The Association of Heads of Independent Girls' Schools (AHIGS), is an association for independent girls' schools, based in North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia. Established in 1916 as The Association of Head Mistresses of New South Wales, the Association rebranded in 2021 to now trade as Independent Girls' Schools Association (IGSA). The Association, that as of 2022, comprised 32 member schools, enables inter-school aesthetic, cultural and sporting activities between New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory's most exclusive independent and Catholic girls' schools. AHIGS also exists for the purpose of encouraging communication and a bond of co-operation and collegiality among independent girls' schools and their "heads", and working towards advancing the cause of the education of girls through policy development on major issues of concern. The association actively represents its members and the interests of their schools at a political level, through lobbying governments and politicians. Through AHIGS competitions, member schools and their students, are encouraged to value good sportsmanship, participation, team spirit and fairness above undue competitiveness and individualism. Of New South Wales' fifteen female Rhodes Scholars (1904 to 2009), eight have attended an AHIGS School. Schools Members Former members History At the Women's Club on 8 November 1916 a group of eight Headmistresses formed The Association of Head Mistresses of New South Wales, with Miss Edith Badham (SCEGGS Darlinghurst) elected as Foundation President. The eight founding schools were: Abbotsleigh, Wahroonga Normanhurst School, Ashfield (no longer exists). Kambala, Rose Bay Meriden School, Strathfield Methodist Ladies' College (no MLC School), Burwood The Presbyterian Ladies' College, Croydon (now Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney) Ravenswood School for Girls, Gordon The Sydney Church of England Girls' Grammar School (now SCEGGS Darlinghurst) Eligibility for membership was eventually offered to a further 23 girls' schools. In 1945, a national association was formed, and AHIGS New South Wales heads served as Presidents of that organisation as follows: 1950–1952 Miss D. Knox (PLC Pymble) 1959–1962 Miss P. Bryant (Frensham) 1975–1978 Miss B. Chisholm (SCEGGS) 1985 Miss K. McCredie (Abbotsleigh). The national organisation was disbanded on 26 August 1985 when the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia was founded. AHIGS first admitted male heads of girls' schools to membership from 1973 however, so far no male member has been elected to the position of President. Presidents Independent Girls' Schools Sporting Association The thirty-two members' schools of AHIGS are eligible to participate and compete against each other