President's Speaker Series to Welcome UK Headmistress Katharine Birbalsingh

On Friday, October 23, 2026, at noon in the Seaver Board Room of the Thornton Administrative Center, Pepperdine University will welcome entrepreneur and thought leader Katharine Birbalsingh as part of its distinguished President Speaker Series. In conversation with Pepperdine president Jim Gash (JD ’93), Birbalsingh will share her insights on education and leadership.

Katharine Birbalsingh CBE, is headmistress and cofounder of Michaela Community School based in London, United Kingdom. She is known as “Britain’s Strictest Headmistress.” Michaela’s Progress 8 score places the London school at the top in the country. The National Inspectorate, OFSTED, grades the school as “Outstanding” in every category.

Birbalsingh studied philosophy and modern languages at the University of Oxford and has always taught in inner London.

The event is free to attend, however, registration is required. Visit the President’s Speaker Series website for more information.