Sheffield Girls’ named Independent Prep School of the Year 2023

Sheffield Girls’ Infant and Junior School have been named the top Independent Prep School in the country at a ceremony in London on 10th October 2023.

The Independent Schools of the Year Awards, hosted by Independent School Parent Magazine, aim to recognise excellence and outstanding achievement in all areas of education, and through their 23 award categories they seek to shine a light on new initiatives and those schools who are delivering unique and invaluable programmes and partnerships to benefit their pupils and wider communities.

Sheffield Girls’ Infant and Juniors have been recognised for their exemplary character education, which is interwoven into the delivery of their unique Fusion Curriculum, which aims to develop and strengthen six core competencies: Creativity, Independence, Morals & Ethics, Confidence, Appreciation and Curious Cognition. With younger pupils also working towards their School Values Awards, which focus on positivity, courage and kindness, the result at the end of Year 6 is a group of enthusiastic and resilient ‘Girls of Steel’, ready to move on to their secondary education and take their place in an ever changing world.

“Our Girls of Steel character education programme provides opportunities for creativity, risk-taking, teamwork, leadership, competition and social entrepreneurship – everything that will be required of the leaders of tomorrow!” — Sheffield Girls’ Junior Head Chris Hald

Reflecting on his school’s incredible achievement, Junior Head Chris Hald said: “Our Girls of Steel character education programme provides opportunities for creativity, risk-taking, teamwork, leadership, competition and social entrepreneurship – everything that will be required of the leaders of tomorrow! Every pupil is valued and allowed to develop as an individual; their Sheffield Girls’ experience is much more than just going to school – rather, it is the journey to self. I’m delighted to see their efforts, and those of our wonderful staff, recognised in this way. ”

Parents in Year 6 also agree: “Sheffield Girls’ is in a league of its own, and this is down to the level of education which is delivered by brilliant teachers who always go the extra mile.”

The Independent Schools of the Year Awards

The awards were hosted by Dr Helen Wright, Chair of the independent panel of judges who selected the winners from more than 700 nominations and guests and leading figures from across the sector enjoyed the celebrations of this the fifth year of the awards.

About Sheffield Girls’ and the Girls’ Day School Trust

Sheffield Girls’ is a member of the Girls’ Day School School Trust (GDST) and is an independent school for approximately 750 girls between the ages of 4 and 18.

The GDST is the leading network of independent girls’ schools in the UK, with nearly 4,000 staff, and 20,000 students between the ages of two and 18. A charity that owns and runs a network of 23 independent schools and two academies in England and Wales, it reinvests all its income in its schools.