Facilitator: Laurie Garland, Deputy Head of Sixth Form Pastoral, Mental Health Lead, and Deputy Safeguarding Lead, Wycombe High School, London, UK

In today’s complex world, mental health and wellbeing must be central to how we lead, teach and care in girls’ schools. This series explores what it truly means to prioritise wellbeing – for students and staff alike. We’ll look at whole-school approaches, targeted support, stronger peer and parent partnerships, and how to better care for the adults at the heart of girls’ education. Together, we’ll redefine what wellbeing can look like in schools where girls thrive.

Facilitator: Laura McGarry, Graham-Pelton

In this Headways™ session, leaders and board members in girls’ schools will dive into the evolving landscape of philanthropy, exploring how strong governance, inclusive strategies, and emerging technologies can transform fundraising. Participants will examine how high-performing boards drive successful campaigns, discover fresh approaches to engaging diverse donors, and learn how to harness the power of AI to deepen connection and impact. The series concludes with a candid look at endowment campaigns—debunking myths, identifying trends, and uncovering new opportunities to strengthen long-term sustainability.

Facilitators: Linda Douglas, Principal, Wenona School, Sydney, Australia and Jo Sharrock, Headteacher, Putney High School (GDST), London, UK

Designed for experienced and emerging heads and principals of girls’ schools, this course offers a dynamic space to reflect, connect, and lead with clarity. Topics include global citizenship, strategic planning, executive wellness, and future-focused curriculum.

Facilitators: Brett Quimby, English Teacher, The Marlborough School, Los Angeles, California, USA and Tyler Gaspich, Director of Information Resources and Technology, The Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

This course explores how generative AI is showing up in girls’ schools—and what it might mean for teaching, learning, and leadership. We’ll consider both practical and ethical dimensions, with special attention to the implications for all-girls environments.

Facilitator: Liza Garonzik, Founder of R.E.A.L® Discussion

This session tackles common challenges in managing academic initiatives and driving faculty change. With a focus on realistic case studies, we’ll explore how identity, tenure, discipline, and school culture affect implementation—and how leaders can plan for impact.

This four-week session for communications professionals, admission/enrollment officers, and other school leaders will be a dynamic, interactive discussion with several key ICGS partners working in marketing, advertising, reputation building, and other external-facing work schools engage in every day to recruit students, solicit donors, and keep their community informed. You will learn cutting-edge strategy from our partners and practical on-the-ground tips from your colleagues around the world.

Facilitators:

• James Ramsdell, Finding School, “The 80/20 Conundrum: How to Find your School’s 20%”
• Rob DiMartino, Finalsite, with Luke Myers (Emma Willard), Patrick Coyle (Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart), and Bethany Stotler (Foxcroft School) in a panel discussion about marketing and engagement.
• Stephen Holmes and Andrew Taylor, 5Rs Partnership, Schedule Innovation as Untapped Positioning
• Twist Creative, Branding for Girls’ Schools

Facilitator: Alex Van der Loos, Head of Chemistry, Westlake Girls High School, Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand

This session helps educators design local curriculum that empowers girls to explore and act on issues in their communities. Sessions will include strategies for building agency, forging community connections, and embedding global citizenship through place-based learning.

Facilitator: Christina Advento, Teacher-Librarian, Trinity Hall, New Jersey, USA

This Headways™ session is designed for educators and staff with intermediate AI experience who are ready to advance their schools’ AI integration. Building on foundational knowledge, participants will engage in practical discussions about harnessing AI in their school to enhance the unique strengths of girls’ education while navigating implementation challenges and ethical considerations.

Facilitator: Julie Bierman, Learning Specialist, Roland Park Country School, Baltimore, MD, USA

As our understanding of neuroscience grows, the number of students with diagnosed neurodiversity continues to rise and educators may struggle to differentiate instruction, even when class sizes are small. Join this Headways cohort to explore and discuss proven strategies for building environments that normalize neurodiversity. Want to build your students’ metacognitive powers? Help them understand the interplay of anxiety and learning? Understand and explore ways to facilitate parent and teacher partnership? Hear from neurodiverse kids themselves about what works (and have the opportunity to ask them questions)? Please join us to bust some neuromyths and explore material and ideas that will amplify your power as an educator and increase your students’ success.

Facilitators: Johara Sealy, Assistant Head for Diversity and Equity, Nightingale Bamford School, New York, NY USA and Susan Martell Jenkin, Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer, Miss Porter’s School, Farmington, CT USA

This session explores how schools can foster environments of belonging and equity within their communities. Through discussion and reflection, participants will examine inclusive practices, identify barriers to equity, and develop actionable strategies to support all students and staff.

Facilitator: Cintra Horn, Assistant Head for Student Affairs, Ashley Hall School, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Middle leaders—division heads, department chairs, and program directors—are uniquely positioned at the intersection of school vision and daily practice. They carry the responsibility of interpreting institutional priorities, supporting faculty, and shaping the lived experience of students. Yet, leading “from the middle” often comes with challenges: balancing authority and collegiality, navigating competing demands, and influencing school culture without always having the final word.

This Headways program invites division heads and other middle leaders to explore strategies for cultivating positive, resilient, and values-driven school culture from their sphere of influence. Participants will engage in conversations about trust, transparency, humor, and relational leadership as levers for shaping culture.

Facilitators: Monique Eguavoen, Director of College Counseling, Westridge School, Pasadena, California, USA and Valerie Welsh, Director of College Counseling, The Baldwin School, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, USA

In today’s rapidly evolving admissions environment, effective college counseling requires more than just knowledge – it demands strategy, adaptability, and insight. This workshop will dive into current trends (including test-optional policies, AI’s impact on applications, equity in access, and the landscape of higher education) to ensure our approach and practice remains relevant and impactful as we guide students in finding their best-fit college or university.