Nottingham Girls' High School GDST Review 2026: 150 Years of Empowering Ambition

In 1881, when the school established a girls' football club deemed scandalously "too dangerous for girls," they were already pushing boundaries. Today, 145 years later, this spirit of fearless ambition defines Nottingham Girls' High School. Girls here embrace activities from dissection to rock bands, rowing to climbing; they lead debates, direct theatre, and launch themselves into universities across the country. The school ranks 170th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool data), placing it in the top 4% of schools. With 72% of pupils achieving grades 9-7 at GCSE compared to 22% in England, and four Oxbridge acceptances in 2024, the school combines exceptional results with a commitment to ensuring every girl finds her voice, regardless of starting point.

Once past the gates, you notice the energy immediately. The school's location in the heart of Nottingham's Arboretum district gives it a sense of being embedded in the city, yet the campus itself is a retreat. The Victorian architecture anchors the place in history, with buildings dating back to when the school occupied Oxford Street with just 34 pupils in 1875. The school has grown thoughtfully, acquiring neighbouring properties and recently opening a purpose-built nursery and the refurbished 1875 Sports Centre.

Julie Keller, who became Head in 2016, brings a refreshing pragmatism. Nottingham-born and trained in the state sector, she deliberately chose to leave co-education because she saw girls being neglected in mixed environments. Her conviction that girls thrive when educated as the primary focus permeates everything here. The school describes itself as "girl-centred," and this isn't marketing; it manifests in teaching approaches, pastoral structures, and the language used by staff. The Independent Schools Inspectorate noted in March 2024 that relationships between staff and pupils are "positive and grounded in mutual respect."

The four houses, named after founding headmistresses Bolton, Hastings, Luxton and Skeel, create a sense of tradition and belonging. These aren't abstract; they compete in sports days, accumulate house points, and give girls identity within a school of over 600. Yet this structure sits comfortably with modern sensibilities. The school's core values emphasize being Progressive, Fearless, and A Supportive Family alongside Girls First.

GCSE Performance

In 2024, 72% of GCSE entries achieved grades 9-7, well above the England average of 22%. This differential isn't coincidental; it reflects both selective entry and rigorous teaching. The school ranks 170th (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 4% of schools in England. Locally, it ranks 2nd among Nottinghamshire schools, competing with a handful of selective day schools.

At individual level, these numbers translate to serious academic achievement. The breadth of subjects offered is notable: beyond traditional offerings, girls study Ancient Greek, Mandarin, Further Mathematics, and classical languages. This curriculum depth appeals to families seeking genuine academic ambition without, as one parent noted, the excessive pressure sometimes found elsewhere. Progress is tracked carefully, with support available for those who need it and extension for those capable of more.

A-Level Performance

The picture at A-level reinforces GCSE strength. The school ranks 223rd (FindMySchool data), within the top 8% in England. 79% of grades achieved A*-B, compared to 47% in England. This is sustained excellence across 25+ A-level subjects, from Biology and Chemistry to Classical Civilisation and Philosophy.

University progression reflects these strong fundamentals. In 2024, 75% of leavers progressed directly to university, with four securing Oxbridge places (three at Oxford, one at Cambridge). The school does not publish comprehensive Russell Group data, but anecdotally, popular destinations include Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, and the London colleges.

Teaching here reflects expertise in both subject knowledge and the psychology of educating girls. The ISI inspection found that staff know their pupils well and understand their individual needs. Class sizes in the junior school average around 20; at GCSE and A-level, sets are smaller, typically 12-18.

The curriculum is knowledge-rich without being narrowly academic. In the junior years, girls encounter forest school in Upnah Wood, hands-on science in dedicated labs, and specialist language teaching from native speakers. The school introduced Chromebooks for all Year 7-11 pupils (sixth-formers bring their own devices), integrating technology thoughtfully rather than relegating it to ICT lessons.

A distinguishing feature is the school's absolute commitment to girls' education research and training. Teachers undergo professional development specifically in understanding how girls learn, how to challenge perfectionism, and how to build resilience without sacrificing genuine support. This isn't surface-level differentiation; it's embedded in pedagogy.

The schools feeds students upward into strong universities. Of the 2024 cohort of 68 sixth-form leavers, 75% progressed to university. This reflects both selective entry and careful guidance. The university and careers team begins supporting students from Year 9, with individual mentoring from Year 10 onwards.

Beyond the headline figures, the destinations reveal strong progression across Russell Group institutions and competitive courses. Medicine remains popular (the school regularly places students into medical schools), as do STEM disciplines, law, humanities, and vocational pathways. The alumnae network, spanning the GDST's 25 schools in England, provides ongoing career connections and mentoring.

With over 40 extracurricular clubs, the school offers genuine breadth. However, rather than generic lists, what distinguishes NGHS is the depth and seriousness with which activities are pursued.

Music: A Central Pillar

Music flourishes across the school. The performing arts provision extends far beyond piano lessons. Girls learn orchestral instruments, take music composition courses, and conduct. The String Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Jazz Band, and Concert Orchestra perform regularly. A specialist music tuition programme (£224 per term) is available for those seeking advanced training. The school choir has international touring traditions, and younger pupils enjoy percussion clubs and the Ukuladies. The Squire Performing Arts Centre, a professional theatre space on campus, is home to multiple ensembles and provides venues for performances throughout the year.

Drama and Performing Arts: Professional Standards

The Squire Performing Arts Centre isn't just a facility; it's a working theatre where girls learn technical production, stage management, lighting, and sound alongside acting. Professional partnerships with City Arts, Unite the Scene, and Mish Mash bring external expertise. The main school production involves substantial casts and orchestras. Drama clubs run continuously, with opportunities for everyone from budding actresses to set designers.

Sports: Breaking Tradition and Winning

The 1875 Sports Centre, opened in 2023 and named after the school's founding year, houses a fully equipped fitness suite, yoga and Pilates studio, and a refurbished sports hall. Girls compete in traditional sports (netball, hockey, cross-country) and newer offerings (football, cricket, basketball). The school boasts county-level players and international representatives. Rowing has gained particular momentum in recent years. The climbing wall and assault course provide adventure-based activity for all.

The PE department has been finalists five times in the Nottinghamshire Sports Review of the Year awards. Girls participate in GDST rallies and local league competitions; teams represent the school at county and regional level. Sports clubs operate at lunch and after school, and house competitions drive participation across the year groups.

STEM and Science

The Dissection Society reveals the school's approach to science engagement. Rather than treating it as an isolated subject, the school fosters genuine scientific curiosity. Girls engage with astronomy clubs, competitive mathematics, and coding. The school invested in modern science facilities with separate biology, chemistry, and physics laboratories. Specialist equipment and visiting coaches in specific areas ensure girls develop depth.

Outdoor Learning and Adventure

Upnah Wood, the on-site forest school, is not mere beautification. It's a working outdoor learning space with a mud kitchen, firepit, and pizza oven. The Exploration Society takes girls on trips across the UK for hiking, climbing, abseiling, and water sports. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme sees substantial uptake, with World Challenge expeditions to destinations including Norway and Borneo.

Leadership and Community

The school's leadership culture is genuine, not tokenistic. Girls take up prefect roles, lead house competitions, and chair clubs. The Service Learning Programme ensures community service is embedded. Year 12 girls participate in the School Leaders project with the University of Nottingham, engaging in local community work. The alumnae network spans over 100,000 women globally through the GDST, providing ongoing mentoring, professional networking, and career support.

Other Notable Clubs

Pet Club, Chess, Knitting, Eco Club, Debating, Ballet, and countless others change termly based on pupil interest. The school actively encourages girls to suggest new activities. Before and after school clubs operate for younger pupils, with a buzzing lunch-time club programme across all ages.

The school is an independent, not-for-profit institution. Fees for 2025/26 are £6,439 per term for Years 7-13 (lunch is additional at no extra charge due to VAT treatment). Younger pupils pay £4,537-£4,673 per term depending on year group. Registration is £120; a deposit of £500 (or £2,000 for families overseas) confirms acceptance.

The GDST Bursary Scheme offers assistance from 30-100% of fees based on family income. The school is transparent about this: financial need should never prevent a bright girl from accessing a GDST education. Scholarships are available for academic achievement, music, sport, and art. A 20% sibling discount applies to third and subsequent daughters.

Music tuition costs £224 per term; speech and drama, £85. Residential trips and specialist activities incur additional charges. What is included is comprehensive: curriculum trips, textbooks, exercise books, Chromebooks for Years 7-11, after-school clubs, sports equipment, and careers advice.

The curriculum isn't confined to examined subjects. Enrichment seminars run for academic scholars. External lecture series bring professionals into school. Competitions in mathematics, debating, and essay writing encourage intellectual stretching. The school sends teams to national competitions and provides targeted support for girls pursuing specialist interests.

The ISI inspection highlighted wellbeing as a priority for leaders and governors. The school employs a Head of Learning Support specializing in dyslexia and autism, backed by qualified assessors. A school nurse and trained counsellor provide additional layers of support. For girls on the learning support register (approximately 35), provision ranges from specialist tuition in the junior school to mainstream support with tailored strategies in the senior school.

The approach to mental health is holistic. The Positive Schools Project trains staff in psychological wellbeing techniques that ripple through lessons and pastoral conversations. Form tutors know pupils individually; the house system ensures multiple adults are invested in each girl's flourishing. Year 12 pastoral support is particularly developed, recognizing sixth-form transitions as critical.

A point of distinction: the school explicitly addresses perfectionism, encouraging girls to embrace imperfection and resilience rather than chase unattainable standards. This subtle shift in messaging has demonstrable impact on student wellbeing.

The school operates from 8:30am (gates open from 8:00am) until 3:40pm for junior and infant years. Sixth form and senior school timings follow standard patterns. A network of school buses serves Nottinghamshire and neighbouring counties, with routes linking directly to the campus. Older girls can use local city buses; the school has a dedicated stop on the tramline, providing rapid access to the city centre and train station.

School lunch is compulsory for Years 1-11 (not included in fees). The caterers accommodate all dietary requirements, including medical-related conditions. After-school club extends care until 6:00pm for younger pupils; senior girls have homework and enrichment provision.

Selective admissions. Entry is by assessment across all ages. The school evaluates academic potential, reasoning, and aptitude. While the school is not explicitly selective like a grammar school, it reserves the right to admit girls it believes will thrive in its environment. Places are competitive.

Fee commitment. Fees have risen significantly in recent years (in line with sector trends). A commitment to fees requires careful family financial planning. The bursary scheme genuinely helps, but the school remains accessible primarily to families of above-average means. This shapes the socioeconomic composition of the school.

Pressure culture potential. With strong results and competitive destinations, there's a risk that some families and girls create unhelpful pressure. The school explicitly counters this, but family context matters significantly. Girls inherently ambitious or from high-expectation backgrounds should feel the school's culture of excellence; those sensitive to pressure might find the environment demanding.

Limited ethnic diversity. The school, while working actively on inclusion, draws primarily from local independent school populations and private primary feeders. This can mean less cultural and ethnic diversity than state comprehensive alternatives, though the school is actively addressing this.

Nottingham Girls' High School represents the best of what an all-girls independent school can be: strong academics without sacrificing wellbeing, tradition without stagnation, and genuine expertise in understanding how girls learn. The school combines rigorous curriculum with compassionate pastoral care. Results place it among the most successful schools in the region, yet the culture prioritizes developing confident, articulate, curious women over exam points alone.

The school suits families seeking strong academics in a girls-only environment where each pupil is genuinely known. It appeals to parents who value the school's girl-centred approach and investment in female leadership. It's ideal for girls ready to flourish in a supportive but challenging environment, comfortable with both tradition and progressive change.

It is not suited to families seeking maximum ethnic or socioeconomic diversity, seeking a co-educational environment, or unable to sustain fee commitments. The entrance assessment is rigorous; girls need to demonstrate genuine academic capability to secure places.

For families within reach and means, Nottingham Girls' High School stands as a rare combination: a school with 150 years of history serving as a living, evolving community. The girls here are empowered, ambitious, and unafraid.