Nottingham Girls' High School

Julie Keller, who is Nottingham born and bred and very proud of her roots. Read economic and social history at Leicester. Always wanted to teach but with no great ambition to be a head. Taught at tough co-ed comprehensives in the city (she attended

Academically selective with girls being assessed at all points of entry. Junior school candidates spend a day at the school and meet head and deputy. Senior school entrants sit an exam and a reference is taken from their school. Automatic entry from

One or two a year from the nursery won’t cope so go elsewhere. Unusual for a year 6 girl not to go to the senior school but the odd one gently pointed in another direction with parents well aware of this.

Around a third leave after GCSEs (before

In 2025, 60 per cent grade 9-7 at GCSE; 49 per cent A*/A at A level (83 per cent A*-B).

This GDST school plays to its strengths: girls’ education. They know the young female mind inside out and backwards and this is reflected in the way these girls are taught. Pressure is kept to a minimum and perfectionists taught to embrace

SENCo and the department spoken highly of by parents. They look after 74 girls with SEN requirements – mainly dyslexia, autism traits and ADHD. Figure is quite high but school quick to spot problems, as are parents. Lots of dyslexia-friendly lessons.

Very popular here with a fairly recently constructed (2016), impressive performing arts centre, complete with bar; we were assured this was for parents only. This large, airy space is well utilised by both schools. The theatre seats 250 and is also

We get the impression that competitive sport has not played a huge part in the school, but it is very inclusive with all girls encouraged to join in. It’s gaining momentum – a new sports facility is being built, meaning more pitches on site. ‘We

They pride themselves on this and it was one of the first things all parents spoke to us about. ‘They know girls and know how to handle them and get the best out of them.’ Every parent said how kind the school was, and you do pick this up when you

Many parents are first-time buyers of private education whilst others, who are old girls or brought up in Nottingham, have always been aware of the school and had aspirations for their daughters. Academics, medics and professionals make up a diverse

Bursary numbers are high with up to 10 students a year benefiting from a full-fee bursary out of a cohort of up to 80 students. All bursaries means tested. Bursary girls fit in well: ‘They are bright girls with a bright future,’ says the head, and no

This inner city school is educating Nottingham’s bright girls and turning out confident, eloquent young women who are grounded and streetwise at the same time. With their eyes open to all opportunities, they have been able to benefit from a