About Sheffield High School for Girls (SHS)
Sheffield High School for Girls (SHS) is a girls independent day school in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. 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.
Sheffield High School for Girls (SHS) 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 Sheffield High School for Girls (SHS)
Sheffield High School for Girls (SHS) Admissions Criteria
Sheffield High School for Girls (SHS) is a girls independent day school in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. 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 Sheffield High School for Girls (SHS) 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 Sheffield High School for Girls (SHS). 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 Sheffield High School for Girls (SHS).
- ✓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 Sheffield High School for Girls (SHS). Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Sheffield High School for Girls (SHS) 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 Sheffield High School for Girls (SHS).
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Sheffield High School for Girls (SHS) 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 Sheffield High School for Girls (SHS)
Step 1 — Visit Sheffield Girls' School
Visit Sheffield Girls' School — the best independent school in Yorkshire (GDST member)
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 entrance assessment at Sheffield
Your daughter sits the entrance assessment at Sheffield Girls'
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 Sheffield High School for Girls (SHS)
Scholarships & Bursaries at Sheffield High School for Girls (SHS)
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries via GDST.
Outcome announced: Academic and specialist scholarships awarded; means-tested bursaries via GDST
Additional notes: Sheffield High School for Girls (Sheffield Girls' School) is an independent girls' school in Sheffield from nursery to sixth form. Member of the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST).
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