St Swithun’s headmistress named as Girls’ Schools Association President Elect

Jane Gandee, headmistress at St Swithun’s School in Winchester, has been named the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) President Elect for 2026/27.

 

The Girls' Schools Association (GSA) unites all girls' schools, to inspire and empower girls and young women – and those who lead them. It is a membership association made up of the headteachers and educational leaders of girls’ school. Jane will take up the GSA presidency in September 2027.

Jane Gandee said, 'I am proud to step into the position of President Elect. In a world still dominated by unhelpful gender stereotypes, an all-girls’ education is more important than ever. I am very much looking forward to helping to ensure that young women are heard in an increasingly polarised and fractious world.'

Prior to becoming headmistress at St Swithun’s, Jane was director of studies at The City of London School for Girls. She read French and Spanish at Girton College, Cambridge before spending two years as an accountant prior to commencing her teaching career. She taught languages at two schools before moving to Queenswood, where she became head of languages.

She is a keen sportswoman, having represented Cambridge at athletics and cross country and captained the university's women's football team. She still runs competitively when time allows and enjoys supporting her three grown-up children.

St Swithun's School in Winchester is a renowned independent day, weekly and full-boarding school for girls. The St Swithun’s vision is a world where its young women see possibilities, not barriers.

July 2026