The Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) this week awarded its annual ‘Sheila Cooper Award’ to Dr Felicia Kirk, Headmistress at St Mary’s Calne, Wiltshire. The award, which is given in recognition of significant contribution to the GSA by a recently appointed Head, was presented to Dr Kirk at the GSA’s Annual Conference on Monday 23rd November.
GSA’s President, Alun Jones, said ‘We are delighted to present this special award to Dr Kirk, who is a committed and passionate leader in girls’ education and who is very well respected by her peers for her work in this field. Dr Kirk’s contribution in her role as GSA South West Regional Secretary is very much appreciated and we look forward to continuing our working relationship with Dr Kirk in her new role as Regional Chair next year.’
Charlotte Vere, Executive Director of the GSA, also praised Dr Kirk’s contribution, stating that it had been a pleasure to work with her on the Education Committee. The Sheila Cooper Award was established in honour of Sheila Cooper, who, prior to Charlotte, was Executive Director of the GSA.
Dr Kirk was delighted to receive this accolade: ‘I am honoured to have been given this award. I am a firm believer in all-girls’ education, and, having also worked in co-ed schools, I see first-hand at St Mary’s Calne how the girls flourish in an all-girls’ environment; there is a striking quality to the atmosphere, character and climate of a girls’ school. I would like to thank all of my colleagues at St Mary’s Calne, who have been so supportive of my vision for the school and who provide the highest level of teaching for the girls, enabling them to achieve their very best. I look forward to continuing to work with the GSA towards our common goals, ensuring that all-girls’ schools remain at the forefront of education.’