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ARTICLE · 26 FEBRUARY 2015

The Benefits Of Networking

Wedlake Bell LLP
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It was, therefore, with high hopes that a few weeks ago I attended a newly-launched GDST alumnae law networking group.

United KingdomConsumer Protection
Kate Davies
Kate Davies

From the age of five to 18, I was fortunate enough to attend a school that is part of a group of 26 schools throughout the UK. The Girls' Day School Trust (GDST) was founded in 1872, a time when there was a deficiency in good quality education for girls, and by 1895 more than 20 schools had been established, providing a safe environment in which girls could learn and develop.

Over 140 years later the GDST model is still a relevant one; the GDST now educates nearly 20,000 pupils a year and has an impressive list of notable alumnae, including Enid Blyton, Judge Frances Kirkham, Emma Bridgewater, Susanna Reid, Mary Berry and Dame Stella Rimington. The extensive reach of the group means that wherever I go, I can invariably find a fellow GDST girl if I look hard enough. The girl in the room next door at university, who went on to be one of my very best friends – a GDST girl. The training principal at the firm I trained with – a GDST girl. I could go on.

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