We are proud the RSA was intrinsic to spreading secondary education for girls.

In 1870, writer Maria Grey stood for the London School Board elections, frustrated that girls’ secondary education was being neglected. Although she lost, her election campaign brought her to the attention of our treasurer at the time George Bartley and Henry Cole, seen by many as the founder of the modern RSA as we know it. Together they encouraged her to present her ideas to the Society of Arts. Shortly after we created a “Ladies Committee” and invited Grey to give a lecture. We also invited her to present at our annual conference of the Union of Mechanics’ Institutions.

On 25 August 1871 the Ladies Committee announced the impending creation of the National Union for the Improvement of the Education of Women of All Classes (later shortened to the Women’s Education Union). It was inaugurated at RSA House later that year and held its initial meetings in the building.

In 1872 the National Union announced the creation of a limited liability company to create schools for girls. The Girls’ Public Day School Company, launched at the Royal Albert Hall, which in 1905 was converted to a charitable trust. The Girl's Day School Trust continues to this day.