The Power of Sisterhood: Why Glendower Matters More Than Ever
The recently published Girlguiding Girls’ Attitudes Survey 2025 makes for sobering reading. It highlights the many pressures facing girls today: fears for their safety, constant self-monitoring of their behaviour, and even holding back their talents to avoid unwanted attention. More than half of girls aged 7–16 report that they must be careful about appearing “too clever” or “too confident,” and nearly one in five admit to pretending to be less smart than they are in order to avoid criticism or ridicule. These findings are stark reminders of the work still to be done in creating a more equal society for girls and women.
Yet within the report, there is also light. Alongside these challenges runs a powerful thread of hope: sisterhood. More than two-thirds of girls said they had supported another girl experiencing sexism or misogyny, whether by standing up for them, walking beside them when they felt unsafe, or offering comfort in the face of unkindness. This solidarity speaks directly to Glendower’s founding mission and enduring purpose: to equip girls with the strength, skills and confidence to thrive, succeed and live rewarding, happy lives.
At Glendower, we believe passionately that no girl should ever feel she has to diminish her brilliance. Our ethos champions curiosity, collaboration, and intellectual ambition, ensuring every girl knows she has both the right and the responsibility to think boldly and speak confidently. Our House system builds belonging and connection across year groups; Buddy Reading fosters meaningful partnerships between younger and older girls; and pupil leadership roles and assemblies show our girls that their voices matter. Within this environment, girls learn to celebrate their individuality, embrace challenge, and see themselves as agents of change.
The findings of the Girls’ Attitudes Survey remind us why schools like Glendower are needed more than ever. In a world where so many girls are still made to feel small, our community exists to encourage girls to take up space, to be clever, to be kind, and to be leaders. The role models they encounter here, both peers and adults, reflect the variety, strength and ambition of what it means to be a girl today.
Glendower is proud to stand in solidarity with girls everywhere. We want to be part of shaping the change for all girls and women, ensuring they not only aspire, but achieve; not only belong, but lead.
Article by Ms Claire Boyd, Head
