Donna Stevens
Chief Executive Elect , GSA
Donna was appointed Chief Executive of the Girls’ Schools Association in January 2021, having been Head of Research for the Independent Schools Council for a number of years.
Donna has an insight to a wide range of independent school sector issues, covering national education policy, public affairs, media and communications and research. She has detailed knowledge of the economic impact of independent schools on the UK economy and the impact of independent-state school partnerships, having been responsible for overseeing these research projects for the ISC as well as their annual census of independent schools.
Donna has also worked in strategic consultancy, advising across a wide range of sectors on financial matters as well as communication and brand strategies. She has also worked in the social sector, with organisations such as The Challenge and Action Tutoring.
In her spare time, Donna enjoys jogging and also runs a successful performing arts weekend school with the help of six teaching staff; the school caters for 100 pupils including Donna’s own three children.
Donna attended a comprehensive school in South Wales, before studying maths at Oxford University, graduating in 2002. She also holds a post graduate diploma in educational and social research from UCL. Donna is a regular speaker at conferences and has presented at events run by GSA, HMC, ISA, Society of Heads, BSA, the Festival of Education, AMCIS and Know Your Audience.