Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS) is an independent day school for girls aged 4–18 located in Nottingham, England. Established in 1875, the school is a member of the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST), a network of leading girls' schools in the United Kingdom.
History
The school was founded in 1875 as Nottingham Girls' School, one of the early institutions created to provide academic education for middle‑class girls. In 1908 it merged with the Nottingham High School for Girls, adopting its current name. Throughout the 20th century, NGHS expanded its facilities and curricula, transitioning to a fully co‑educational preparatory department in the early 2000s while retaining a single‑sex senior school.
Campus and Facilities
NGHS occupies a central campus on West Bridgford Road, comprising historic Victorian buildings alongside modern extensions. Facilities include:
- Science laboratories, specialist art and design studios, and a music department with practice rooms and a recital hall.
- A sports centre featuring a gymnasium, fitness suite, and access to local playing fields for athletics, hockey, netball, and tennis.
- A library and learning commons equipped with digital resources and study spaces.
Academic Programme
The school follows the English National Curriculum, leading to General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations at age 16 and A‑Level qualifications at age 18. NGHS emphasizes a broad-based education with strong provision in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), humanities, languages, and the arts. The school reports high academic performance, with a majority of A‑Level results awarded A*–B grades in recent years.
Pastoral Care and Extracurricular Activities
NGHS provides a pastoral system of form tutors and senior staff who oversee student welfare and personal development. Extracurricular programmes include clubs for debate, robotics, drama, choir, and various sports teams. The school also runs community service projects and international exchange opportunities, reflecting GDST’s commitment to global citizenship.
Governance
The school is governed by a Board of Governors, with representation from the GDST, parent community, and independent trustees. The headteacher, appointed by the Board, oversees day‑to‑day operations and strategic development.
Notable Alumni
Alumni of Nottingham Girls' High School have achieved distinction in diverse fields, including:
- Diana Rigg – actress, Oscar and Tony award winner.
- Prof. Sarah Greenaway – Professor of Molecular Biology, University of Nottingham.
- Emma Harrison – former Member of Parliament for Nottingham South (1997–2005).
Affiliations
As part of the GDST, NGHS participates in collaborative programmes, teacher training initiatives, and shared resources across the Trust’s network of more than 25 schools. The school is also a member of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) and complies with the regulatory standards set by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).
Admission
Admission to NGHS is selective, based on entry examinations, interviews, and assessment of academic potential. The school offers a range of bursaries and scholarships to support academically talented students from diverse socio‑economic backgrounds.
