Empowering Young Minds

Breaking Stereotypes in All-Girls Schools 

At Queen’s, we believe every girl has the potential to achieve greatness and our alumnae serve as shining examples of what can be accomplished when stereotypes are defied, and dreams are pursued with determination. From CEOs to scientists, artists to cyber security specialists, Queen’s girls have made their mark in various industries, proving that gender should never be a barrier to success.

So, why consider stereotypes? Well, they can be pervasive, subtly shaping our beliefs about what girls are capable of and what roles they should occupy in society. Stereotypes often dictate the paths we take, or worse, limit potential, so it’s crucial to challenge these preconceived notions and empower our daughters to pursue their passions without limitations and constraints.  All-girls schools like Queen’s, lead the charge in breaking down barriers, reshaping the narrative around what girls can achieve and paving the way for young women to excel in diverse fields. By challenging stereotypes and encouraging girls to explore their interests and talents freely, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world.

An all-girl education also provides a unique environment where students are free from the gender biases that can often hold them back in coeducational settings. Without the pressure to conform to traditional gender roles, girls in single-sex schools are more likely to pursue subjects and activities that they are truly passionate about, whether it's STEM, the arts, sports, or leadership roles.

I believe that every girl deserves the chance to shine, and that education should be a catalyst for positive change. I genuinely want to create a school community where girls feel valued, respected, and supported in their journey towards success.

Joanne Keville, Headmistress

Take, for example, alumna Diana Beck, who over a century ago, defied societal expectations to become what is believed to be the first female neurosurgeon. Despite facing challenges along the way, she persevered and rose to the top, inspiring generations of young women to follow in her footsteps. Last year alone, more than 50% of our girls went on to pursue STEM subjects, demonstrating our commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and exploration.

At Queen’s, girls are empowered to break free from societal expectations and pursue their passions with confidence. From the arts to athletics, pupils at Queen’s are encouraged to explore their interests and push the boundaries of what is possible for girls in today's world.

By providing a supportive and empowering environment, all-girls schools are not only breaking down barriers but also paving the way for a future where girls can thrive and achieve their full potential. As parents and educators, we have a responsibility to challenge stereotypes and create opportunities for girls to succeed on their own terms.

But it's not just about individual success stories; it's about creating an environment where every girl feels empowered to explore diverse career paths and pursue her passions. That's why we offer a range of programmes and initiatives designed to encourage our students to think outside the box and consider non-traditional career paths. Simply put, we provide our girls with the tools and support they need to thrive in any field they choose.

At the heart of Queen's mission is my vision for empowering young minds and fostering a culture of inclusivity. I believe that every girl deserves the chance to shine, and that education should be a catalyst for positive change. I genuinely want to create a school community where girls feel valued, respected, and supported in their journey towards success.

At Queen’s, we are committed to providing a space where girls can thrive without limitations. I would personally like to invite parents to consider the impact of a stereotype-free environment on their daughters' aspirations and to join us in empowering the next generation of female leaders.

Together, let's break barriers and inspire greatness in every girl. Let’s empower our daughters to pursue their passions without limitations and help create a more equitable and inclusive society where every girl has the opportunity to shine.

Joanne Keville
Headmistress