Independent school joins Chamber partner network

A leading independent school in Newcastle has joined a regional business organisation to help support future skills development and inclusive economic growth.

Newcastle High School for Girls (NHSG) has become the latest Partner member of the North East Chamber of Commerce, strengthening ties between education and industry across the region.

The partnership will see NHSG work alongside Chamber members, businesses and policymakers to support long-term economic success, while helping prepare the future workforce.

The school said the collaboration will create opportunities to engage with senior business leaders, contribute to policy discussions and support initiatives focused on skills, innovation and regional growth, while “opening doors” and “helping businesses engage with the talent pipeline of tomorrow”.

Founded 150 years ago, NHSG is the North East’s leading independent school for girls aged three to 18 and is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust network.

The school has recently introduced a bespoke Tech Diploma in partnership with Northumbria University, designed to help address growing demand for digital and technical skills.

Amanda Hardie, head of NHSG, said: “Joining the Chamber as a Partner member is an exciting opportunity for us to strengthen our connections with businesses and organisations across the North East.

“As an outward-facing and forward-thinking school, we are passionate about levelling the playing field for girls and young women, ensuring they leave us ready to shape the world across every sector.

“We know that social gender bias can begin at a very young age, which is why we work hard to create an environment where nothing feels off limits to our pupils. 

“Whether that is politics, coding, engineering, cyber security or scientific research, we want girls to see those opportunities as open doors from day one.”

Amanda added: “This partnership is a strong opportunity to connect young people with employers, giving pupils insight into the careers and industries shaping the future of our region. 

“Quite often young people think they need to move out of area to achieve their career aspirations; we hope to retain that talent here in the North East.

“We want to help businesses engage with the talent pipeline of tomorrow.”

The move aligns with the Chamber’s Unlocking the North East Economy policy plan and its Inspiring Women in Business programme, which aims to promote greater inclusion and opportunity across the region’s economy.

The Chamber’s Partner membership network brings together 26 organisations that work collectively to influence policy and support inclusive economic growth across the North East.

Erin Newey, strategic partnerships manager at the North East Chamber of Commerce, added: “We are delighted to welcome Newcastle High School for Girls as a Partner member. 

“The school’s long-standing commitment to empowering young women and preparing students for the future workforce strongly aligns with our own ambitions for the North East.

“The Chamber is passionate about unlocking the region’s full potential by creating a more inclusive, innovative and resilient economy. 

“Newcastle High School for Girls is already playing an important role in developing future talent, challenging barriers and connecting pupils with opportunities across key growth sectors.

“We look forward to working closely together to support skills development, strengthen links between education and industry, and help inspire the next generation of leaders, innovators and changemakers in the region.”

Read more from Amanda on NHSG’s culture, empowering girls to find their voice and preparing young women for future careers and leadership roles in her interview with our sister publication, N, here.

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