Sheffield Girls' receives 'Finalist' status in the Independent Schools of the Year 2023 Awards

We’re delighted to announce that Sheffield Girls’ Infant and Junior School has been shortlisted as a finalist in the ‘Independent Prep School of the Year’ category for the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2023. 

The awards recognise excellence in teaching and celebrate the extraordinary and compelling student experience in the independent sector and we’re excited to be recognised for this particular award category, as it underlines the real difference and added value of a  Sheffield Girls’ primary school education. 

Providing engaging curricula, specialist teaching, exceptional pastoral care and inspiring facilities, our wonderful Infant and Junior school staff couldn’t be happier to be finalists in two categories. As well as ‘Independent Prep School of the Year’, one of our incredible lunchtime supervisors, Sam Bower, has been shortlisted as a finalist for ‘Unsung Hero of the Year’. Sam is recognised for her dedication and commitment to each one of our pupils through her extra-curricular support and community engagement.  

Following a personal loss in 2020, Sam found a love for crocheting and wanted to share this creative coping method with the Sheffield Girls’ community. During Covid lockdowns, Sam provided our pupils with a safe space by setting up a Crochet Club. This wonderful activity provided an outlet for the girls to feel success and be a part of another community.

Deputy Head of Juniors, Miss Green, said: “Sam has a unique way of making everyone feel at home and supported and always knows how to get a smile out of everyone. 

“The rapport Sam built within the school community carried through into the following academic year where she created worry worms for every single student in the Infant and Junior School (a mere 180!) as well as providing Easter treats for the staff which were individual to represent something about them (including a Yoda for the Headteacher who loves Star Wars with a cream egg hidden underneath)!”

As well as worry worms and Easter gifts, Sam has crocheted Christmas presents, items for staff on maternity leave, toys for senior students and staff family members and she has never asked for any money for the supplies she uses other than a donation to the school’s charity. Sam is always thinking about how she can create happiness to an ever-growing number of people and her positive influence goes beyond the School’s walls.

Congratulations Sam, the Sheffield Girls’ community truly appreciates your hard work and kindness!

The Independent Schools Awards ceremony will take place on the 10th of October.