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- 21st Feb 2025
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Newcastle High School for Girls headteacher on designing the future of girls’ education
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In an ever-changing world, how do we ensure that an all-girls education continues to unlock every girl’s full potential? Newcastle High School for Girls (NHSG) is leading the way.
NHSG, part of the prestigious Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), provides a future-focused education tailored to empower girls to thrive and adapt to the modern world. And this is more than evident after recently being named a finalist in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards.
The School’s mission is clearer than ever — to nurture an environment where every girl can dream big, aim high and learn without limits.
Newcastle High School for Girls’ Headteacher, Amanda Hardie, reveals the dedicated work she and her team do to inspire the next generation of successful women leaders.
A FUTURE-FORWARD APPROACH TO GIRLS’ EDUCATION
“At NHSG, we’re inspired every day by the energy and curiosity of our pupils,” says Amanda. “We’re committed to providing an environment where girls feel confident to speak up, embrace challenges and reach their full potential. The latest GDST report, reinforces many of the principles already embedded in our school and inspires us to continue evolving for the future.”
The GDST’s research identifies three key pillars essential to shaping modern girls’ education: Classroom, Curriculum and Culture. These pillars guide NHSG’s approach to creating an education that empowers every girl.
GIRLS IN THE CLASSROOM
Research highlights that co-educational classrooms often overlook girls, with more attention given to a small group of demanding boys. But at NHSG, girls aren’t just participants; they’re at the forefront of learning.
“We focus on collaboration, discussion and building resilience,” explains Amanda. “Our classrooms are places where girls feel empowered to explore, question and take risks. We actively encourage them to embrace failure as a valuable learning opportunity.”
A recent ‘How to Fail Day’ for Year 7 girls showcased this approach. “It was a day dedicated to understanding how growth can come from mistakes. Seeing the girls develop the resilience to bounce back and keep trying was inspiring,” Amanda adds.
INNOVATIVE CURRICULUM AND CO-CURRICULUM
NHSG’s curriculum is designed to break down barriers and ignite a passion for learning.
“We’re passionate about inspiring girls to pursue subjects like STEM, where women are still underrepresented,” says the head. “From engineering pavilions in Junior School to participating in our bespoke STEM Diploma created in partnership with Sage and Northumbria University, we’re giving girls the skills they need to succeed in a tech-driven world.”
NHSG’s ‘STEMpowerment’ event represents this commitment, bringing together business leaders, higher education and pupils to grow a passion for STEM. “It’s amazing to see the girls engage with curiosity and joy during the event,” says Amanda.
Leadership and entrepreneurship are also key components of the school’s offering, with opportunities for girls to develop their skills and confidence through real-world projects.
Read more about how Newcastle High School for Girls supports families beyond the classroom.
EMPOWERING CULTURE FOR SUCCESS
Creating a culture that values and empowers girls is at the heart of NHSG’s ethos.
“Some argue that girls need a co-educational environment to build resilience and learn how to work with boys or men,” Amanda says. “But research and our experience show that girls don’t thrive in those settings – they adapt and learn to cope. At NHSG, our environment focuses entirely on girls’ needs, equipping them with the skills and confidence to challenge inequality and navigate life with self-belief.”
Role models are vital for empowering culture. “Our alumnae frequently return to share their experiences – not just their successes, but also the challenges they’ve overcome. These stories resonate deeply with our pupils,” Amanda adds. “Our Future First Conference further exemplifies this, with inspiring women from diverse careers sharing their insights and tips for success.”
DON’T MISS THE MARCH OPEN WEEK AT NHSG
Monday 10th – Friday 14th March 2025
If you’re curious to see how NHSG is shaping the future of girls’ education, register for the March Open Week, where you can discover what makes the all-girl school so special. From Nursery right through to Sixth Form, NHSG is a place where girls are inspired, challenged and empowered every day.
“We’re incredibly proud of the environment we’ve created here at NHSG; the GDST’s latest report is a powerful reminder of why girls-only education is so impactful – and how we can continue building a brighter, more equal future for every girl.”
Headteacher, Amanda Hardie
Rachael Ellis
Creative Solutions Manager
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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