Celebrating 150 years of Leeds Girls’ High School

This year marks a remarkable milestone in the history of education in Leeds: 150 years since the founding of Leeds Girls’ High School (LGHS).

Established in 1876, at a time when academic opportunities for girls were still limited, LGHS was founded with a bold vision — to provide girls with an education equal in rigour and ambition to that offered to boys. It was a pioneering step for the city and one that would shape generations of young women.

From its earliest days, LGHS was described as a “school of unusual excellence” — a phrase that captured both its academic ambition and its progressive outlook. At a time when universities were only just beginning to admit women, LGHS played a crucial role in preparing girls for higher education and professional careers. Over 150 years, its alumnae have gone on to excel across medicine, law, academia, business, the arts and public service – living out the school’s motto ‘age quod agis’ – translated as ‘do what you do and do it well’ – in the wider world.

The school’s success was guided by a succession of visionary headmistresses, beginning with founding headmistress Miss Catherine Lucy Kennedy, whose leadership established the academic foundations and ethos that defined the school for decades to come.

In 2008, LGHS merged with Leeds Grammar School (LGS) to form The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), bringing together two proud traditions. Today, that legacy lives on through GSAL’s commitment to academic excellence, co-curricular breadth and a strong sense of belonging.

The 150^th anniversary celebrations were officially launched earlier this month, with a special issue of the GSAL alumni magazine, Memento, highlighting the history, achievements and personal stories that define LGHS’s enduring impact.

Michael Hall, Principal of GSAL, said: “The 150^th anniversary of Leeds Girls’ High School is a moment of real pride — not only for our alumni community, but for the whole city of Leeds. LGHS was founded on a belief in the transformative power of education for girls, and that belief remains central to who we are today.” He added: “For a century and a half, LGHS championed academic excellence, character and opportunity. As we celebrate this milestone, we honour the generations of young women who have shaped its story — and we look ahead with confidence as that legacy continues through GSAL.”

A highlight of the celebrations will be a special 150^th anniversary event in June, bringing together former pupils, staff and friends of LGHS to honour the school’s past and celebrate its continuing influence. The event will offer an opportunity to revisit shared memories, explore the school’s history and look ahead to the future.

Looking ahead, the celebrations will continue beyond 2026. In 2027, GSAL will mark another extraordinary milestone: 475 years since the founding of LGS, one of the city’s oldest institutions. Together, these two landmark anniversaries provide a powerful opportunity to celebrate nearly five centuries of educational heritage in Leeds — and to reflect on the shared values that continue to shape future generations.

As momentum builds throughout this anniversary year, the story of LGHS serves as a reminder of what education can achieve: not only academic success, but confidence, ambition and lasting community. One hundred and fifty years on, its legacy remains as strong as ever.

 

Image: A selection of photos capturing Leeds Girls’ High School throughout the years.