Why Choose An All-Girls School?

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a school….

The location, facilities, pastoral support and of course the school’s academic results. But have you considered whether the usual co-ed education is right for your daughter? Backed by 150 years of experience in teaching girls and plenty of recent research, we believe the benefits of all girls schools are compelling… 

Girls thrive in an all-girls school

There are countless reasons why girls excel in an all girls environment. They tend to achieve better grades, develop more confidence, and maintain a more positive outlook on life compared to their peers in co-ed schools. 

Finding her voice

Research shows that girls in girls’ schools learn to speak up and speak out, even those who struggle with confidence. Research by the Girls’ Day School Trust shows that girls are 93% more likely to participate in class discussions compared to when boys are present.

In the classroom

Girls are often used as a foil to boys’ bad behaviour. How many girls do you know (or maybe it happened to you?) are asked to sit next to the disruptive boys in class to keep them quiet? We believe a girl’s education shouldn’t suffer so her male peers can stay on track. And with much smaller class sizes, we will know and understand your daughter as an individual, tailoring our expertise in teaching to best meet her needs. 

A single-sex education does not mean a single-sex life

She will still have plenty of opportunities to interact with male role models through family, friends and male teachers, and through co-ed extracurricular activities. But without the distraction of boys in the classroom during her formative teenage years, she’ll gain more confidence and focus, boosting her academic performance and desire for success.

Breaking all-girls school stereotypes

Gender stereotypes are ingrained from as early as age 7. In an all-female environment, young girls are more likely to break free from these stereotypes and enjoy traditionally gendered activities. At NGHS, this might include playing football and cricket, pursuing STEM subjects, or applying for veterinary medicine or a pilot’s licence. In fact girls in single-sex schools are 75% more likely to study advanced science courses and 60% more likely to pursue STEM careers.   

Societal pressures

It’s tough being a child today. The pandemic has significantly impacted young people’s mental health, and at age 14, girls’ mental health is generally poorer than boys. 

We all know that keeping active is important for a healthy mind as well as a healthy body. Sadly body shaming, puberty and feelings of not being good enough mean that girls tend to disengage with sport more readily than boys. A recent study by the charity Women in Sport showed that 43% of teenage girls were made to feel not good enough at sport, compared with just 24% of boys of the same age.

We offer specialist pastoral support and access to the best in sporting facilities from the minute she starts school. So throughout her time at school, she will be supported and nourished to be as healthy as possible both physically and mentally. 

Connected for life

The friendships she makes here will last a life time. And with access to a network of thousands of GDST alumnae, she will be encouraged and inspired long after she leaves school. Read on to find out more about our inspiring alumnae.

All this for less than you might think

The cost of independent school education has been in the news a lot recently, but an NGHS education may cost less than you think. It’s an investment in your daughter’s future that you’ll never regret. You’ll give her a head start as she develops lifelong confidence, opportunities, and friendships. Compare our fees to other independent schools in the area—you may be pleasantly surprised.

And don’t just take our word for it, you can read more about the benefits of an all girls education through the following resources: