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Single-sex education "crucial" for independent schools

Posted on 18th November 2008

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The benefits of single-sex education in independent schools have been outlined by the president of the Girls' Schools Association (GSA).

Vicky Tuck, who is also the principal of Cheltenham Ladies' College, addressed the GSA's annual conference on Monday 17th November.

She said that it is "crucial" to cater to the different needs of both genders as their "brains are wired differently".

Ms Tuck went on to say that girls attending GSA schools consistently achieved good results, but stressed the need for "personalised" learning rather than "robotic" preparation for exams.

She also advised independent schools to implement risk management in the wake of the credit crunch and cut costs without diluting the "essence" of the institutions.

And she joked that financial companies could benefit from more of a female influence, saying: "I think every organisation should have a headmistress."

Recently, a Birmingham independent school was forced to close after pupil numbers fell.

Rathvilly School dated back to 1895 but had to shut after only 35 students enrolled.