The International Coalition of Girls' Schools (ICGS) is a global non-profit membership association dedicated to the advancement of single-sex education for girls. Representing over 550 schools across 21 countries, including a significant number in the UK, it focuses on advocacy, research, networking, and professional development. Formed through the international expansion of the US-based National Coalition of Girls' Schools and mergers with Australasian and European partners, ICGS aims to empower girls to become ethical, globally-minded leaders by facilitating collaboration among educators and providing evidence-based research on girls' learning.
ICGS Member Schools (40)
Blackheath High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18, situated on the edge of the Heath in South East London. Founded in 1880 as the first purpose-built school of the Girls’ Day School Trust, it was officially opened by Princess Louise. The school operates across two sites: the Junior School in Blackheath Village and the Senior School at Vanbrugh Park. Facilities include an £18 million campus redevelopment with a state-of-the-art library, fitness suite, and an extensive sports campus at Kidbrooke Grove.
Situated in the heart of Brighton, Brighton Girls GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18. Part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the school was founded in 1876 and claims to focus on the joy of learning, instilling curiosity, adventure, and independence. The main campus at Montpelier Road features the historic Temple building. Facilities include a sports hall, gym, dance studio, and an Astroturf pitch. The school provides an all-through education, comprising a prep school, senior school, and sixth form within a vibrant urban setting.
Bromley High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18, situated on a 25-acre campus in Bickley, Greater London. Established in 1883 and a member of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the school moved to its current site in 1981. It holds the distinction of being the world's first all-girls All-Steinway School, housing a specialist music wing. Facilities include a 25-metre indoor swimming pool and floodlit sports pitches. The school provides a rigorous academic environment alongside a diverse range of extracurricular opportunities in music, sport, and the arts.
Bute House Preparatory School for Girls is an independent day school for pupils aged 4 to 11, located near Brook Green in Hammersmith. Established in 1958 on land leased from the Mercers’ Company, the school maintains a distinctive non-competitive ethos that avoids academic streaming. The broad curriculum emphasises a well-rounded education, supported by modern facilities including a science laboratory, art studio, and a signature pirate ship playground. While Bute House shares some sporting facilities with St Paul’s Girls’ School, it operates as an independent, mixed-ability environment focused on developing inquisitive and confident learners.
City of London School for Girls is an independent day school for pupils aged 11-18, located in the Barbican. Founded in 1894 following a bequest by William Ward, the school occupies a Grade II listed building set between ancient Roman walls and iconic brutalist architecture. Its ethos is intellectually rigorous yet "unstuffy", fostering a culture of curiosity and pioneering spirit. The school makes full use of its central London location for cultural partnerships, while facilities include an indoor swimming pool, a climbing wall, and a theatre. It remains part of the City of London Corporation.
Cobham Hall is a co-educational independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 11 to 18, set within 150 acres of historic parkland in Kent. Housed in a Grade I listed Tudor mansion, formerly home to the Earls of Darnley, the school features grounds designed by the landscape architect Humphry Repton. As a member of the Round Square network, Cobham Hall emphasises a holistic education focused on character and global citizenship. Part of the Mill Hill Education Group, the school provides diverse facilities, including the ornate Gilt Hall and modern creative arts and sporting centres.
Coworth Flexlands School is a co-educational independent day preparatory school and nursery for pupils aged two and a half to 11, situated on a 13-acre site in Chobham, Surrey. Formed by the merger of Coworth Park and Flexlands School, the institution emphasises outdoor learning through its on-site Forest School and outdoor classrooms. The curriculum balances academic study with STEM subjects, music, and drama, while the grounds provide facilities for sports such as football and tennis. Since 2023, the school has transitioned to a fully co-educational model for all year groups.
Croydon High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18, situated on a 20-acre site in Selsdon, South Croydon. Established in 1874, it was one of the earliest schools founded by the Girls’ Day School Trust. The campus features extensive green space and facilities such as a 25-metre swimming pool, a sports hall, and a dedicated sixth form centre. The school provides a broad curriculum designed to encourage independence and leadership, supported by a wide range of extracurricular clubs and activities.
Francis Holland Regent's Park is an independent day school for girls aged 11 to 18, situated in Marylebone near the gates of Regent's Park. Founded in 1878 by Canon Francis Holland, the school maintains a "schooling for life" ethos rooted in its Church of England heritage. On-site facilities include a swimming pool, while the nearby park and Paddington Recreation Ground are used for outdoor sports. In 2022, the school opened Linhope House, a purpose-built Sixth Form centre. The curriculum balances academic ambition with a strong commitment to the creative arts and pastoral support.
Francis Holland School (Sloane Square) is an independent day school for girls aged 11 to 18, situated in the heart of Belgravia, London. Founded in 1881 by Reverend Canon Francis Holland, the school moved to its current Graham Terrace site in 1884. It maintains a Church of England ethos, focusing on the development of leadership, creativity, and enterprise. Facilities include the RIBA award-winning Centre for Creative Learning and the Old School House, a dedicated Sixth Form centre. The school is well-regarded for its specialisms in the creative arts, including drama, music, and ballet.
Garden House School is an independent day school for pupils aged 3 to 11, situated in Chelsea, London. Founded in 1950 by ballerina Margery de Brissac Bernard, the school occupies purpose-designed facilities within the Grade II listed Cavalry House at the Duke of York’s Headquarters. It operates a unique model where boys and girls are taught in separate classes while sharing extracurricular activities and communal spaces. The school's ethos is defined by its 'Kindness Code', and the curriculum maintains a strong tradition in the performing arts, particularly dance and music.
Glendower Prep School is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 11, situated in South Kensington. Established in 1895 by Edith Lloyd and Maud Cornwell, the school is housed in two interconnected Victorian terrace houses on Queen's Gate. Its ethos focuses on fostering academic curiosity and critical thinking, balanced with a strong emphasis on performing arts and competitive sport. While utilising local facilities such as Hyde Park and Imperial College for outdoor and aquatic activities, the school provides dedicated spaces for music. It aims to develop confident, capable, and socially aware young women.