Best for Girls

For parents wondering if they should choose a single-sex prep school for their daughter, the benefits of a Godstowe education are numerous and profound.

Between the ages of 7 and 13, girls undergo significant intellectual, emotional and social growth. Research consistently shows that, in the right environment, girls can flourish free from gendered expectations and classroom dynamics that may limit participation or self-expression.

A 2016 study by the Institute of Education at UCL found that girls in single-sex schools were more likely to study STEM subjects at A-level and achieve higher academic outcomes across a range of disciplines. Similarly, research by the Girls’ Schools Association highlights that young people in all-girls schools show greater self-confidence, stronger verbal and collaborative skills, and are more likely to hold leadership roles.

At Godstowe, we see this research come to life every day:

• Confidence Without Comparison
  In our all-girls environment, pupils are more inclined to speak up, lead discussions, and stretch themselves academically, without the unconscious pressures or distractions that mixed settings can bring. Every voice is heard, and every success celebrated.
• Purposeful Teaching and Learning
  Our teaching strategies are informed by a deep understanding of how girls learn best. Lessons are designed to engage girls’ curiosity, promote critical thinking and encourage academic risk-taking – key traits that help lay the foundation for future success.
• Leadership in Action
  In a girls-only environment, every leadership opportunity belongs to a girl, from sports captain to Head Girl. We cultivate ambition and resilience, helping our pupils develop the confidence to lead with empathy and integrity.
• Focused Pastoral Support
  Research shows that adolescent girls benefit from tailored emotional support during key transitional years. Our dedicated pastoral programme supports the development of self-esteem, digital responsibility and emotional wellbeing, in an environment where girls feel known and understood.

Extending the Advantage: Godstowe to Age 13

Unlike many girls’ preparatory schools, which finish at Year 6, Godstowe educates girls up to Year 8. This extended model offers multiple academic and developmental advantages:

• Time to Grow
  The additional two years allow girls to remain in a familiar, supportive environment during a critical stage of adolescence. This extra time contributes to increased maturity and confidence prior to the next stage of their education.
• Leadership at the Top
  In Years 7 and 8, Godstowe girls take on more meaningful leadership roles and act as mentors to younger pupils, for example by listening to them read. This builds character and responsibility.
• Academic Readiness
  Our robust Year 7 and 8 curriculum is designed to stretch and prepare girls for the demands of 13+ entrance and scholarship exams to leading senior schools. The results speak for themselves: Godstowe girls leave us exceptionally well-prepared, winning places at some of the country’s leading independent schools.

Godstowe’s curriculum, extra-curricular programme and pastoral care are all carefully designed to bring out the best in our girls. The single-sex environment is not a limitation but a liberation, developing confident, happy, and successful learners.