The Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) has appointed former head Vivienne Durham as its new Chief Executive with effect from 14 August 2017.
As chief executive, Vivienne will be responsible for working with the Association’s members to encourage high standards of education for girls and to promote the benefits of being taught in a largely girls-only environment.
The GSA’s members consist largely, but not exclusively, of the Heads of independent girls’ schools and prep schools. Its associate membership includes retired former members, state schools, co-ed independent schools, school governors and other professionals with a genuine interest in the education of girls.
Vivienne was educated at Chichester High School for Girls and St Hilda’s College Oxford and has committed her entire working life to the education of young women. She began her career as an English Teacher at The Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls (‘Habs’) in 1983. Thereafter she worked at Godolphin and Latymer as a Teacher of English and Head of Year for five years. She was Head of English and Drama at Guildford High School for two years before returning to Habs as Head of English and Drama. In 1997 she became Deputy Head of South Hampstead High School GDST.
From September 2004 until December 2015, Vivienne was Head of Francis Holland School Regent’s Park, overseeing an expansion in the school’s roll and considerable improvements to its site and facilities. She is currently a director for London-based consultancy Enjoy Education.
GSA President (2017) Charlotte Avery said: “Vivienne’s commitment to GSA’s mission to promote excellence in education for girls is impressive, as is her depth of knowledge, as both a teacher and a highly successful senior leader. She will undoubtedly prove a valuable advocate for the benefits of girls’ schools and we look forward to working with her.”
Commenting on her appointment, Vivienne added: “GSA has been at the heart of my professional life since I qualified as a teacher in 1983, and I am delighted at the prospect of becoming its Chief Executive. The GSA has inspired the achievement of so many young women and it will be a privilege to work with all GSA members to ensure that young women of the future are confident to embrace and relish the opportunities and challenges that life presents to them. I am proud of the GSA’s unapologetic commitment to excellence in girls’ education and look forward to representing the association within the independent sector and beyond.”