Reported by Jack Landale and Gethin Spencer

For the second time in three years, Sheffield Girls’ GDST has been awarded the ‘Independent Secondary School of the Year in the North’ following its “record breaking” exam season results.

The school, which has been teaching since 1878, has enjoyed an impressive academic year, with 80% of GCSE grades in the 7-9 bracket compared to the national average of 22%.

We spoke to a “delighted” Rebecca Mills, Director of Marketing and Communications, who said the award “not only reflects the incredibly hard work of our staff but the amazing achievements of our girls”.

She said: “Our GCSE and A-level results this summer were nothing short of exceptional and record breaking, both for our region and our school.”

The school also has a “Girls of Steel” character education programme, running from Junior and Infant school all the way to sixth form, and was recently touted as an exceptional strength in the schools December inspection report.

The school has achieved its reputation through a focused and specific learning programme for the girls.

Mrs Mills commented how “our pedagogy in the classroom as well as our learning environments are built specifically for the way girls learn best and I think the proof is in the pudding”.

Newly appointed Head Alex Wilson highlighted the importance of the school’s unity, and in a released statement on the school website said: “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.”