About Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS)
Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS) is a girls independent day school in Nottinghamshire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the GDST 11+ entrance assessment, part of the Girls' Day School Trust family, covering English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS) is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS)
Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS) Admissions Criteria
Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS) is a girls independent day school in Nottinghamshire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the GDST 11+ entrance assessment, part of the Girls' Day School Trust family, covering English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS) to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS). Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — GDST entrance assessment: Your daughter will sit the GDST 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. The assessment is consistent across the GDST family of schools and designed to identify academic ability and potential.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about her interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether her child has been offered a place at Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS).
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS). Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS) Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS).
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS) 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS)
Step 1 — Visit Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS) GDST
Visit Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS) GDST — arrange a personal tour
Step 2 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form on the school's admissions portal
Step 3 — Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Step 4 — The school requests a confidential reference from your
The school requests a confidential reference from your daughter's current school
Step 5 — Your daughter sits the 11+ entrance assessment at NGHS
Your daughter sits the 11+ entrance assessment at NGHS
Step 6 — Attend an interview as part of the GDST shared assessment
Attend an interview as part of the GDST shared assessment approach
Step 7 — Following assessment, offers are communicated
Following assessment, offers are communicated
Step 8 — On acceptance, pay the GDST acceptance deposit
On acceptance, pay the GDST acceptance deposit
Independent Subjects Tested at Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS)
Scholarships & Bursaries at Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS)
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries via GDST.
Outcome announced: Awards announced alongside offers
Additional notes: Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS) is an independent day school for girls aged 4-18 in Nottingham (founded 1875). Member of the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST).
Academic Results at Nottingham Girls' High School
Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS) is a high-performing GDST school with a strong record at GCSE and A-level, with many leavers progressing to leading universities, including Russell Group institutions and Oxbridge.
- Academic profile: strong outcomes across the sciences, humanities and languages, with a notable STEM focus.
- Destinations: dedicated guidance supports competitive university and degree-apprenticeship applications.
Confirm the school's latest published results on its official website.
Catchment Area for Nottingham Girls' High School
As an independent school, NGHS has no fixed catchment area — places are offered on the basis of the entrance assessment rather than where a family lives.
- Where pupils come from: families travel from across Nottingham and the wider Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire area, supported by school transport routes.
- Setting: a city-edge campus in the Arboretum area of Nottingham.
Pastoral Care & Co-curricular Life at Nottingham Girls' High School
As part of the Girls' Day School Trust, NGHS places pupil wellbeing and individual development at the centre of school life, supported by a form and house system.
- Pastoral care: strong pastoral and wellbeing provision within a supportive all-girls environment.
- Co-curricular: a wide programme of sport, music, drama, STEM and leadership opportunities, with access to the GDST's national network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nottingham Girls' High School a state grammar school?
No. It is an independent (fee-paying) girls' day school and part of the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST); entry is by the school's own assessment rather than the state 11-plus.
What does the entrance assessment involve?
Candidates sit the school's own assessment (typically English, Mathematics and reasoning), usually with a taster experience or interview.
How do I apply?
Apply directly to the school's admissions office — there is no Local Authority Common Application Form for this school.
Are fees and scholarships applicable?
Yes — fees apply, and the school offers scholarships and means-tested bursaries. Details are on its website.
Independent Practice Papers for Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS)
Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS) uses GDST 11+ Entrance Assessment format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS) 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.