates future-ready skills such as critical thinking, empathy, and resilience, preparing students to become advocates, leaders, and innovators. In an all-girls school, every girl is encouraged to envision herself as a changemaker, equipped to make a lasting impact on the global stage.
Through academic rigor, leadership development, a supportive focus on wellbeing and a strong community, St Mary’s offers more than just an education – we provide a launchpad for young women to shape a brighter and better world.
Academic advantage starts in the classroom
An education focused on girls’ development prioritises academic excellence, creating a unique space where students are empowered to pursue their interests freely, without limitations. At St Mary’s, students often say they’ve never questioned whether STEM, traditionally male-dominated sports, or leadership roles “were for them” because, in this environment, every opportunity is reserved for girls. This culture nurtures a powerful sense of confidence and ambition; students learn that every subject, sport, and leadership role is open to them. This results in a school experience that not only breaks academic boundaries but also removes societal barriers, providing the foundation for a generation of changemakers ready to lead on the global stage.
Research from the Girls' Schools Association (GSA) in 2024 underscores the academic strength of girls in single-sex schools, where students are 40% more likely to take Biology, 85% more likely to pursue Chemistry, and 2.7 times more likely to study Further Mathematics at A-level compared to their co-educational peers. In areas too often underrepresented by female voices, like Physics and Computer Science, students from female-focused settings are more than twice as likely to take these courses, with Computer Science experiencing remarkable growth in uptake, having doubled in recent years. This focus not only boosts academic outcomes but fosters a generation of female innovators and experts positioned to influence critical global fields such as science, technology, and environmental research.
The skills and knowledge that start in the classroom extend well beyond it, into initiatives like our STEP talks, where students engage in meaningful dialogue on global issues. Founded by alumna, Victoria Graepel, Academic Prefect in 2022-23 and perpetuated by academic prefect Niamh Collery, these talks are a series presented by Sixth Formers to various age groups across the school, covering topics from racism in medical malpractice—recently explored by student Joann Chondol—to global politics and human rights. Through these platforms, students learn to apply their academic knowledge, engage with pressing social issues, and develop a sense of responsibility for the world around them. By encouraging students to research, discuss, and present on complex topics, schools like St Mary’s cultivate a global mindset and an awareness of the role they can play in driving positive change.
This level of engagement does more than foster academic confidence; it equips young women with the tools to lead in fields where female voices are crucial yet often underrepresented. A girls’ education doesn’t just cultivate subject expertise; it builds the resilience and dedication - the HEART value of Hard Work—that young women need to excel beyond the classroom. Through intellectual curiosity, a growth mindset, and real-world applications, each student recognises her potential, learns to persevere, and develops the drive needed to make a meaningful impact.
An all-girls education like St Mary’s prepares young women to become leaders, innovators and advocates ready to address the world’s challenges, from climate change to medical advancements and social reform. This focused environment provides the foundation for the next generation of female changemakers, equipping them with the confidence, skills, and commitment to rise to any challenge and create lasting global change.
Fuelling future female leaders and changemakers
Empowering young women with leadership skills starts with giving them the autonomy to express their perspectives on issues that impact them directly. In a setting where every leadership role - from student council and club presidencies to sports captaincies - is held by a girl, students are immersed in an environment where female leadership is the norm - an accessible, everyday reality.
But fostering leadership isn’t just about holding titles. Whether or not students aspire to formal leadership roles, seeing girls take charge instils a positive “I can” mindset, building resilience, confidence, and a belief in one’s abilities. This environment enables girls to envision themselves as future leaders, advocates, and professionals equipped to make meaningful contributions on a global scale.
We prepare students for this future through a range of experiences that go beyond the classroom. For instance, students have the opportunity to introduce leading authors like Cathy Newman and Laura Cumming at the Cambridge Literary Festival, sharpening their public speaking and professional engagement skills. Participation in local and regional competitions and involvement in debate clubs allows students to refine their voices, articulate opinions on significant issues, and build the skills to advocate for change. Junior choir performances in Cambridge city centre give students a platform to represent their school publicly, while assemblies led by older students provide powerful role models for younger girls, inspiring them to embrace their own potential.
These experiences are stepping stones to global impact, exemplified by alumnae like Habiba Ahut Daggash, Ph.D., who is working on The Energising Agriculture Programme (EAP) with the Rocky Mountain Institute. Her leadership in redefining Nigeria’s local oil palm industry demonstrates the global reach and influence cultivated through a foundation of supportive and empowering education.
Each of these experiences reinforces a commitment to the HEART value of Hard Work, as girls learn to balance public roles, prepare for complex engagements, and develop confidence in presenting themselves and their ideas. This approach fosters essential future-ready skills, such as critical thinking, adaptability, and collaborative problem-solving, which are vital across all career paths - from corporate boardrooms to government, the arts, and the non-profit sector. Through these opportunities, students develop the self-assurance and global awareness needed to lead, advocate, and innovate.
Helping young women listen to their inner strength and purpose
In an all-girls educational environment, wellbeing is a cornerstone of personal and academic growth, laying the foundation for resilience, self-confidence, and a balanced approach to life. At St Mary’s, our approach to wellbeing is grounded in love, respect, and trust, creating a secure environment filled with joy. This nurturing atmosphere encourages students to gain a sense of their own worth, promoting emotional well-being and fostering the courage and resilience required to realise their full potential. These qualities are essential for young women aspiring to be global changemakers, providing them with the inner strength and confidence to tackle the world’s challenges.
Research from the Girls' Schools Association (GSA) shows that girls in single-sex schools are more confident, emotionally intelligent, and well-rounded than their peers in mixed settings. Many students in these environments report a healthy mastery over their emotions, which enables them to navigate life’s challenges mindfully and direct their paths with assurance. This emotional growth is supported by St Mary’s strong moral and spiritual framework, rooted in our values as a Mary Ward School, enabling students to explore, understand, and manage the complexities of today’s society. This depth of understanding is vital for young women who will go on to lead, advocate, and work in diverse fields across the globe.
Our inclusive community welcomes girls from all faiths and secular backgrounds, fostering an environment where everyone feels accepted, valued, and connected. This diverse body prepares students to be global changemakers by encouraging them to engage with and understand different cultures, perspectives, and beliefs. Through this experience, students develop an awareness of the nuances and global challenges that affect women and communities worldwide, equipping them to approach international issues with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and an informed mindset. Chaplaincy plays a vital role in supporting this inclusive spirit, embodying a ministry of ‘walking alongside.’ We all participate in this shared journey, accompanying each other in striving to live meaningful lives and exploring the world around us. Our School Chapel, nestled in the tranquil garden of the Elms Building, serves as a quiet space for prayer and reflection, always open for students and staff seeking peace or guidance.
A broad array of wellbeing initiatives—such as yoga, outdoor learning classrooms, and a wellbeing committee—demonstrates our commitment to supporting each girl holistically. In the Sixth Form, a comprehensive programme of social events creates a welcoming environment where students feel integrated and connected. Events like garden parties, cultural trips, Christmas celebrations, and punting excursions build community bonds and essential support networks. These activities cultivate emotional resilience and encourage students to connect meaningfully with others, both within and beyond the school, preparing them to foster and lead communities in a globally interconnected world.
This emphasis on wellbeing enables students to develop skills in self-care, stress management and maintaining a balanced approach—qualities essential for thriving in both personal and professional spheres. GSA data further reveals that girls in single-sex schools often possess higher mental toughness scores than their peers, helping them grow into capable, adaptable young adults ready to take on complex global issues.
These formative experiences instil the HEART value of Hard Work, showing students, that resilience, curiosity, creativity and compassion are keys to true success. With balanced wellbeing support, an all-girls education prepares young women to face global challenges with confidence, integrity, and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact.
Preparing young women to lead and inspire global change
For young women, having a strong, supportive community is not just beneficial - it is essential. During their journey from childhood to adulthood, being surrounded by a network that empowers, uplifts, and inspires them lays the foundation for their confidence, resilience, and future success. At St Mary’s School, Cambridge, we create this environment by fostering a community where every girl is encouraged to dream boldly, develop without barriers, and connect meaningfully with others. This sense of belonging helps our students to see themselves as part of a wider, empowering network of women and allies who are ready to support them at every step of their journey.
A shining example of our community spirit is our recent 125 anniversary celebration, where the St Mary’s community came together to honour over a century (and a quarter!) of empowering young girls. Events like this highlight the enduring strength of our network, bringing current students, staff, alumnae and supporters together to celebrate shared achievements and provide inspiration for the next generation.
To support our girls, we also regularly tap into our wider local community and host talks with guest speakers, including Ian Harvey on careers in healthcare, Professor Calvo from the Dyson School of Design Engineering, alumna Connie Dimsdale (editor for The i newspaper) on journalism, Dr Nikki Chapman on careers in marine biology, and Hannah Crick on clinical psychology, offered invaluable insights into their successes. These inspirational talks not only showcased diverse career paths but also help our students to envision what is possible when they are part of a strong, supportive community.
This emphasis on community extends into everyday life at St Mary’s, particularly through the bond between our Junior School and Sixth Form students. Our Sixth Formers frequently visit the Junior School at our Chaucer Road campus to share their passions and expertise through assemblies and special projects. These interactions provide our younger pupils with inspiring role models and reinforce the supportive network of ‘big sisters’ that surrounds them. Most recently, Darcey A., a Sixth Former, presented her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) during a Junior School assembly. Her project, Evangaline’s Castle Adventure, is a beautifully designed book for students aged 7 to 9 years old, blending her research with her passion for storytelling. Similarly, Hannah P., Year 13, shared her EPQ artefact, Book of Engineering Projects, designed for pupils in Years 5 to 9. Hannah’s goal was to “pass on her love of engineering to the next generation,” demonstrating the power of mentorship and inspiration within our school community.
Community at St Mary’s extends far beyond the school gates, preparing girls to thrive on the global stage. With a global student and alumnae body spanning over 60 countries, we offer a special network of support, inspiration and connection. This sense of community endures through our Pastonians Connect network, which keeps alumnae engaged and united long after they leave, driving collaboration and support across industries and borders.
We believe no girl succeeds alone - it is through the support of a powerful, interconnected community that young women develop the confidence, creativity and strength to lead, innovate and make meaningful contributions. By fostering a strong sense of belonging and an empowering network that transcends borders, we prepare our girls are future leaders, advocates, and innovators who bring a unique blend of skills and perspectives to the global stage - our alumnae are proof of this. With a solid foundation in academics, leadership, and self-assured wellbeing, our young women successfully tackle challenges that affect communities worldwide and create a meaningful and lasting impact in a complex, interconnected world.