Scholarships and Bursaries

As a charity, the GDST aims to seek out the brightest, most deserving girls for bursaries and scholarships so that the largest possible number of talented girls can benefit from a GDST education. In particular, it aims as far possible to focus its support on girls for whom the chance of a GDST education would be a transformative, life-changing prospect. 

The bursary scheme is managed and administered by the GDST, which are funded via charitable partnerships, donations and legacies from former pupils, their parents and other friends.

If your daughter would benefit from the educational experience which Sheffield Girls' is able to offer, but your family is not in a position to cover the full fees, you may be eligible for a GDST bursary or scholarship.

Please click on the link to read more about the GDST bursary scheme.

What’s the difference between a Bursary and a Scholarship?

The key difference is that a bursary is means-tested and a scholarship isn’t.  The GDST offers bursaries so that a GDST education is accessible to the best and the brightest girls, including those who are not in a position to pay full fees.

• Bursaries are usually awarded to pupils in the top 30% of performance in the entrance examinations. All bursaries are means-tested and their value is related to the income and financial resources of the pupil’s family. Bursaries can range from 30% up to a maximum of the full published fees. We aim to assist as many families who qualify for bursaries as possible; however, given the demand, we are not usually able to offer support to all those who qualify. Please be aware that if you accept a full fee paying place you would not be eligible to apply for a bursary in subsequent years, unless there was a significant and unforeseen change to your financial circumstances from the time your daughter first joins the school.

• Scholarships are awarded on merit, irrespective of financial means. Offers are made based upon performance in the entrance examinations or audition for Year 7, or in the case of Sixth Form scholarships for outstanding ability demonstrated in individual subjects and disciplines. A Scholarship can be combined with a bursary where there is financial need.

Year 7 Scholarships

Academic, Music and Sport Scholarships are available for entry into Year 7 and information about these scholarships will be sent to interested applicants. Please tick the relevant box on the registration form to express your interest in these scholarships.

Sixth Form Scholarships

The award of a Sixth Form Scholarship at Sheffield Girls’ recognises your current outstanding performance and future potential. It is a clear sign to universities and employers that you are an excellent student who has distinguished herself by her hard work and ability.

Scholarships are available in the following areas:

• Academic
• Subject-specific awards in Biology, Business and Economics, Chemistry, Computer Science, English Language, English Literature, French, Geography, Geology, German, History, Latin, Physics, Religious Studies and Spanish
• Music
• Sport
• Art
• Drama

How does the Bursary and Scholarship scheme work?

Scholarships and bursaries are available at Sheffield Girls' on the following basis:

• They are only awarded to girls aged 11 or over, entering Year 7 to help finance their secondary education. Most scholarships and bursaries are awarded during the year before entering Year 7 or on direct entry into the Sixth Form. Each school has a limited amount allocated to bursaries each year and so inevitably awards cannot be made to all those who qualify on academic grounds
• Bursaries are subject to standard immigration criteria for school admissions.
• Post-entry bursaries can be awarded to girls whose families suffer unexpected financial difficulties, and are no longer able to pay the fees in full. These bursaries are designed to avoid a girl’s education being interrupted at a critical stage and, wherever possible, are awarded so that the pupil can complete that particular phase of study
• Scholarships and bursaries may be withdrawn at the discretion of the Head, in the event of unsatisfactory work or conduct. This action will only occur as the culmination of a process of communication and guidance between the school and home

What do you need to do next if you wish to apply for a bursary?

Please indicate on the registration form that you wish to apply for a bursary. Once the application has been received you will be sent login details to enable you to access the GDST online bursary application.

The deadline for applications for the 2025/2026 academic year is 02/12/2024.

If you have queries, please contact Louise Froggatt, Registrar on 0114 3587602, or the GDST Bursary Department on 0207 393 6666, who will be happy to assist you.