Sheffield Girls’ named ‘Independent Secondary School of The Year in the North’
After celebrating stellar GCSE and A Level results this summer, staff, pupils and parents at Sheffield High School for Girls are in high spirits after the school was named as the top independent school in the north of England in a leading education report by the Sunday Times.
In the paper’s annual ‘Parent Power’ school guide, which combines and reviews the results of both private and state schools across the UK, Sheffield Girls’ came out on top of all schools in the North of England. The accolade means that they scored highest when judged on their GCSE and A Level grades and on their holistic approach to extra-curricular provision, pastoral support and character education.
Reflecting on the school’s today’s outstanding ranking, Sheffield Head Nina Gunson said, “We are just thrilled to be recognised as the North Independent Secondary School of the Year. The girls’ exam results this summer were such a wonderful reward for the positivity, hard work and innovation demonstrated by students and staff over the last couple of extremely challenging years, and to receive this accolade is simply the icing on the cake.”
“Every single day I am impressed by the achievements of our students and proud of the values they demonstrate. I hope that every member of our school community can share my pride in this awards achievement which belongs to us all.” — Nina Gunson, Head at Sheffield Girls’
Cheryl Giovannoni, Chief Executive of the Girls Day School Trust, had this to say: “What a stunning achievement for all our students and teachers at Sheffield High School for Girls. It’s a fantastic accolade and testament to the commitment and hard work of the whole school staff.
“This award for ‘North Independent Secondary School Of The Year 2023’ underlines the real difference Sheffield Girls, as one of our family of GDST schools, makes to girls’ education across the country.” — Cheryl Giovannoni, Chief Executive, GDST
“By providing learning environments specifically designed for and dedicated to girls’ learning needs and preferences, our schools seek to challenge all traditional stereotypes and give girls space to develop a strong sense of themselves and their value.”
A family of schools
Sheffield High School for Girls was established in 1878 and is currently the only school in Sheffield providing single sex education for girls aged 4-18. Sheffield Girls’ are part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), a unique family of 25 independent schools across England and Wales.
At the GDST we are proud that our schools are recognised for their excellence in teaching, facilities, opportunities and pastoral care. Sheffield Girls’ were not the only school recognised in The Times Parents Power League Table: Norwich High School was also awarded as The Sunday Times North Independent School Of The Year 2023.