Girls' Schools Association

Can a machine feel loneliness?

In her story, Static Connection, Annabelle from Bedford Girls' School imagines an unexpected bond between two robots, using vivid descriptions and sensory detail to bring her world to life.

Shortlisted in this year's Junior Writing Award, the story was praised by judge Tamsin Winter, who said: "I really enjoyed this story which finds the human emotion within the machine."

While many adults are still debating what AI means for the future, Orla from Truro High School For Girls is already thinking about how to use it well.

She uses AI to support her learning but is clear that it can't replace critical thinking, independent ideas or real understanding. And when it comes to careers, she believes the people who succeed will be those who can work with AI, not rely on it.

In a recent feature for Muddy Stilettos, Orla shared her thoughts on AI, education and the skills young people will need for the future.

Read more from Orla and other girls from GSA schools: https://muddystilettos.co.uk/life/parenting/girls-schools-association-what-teenage-girls-really-think/

What happens when comfort comes at the cost of freedom?

In ‘Custodian’, Adela from St Francis' College imagines a world governed by an all-powerful AI, exploring the tension between human autonomy and technological control.

Shortlisted in this year's Senior Writing Award, her story was praised by judge Joyce Efia Harmer for its "strong first-person narrative with a capable female protagonist" and thought-provoking themes.

Our Photography Competition is open for entries, giving girls the opportunity to explore this year's theme: Light the Way: Female Leadership Guidance.

Need some inspiration? We loved this image from the 2025 Years 7 to 9 winner, Aurelia from The Marist School.

Run in partnership with the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), the competition encourages girls to think creatively about the people, places and moments that help shape our lives.

Find out more and enter: https://gsa.uk.com/event/photography-competition-2/

Dust-filled skies, mysterious discoveries and a robot searching for answers.

‘The Robot Awakens’ by Lauren, at James Allen's Girls' School was longlisted in this year's Junior Writing Award and praised by judge Tamsin Winter for its powerful descriptions, dramatic storytelling and sense of hope.

"I found myself desperate to find out what happened to the planet," she said.

While conversations about masculinity and gender can quickly become polarised, Katia from Queen's College London believes we should spend more time understanding why these attitudes are taking hold and less time blaming young people.

She is concerned by the growing normalisation of misogynistic content online, but thinks that the answer lies in challenging harmful ideas and talking about them openly.

In a recent feature for Muddy Stilettos, Katia shared her perspective on the ‘manosphere’ and why equality should never be seen as a competition.

Read more from Katia and other girls from GSA schools: https://muddystilettos.co.uk/life/parenting/girls-schools-association-what-teenage-girls-really-think/

This summer, we're revisiting some of the outstanding work from the 2026 GSA Writing Awards.

Today's extract comes from ‘The First Thought’ by Ayla, at Manchester High School for Girls and winner of this year's Junior Writing Award.

Judge Tamsin Winter said: "I was blown away by the power of this entry. From the very first line, it's a tense and intriguing story."

Ayla's imaginative exploration of technology and what it means to be human really brought this year's theme, The Robot Awakes, to life.

Read the full piece: https://gsa.uk.com/gsa-junior-writing-award-2026/

For Darcey from Benenden School, one of the biggest misconceptions about Gen Z is that older generations often judge young people by the standards of a very different world.

She believes her generation is more willing to listen to different viewpoints, have those difficult conversations and try to understand experiences beyond their own. She also thinks adults underestimate the strength of modern friendships and the positive impact technology can have on staying connected.

In a recent feature for Muddy Stilettos, Darcey shared her thoughts on Gen Z, friendship and why she feels hopeful about the future.

Read more from Darcey and other girls from GSA schools: https://muddystilettos.co.uk/life/parenting/girls-schools-association-what-teenage-girls-really-think/

Winner of this year's Senior Writing Award (age 11 to 14 ), Charis from St Mary's School, Cambridge impressed with her piece After Themis, a powerful exploration of AI, justice and humanity.

Judge Joyce Efia Harmer described it as "that rare balance of compelling story and beautifully written, almost poetic narrative" and praised its "powerful emotional depth".

You can read it here: https://gsa.uk.com/gsa-senior-writing-award-2026/

Every school has its own character, but one thing has remained constant throughout Chief Executive Jeanette Cochrane's visits to GSA member schools this academic year: the warmth of the welcome and the generosity with which Heads, staff and girls have shared their experiences.

Recent visits to Edgbaston High School for Girls and Notre Dame School were no exception.

At Edgbaston High School for Girls, Jeanette caught up with Headmistress Clare Macro to discuss strategic developments across girls' education and met Eva and Maggie, the school's new PR Ambassadors, whose enthusiasm for representing their school was infectious.

At Notre Dame School, Senior Headmistress Anna King and her team shared their intentional approach to girls' curriculum design and the school's ambitious Above and Beyond the Curriculum (ABC) programme. There were exciting conversations about the contribution the school will make to GSA's curriculum working group next year, alongside inspiring plans for subjects including drama.

Spending time in our member schools is one of the most valuable parts of GSA's work. Hearing directly from school communities helps ensure the Association continues to champion and support girls' education in ways that reflect the realities of school life.

As the summer term comes to a close, thank you to every school that has welcomed us over the past year. We look forward to many more visits and conversations in the year ahead.