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Women’s
Education
Champion

Blue circular logo with "Women's Education Champion" text. Features a hat, tie, and pencil in the center. The border of the circle has repeating patterns of text, and a QR code is at the bottom.

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.

Find out what the RSA is doing in the area of education today

Playful Green Planet

Co-creating nature-based urban learning spaces and activities for 3-5-year-olds to foster nature and community connectedness and care through creativity.

A group of children and a man are outdoors by a creek. The man is crouching on a rock, speaking to a boy in a plaid shirt and green boots. Other children are sitting on rocks and logs, observing. The setting is a wooded area.

Regions of Learning

For post-16 learners who have not thrived in traditional settings, our Regions of Learning programme tackles head-on the challenges of economic inactivity, unemployment and skills shortages.

Three people in a workshop stand around a milling machine. Two young individuals listen attentively to an instructor who is explaining something. They all wear aprons, and tools are visible in the background.

RSA Spark

RSA Spark helps you find your creativity, igniting ideas into action for a positive impact on the world. Through real-world missions and learning fuelled by innovation, you’ll grow life skills and lifelong connections.

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Capabilities for Life Framework

Exploring and cultivating the capabilities required to ensure business aims and practices contribute towards a regenerative economy.

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Explore the other Blue Plaques at RSA House

Read more about our history, heritage and what makes the RSA special.

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RSA history

Looking to the future since 1754. Find out more about the famous names and change made in the past.

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RSA House venue hire

Explore our unique venue with a selection of versatile spaces for hire.

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Support our work

As a charity, we rely on donors, funders and our Fellows to realise our vision. Donate and help to regenerate our world.

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