Sheffield Girls’ GDST is celebrating another landmark achievement after being named the Independent Secondary School of the Year in the North 2026 in the Sunday Times Parent Power School Guide.
This prestigious accolade reflects an exceptional year of academic success, innovative teaching and outstanding personal development across every area of school life.
The Parent Power Guide is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative rankings of schools in the UK. Drawing on the most recent public examination results and an assessment of wider school culture, it offers a data-rich, comprehensive picture of school performance nationwide. Schools are benchmarked not only on GCSE and A Level grades, but also on the quality of their co-curricular offer, pastoral care and ethos. To be named the top independent school in the North, for the second time in three years, places Sheffield Girls’ at the very forefront of girls’ education.
This award marks another proud moment for the entire school community. It recognises the courage, positivity and kindness demonstrated each day by Sheffield Girls’ students, the passion and expertise of staff, and an unwavering commitment to delivering an ambitious education tailored specifically for girls.
This year’s ranking follows another exceptional set of public examination results. At A Level this year, over half of the Year 13 cohort achieved all A or A* grades with 72% of leavers moving on to Oxbridge or Russell Group universities. 88% of grades were at A*-B compared with the national average of 55%. GCSE outcomes were equally impressive, with 80% grades awarded at 7-9 compared with a national average of 22%.
Alongside this academic success, inspectors have highlighted the School’s distinctive ethos and the impact of its holistic approach. The Girls of Steel character education programme continues to empower students with confidence, resilience and leadership skills, creating a learning environment in which pupils feel supported to take intellectual risks and achieve their full potential. The breadth of co-curricular opportunities, from STEM enrichment and the performing arts to elite sport and community engagement, has also been singled out as a defining strength.
Head Alex Wilson reflected on the announcement:
“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.
“From the highest levels of STEM achievement, national success in sport and the arts, to the strength of our Girls of Steel character programme our school is a truly vibrant place, alive with ambition, creativity, and joy. It is a genuine privilege to lead such an inspiring community, and I am immensely proud of our pupils and teachers.”
Director of Sixth Form, Chris Spick, added:
“Our Sixth Form is a place where pupils grow into confident, independent young women, ready to take on the world. Being named Independent Secondary School of the Year again recognises not only this year’s outstanding A Level results, but the character, ambition and leadership our students show every day.
“Our girls achieve exceptional academic success, but they also find their own voice, explore new ideas and learn to lead with integrity through opportunities in debating, research, enterprise and our Girls of Steel programme. They work incredibly hard and support each other with warmth and generosity. This award celebrates all they have achieved and the bright futures ahead of them.”
Cheryl Giovannoni, Chief Executive of the Girls’ Day School Trust, commented:
“Sheffield Girls’ is an extraordinary school, and this award for ‘Top Independent Secondary School in the North 2026’ is powerful recognition of the hard work and dedication of every single member of staff, committed to helping girls learn without limits every day. As the only all-girls school in Sheffield, the values of kindness and courage are underpinned by the ‘Girls of Steel’ mission that resonates in a dynamic and forward-looking learning environment.
“Nowhere else in this part of the world do girls thrive like they do at Sheffield Girls’, growing in confidence and character under the guidance of true experts in how girls learn best.
“This accolade provides further validation of the power of a GDST education. Our modern and dynamic approach to education equips girls with the skills and attributes they need to become future leaders and changemakers on their own terms.”
With this accolade, Sheffield Girls’ GDST continues to lead the way regionally and nationally, providing an environment which is all girls, by design and within which every pupil is taught what she needs to take her place in an ever-changing world.”
Helen Davies, editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, said:
“The educational landscape is testing – budget challenges, rising student mental health issues, special educational needs and an increasingly uncertain future. But there is also so much to celebrate from the dedication of teachers who are finding ever more innovative and impactful ways to enrich their students and give them the very best start in life.”
