alumnae
gdst girl for life
When you leave Blackheath High School, you become part of the GDST’s global alumnae network of more than 100,000 women. Spanning every professional sector and continent, this extraordinary community connects former students as role models, mentors and collaborators, united by a shared commitment to supporting one another and shaping a more equitable world.
As a Blackheath High alumna, you have access to a wealth of opportunities, from mentoring and professional networking to events, talks and reunions. Whether you are reconnecting with old friends or building new relationships, the GDST alumnae network offers lifelong connection, inspiration and support.
Notable alumnae
Inspiring our students
We are ambitious for our students and have a busy schedule of Futures fairs, talks, workshops and conferences, mentoring opportunities and assemblies across the year for both the Junior and Senior School sites. Our girls love hearing from inspirational women who once walked these corridors and discovering where their lives have taken them.
We invite our alumnae to support current pupils as mentors and career guides. Whether through a conversation, one-to-one mentoring, or offering work experience opportunities, your time and insight can make a real difference. Please get in touch if you would like to get involved.
Reunions
Former students are always welcome. As well as the reunions we plan and host – including the OGA Lunch, Decade Reunion, Summer Party and more – we’re also delighted to host your class reunion events. If you would like to tour your old school and catch up with old friends, please contact us: alumnae@bla.gdst.net
Stay in touch
Our alumnae are incredibly important to us and we love staying in touch so we can hear your news, share our stories and bring you into the Blackheath High world. Updating your contact details means you can stay connected to each other and to the school. If you aren’t currently receiving our news and invitations, if you have moved and not shared your new contact details or if you aren’t sure if you’re currently signed up, just drop us a line or check the GDST alumnae network portal.
bursary fund
Independent schools are facing unprecedented pressure, from the introduction of VAT on fees to the wider cost of living crisis. These challenges are reshaping the education landscape and placing outstanding schools increasingly out of reach for talented girls who would flourish at Blackheath High.
Bursaries are genuinely life-changing. Across the GDST, 10% of senior school students currently receive financial support, and our ambition is to extend that opportunity to many more. This is only possible through the generosity and commitment of our alumnae. Through donations, advocacy and legacy gifts, you are helping ensure that future generations of GDST girls can access the education that once opened doors for you.
Read the landmark GDST report, Designing the Future of Girls’ Education, to discover more about the importance of girls’ education, and our commitment to widening access and shaping a future where girls can flourish.
Abi Gilchrist – GDST alumna of the year
We are delighted that Blackheath High alumna Abi Gilchrist has been named GDST Alumna of the Year 2025. Musician and entrepreneur Abi is the founder of Soul Choirs, one of the UK’s largest community choir networks, recognised for its powerful impact on wellbeing, community and the arts.
Abi credits her time at Blackheath High with giving her the confidence to dream big and follow her own path – a legacy she continues to pass on through her work today.
