Margaret Stansfeld was a British teacher and educator who was the founder and Principal of the Bedford Physical Training College from 1903 to 1945 and promoted physical education for girls.
10 Facts About Margaret Stansfeld
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In 1881, Margaret Stansfeld enrolled on courses for female school teachers, taught by Martina Bergman-Osterberg, and she was recruited as an instructor for Hampstead Physical Training College in 1885.
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Margaret Stansfeld taught gymnastics and games at girls' schools, including Bedford High School for Girls, and taught at the Froebel Institute, London, and the Cambridge Training College for Women Teachers.
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Margaret Stansfeld played a leading role in founding the Ling Association, for the promotion of Swedish gymnastics, in 1899 and later established their library and courses, and was their President from 1910 to 1920.
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Margaret Stansfeld was a founder of the Bedford Women's Suffrage Society and was President of the Association of Principals of Women's Physical Training Colleges.
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Margaret Stansfeld founded the Bedford Physical Training College in 1903 and served as its Principal until 1945.
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Margaret Stansfeld began with 13 students and developed Bedford into an exclusive women's physical training college.
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Margaret Stansfeld established the College's Old Students' Association, founded in 1909, which organised annual alumni events.
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Margaret Stansfeld retired as Principal in 1945, aged 85, but continued as the principal shareholder, Chair of the Board and President of the Old Students' Association.
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Margaret Stansfeld's legacy is still remembered with the Margaret Stansfeld Building, named in her honour, forming part of Bedford College.