Sheffield Girls’ GDST has been named Independent Secondary School of the Year in the North 2026 in the Sunday Times Parent Power School Guide, reaffirming its position as one of the leading girls’ schools in the country. The accolade recognises an exceptional year of academic achievement, innovative teaching and outstanding personal development across the school. 

The school’s success follows a remarkable set of examination results in 2025. At A Level, over half of the Year 13 cohort achieved straight A or A* grades, with 72 per cent progressing to Oxbridge or Russell Group universities. Overall, 88 per cent of A Level Grades were at A*-B, significantly above the national average of 55 per cent. GCSE performances was equally strong with 80 per cent of grades at 7-9 compared with a national average of 22 per cent. 

In addition to academic achievement, inspectors highlighted the school’s distinctive ethos. Sheffield Girls’ delivers a holistic education; its Girls of Steel character education programme equips pupils with resilience and self-belief, while the breadth of co-curricular opportunities, spanning STEM enrichment, performing arts, elite sport and community engagement, continues to set the school apart.

Head Alex Wilson said: “We are thrilled to be named Independent Secondary School of the Year 2026, after receiving the same accolade just three years ago. This recognition belongs to our entire community and reflects the extraordinary dedication of our pupils and staff.

“While our exceptional GCSE and A Level results are rightly celebrated, they represent only a fraction of what makes our school truly special. What defines us is the unique way our girls champion one another, embrace challenges, and ultimately leave us equipped to shape the world with confidence and purpose.”

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