YOUR QUESTIONS

If a school is in the GDST, you know it’s a good school. The GDST is a group of 25 schools across the UK, but it’s so much more than that! It’s like an extended family that always has your back and gives you the support to be your best self, whatever that looks like.

Pretty much anything. If you’ve got a hobby, they’ll let you really flourish. But if you don’t have one yet, they’ll help you to try out new things. I wasn’t really into sport and now I do all the sport. The same happened with percussion. I love it!

Mostly, yes. There are two that are academies, and the rest are private, so your parents would pay fees for you. Then again, you do get a lot that you don’t get in other Sixth Forms.

There are loads of ways to get involved. For example, I’m Deputy of Charities while my friend Alexa is Deputy of Student Services and Maya is Deputy of Marketing. We can raise issues with staff and make a real difference. So, if there’s something you want to get stuck in with, just ask!

Don’t worry about fitting in. I genuinely think this is something everyone worries about. I did before I joined but this feels like home now. You can talk to anyone here. We’re always very excited for new people and everyone wants to be your friend! It’s a really lovely and welcoming environment.

My school has really helped build my confidence. When I was six, I couldn’t stand up in front of assembly and talk to the school. But now, I’m Deputy Head of Marketing for the school so I often talk for, and in front of, everyone. My school has really let me become me, without having to jump hurdles to get there, so I’ve been able to focus on other stuff.

When there are just girls in class, you feel a lot less self-conscious about speaking out. I always feel like I can say what I want without disruption or distraction. There’s no judgement. Also, I think we feel less pressure around our appearance. It’s our choice whether we put make-up on or not. I reckon it’s pretty much the only time you’ll be in a space that is all about us girls.

Our school offers all of the subjects you’d expect, but we’re encouraged to take unusual combinations if we want. And if you’d like to study something they don’t offer, they’ll always try to help – I’m in a class of one so I get to focus on me!

The network you become a part of is like no other. It’s rare to have so many amazing alumnae. And because the schools are linked, there’s a lot of insight and advice you can access. There’s this huge sense of sisterhood beyond your school environment which I think is really unique.

A GDST Sixth Form gives you access to a huge wealth of opportunities and contacts across all GDST schools. That means everything from taking part in events in other schools to chatting to past students who work in a range of industries.

It’s a lot more independent. Teachers encourage you to research first rather than immediately giving you the answer, which obviously prepares you for university really well. Independent working is actively encouraged.