We provide education for girls in a world that doesn’t always put them first.
The Girls’ Day School Trust was founded by pioneering women committed to making an outstanding education available to young women.
The scale and success of the GDST is a truly remarkable achievement. Unlike many boys’ schools founded on historic endowments and long-established wealth, the GDST began in the nineteenth century with a small band of female pioneers in girls’ education and the belief of enlightened parents who dared to believe their girls deserved more than society expected of them.
From those pioneering beginnings, and through the steadfast loyalty and generosity of generations of alumnae, the GDST has grown into one of the largest charities in the UK and educates 20,000 girls a year
Our school has played an important part of this extraordinary achievement - a testament to the courage, determination and solidarity of women who have worked together to bring about extraordinary changes for the rights and freedom of women.
We are strong. We are resilient. We make a difference.
Our story begins in 1876 when Gateshead High School for Girls opened its doors to just 28 pupils. Since then we have educated thousands of young women through wars, pandemics, economic depressions and immense social change.
Newcastle High School for Girls was formed in 2014, built on the unique strengths of its founding schools. Both Newcastle Church High School and Central Newcastle High School were founded on an ethos of providing the very best education for girls, and both schools should be recognised as the powerful agents for change they there were in redefining the role of women over the last 150 years.
Through it all, one constant has remained: the spirit and character of our girls, who have gone on to shape the world for the better in countless ways
We are immensely proud of this heritage, and of the formidable, fearless and resourceful women who seized the opportunities an education offered them Their achievements are not just stories from the past; they are a living legacy, reflected in the resilient, confident young women we educate today - and have blazed a trail for the next generation
Newcastle High School for Girls, NCHS
Ruth Nicholson graduated from Durham University College of Medicine in 1909 as the only woman in her year Facing restrictions that confined female doctors to treating women and children, she gained vital surgical experience as a missionary doctor in Gaza
During the First World War, refused service by the British Army, she was accepted by the French government at the Royaumont Hospital, established in an abandoned abbey near Paris. Nicholson served as second-incommand and one of its leading surgeons Under extreme battlefield conditions including surgeries by candlelight—she and her colleagues treated over 10,000 soldiers with survival rates surpassing those of military hospitals. For her service, she was awarded the Croix de Guerre in 1918
Nicholson went on to found the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Her career opened doors for generations of women in medicine.
A Brighter Future for Everyone
Our bursary progamme makes sure that the brightest minds are given the best opportunity to succeed. Our bursaries are an investment not only in each individual pupil but in all our futures.
As part of the GDST we are part of the UK’s largest educational charity. As a charity every penny given goes towards our charitable objective – to advance education for girls for the public benefit.
Meet our future pioneer, Ecko Wei
Bursary Award Holder, Newcastle High School for Girls Class of 2025
Robotic Engineering and Artificial Intelligence MEng/BEng (Hons) at Kingston University.
‘This first year here at Kingston I’ll be developing the core skills needed to become an engineer, gaining hands-on experience in robotics, manufacturing and design through labs and project-based work Looking ahead, I hope to use the knowledge I gain to make a positive impact and contribute in any way I can to do some good for society - and hopefully help in shining a better light on the use of articificial intelligence I’m going to work hard and make something of this opportunity!’
For many years as Head of Central Newcastle High School it was my privilege to watch the progress of my pupils and to share their pleasure in their achievements It was particularly satisfying to know that those girls to whom bursaries had been awarded were, with the School’s encouragement, reaching their full potential both academically and as members of our school community.
As a school, we felt the benefit of their contribution, their experiences, their ideas. It was a fresh look at the school through their eyes. That is the true value of the bursary system. I too was awarded a bursary and I am full of admiration for Newcastle High School for Girls and for its excellent bursary scheme
As a donor, a recipient and as a former Headmistress I feel qualified to say: ‘Please consider making a gift to the bursary fund, you could change a life’.
Angela Chapman Head
Central Newcastle High School 1982 – 1999.
I have always recognised that the education and encouragement I received as a pupil at CNHS enabled me to have the confidence to apply to Oxford and embark upon a demanding career as a barrister and later as a Judge I enjoyed my time at school and am grateful for that experience and the opportunities it gave me.
I have wished to support other young women to achieve their dreams and aspirations
Judy Moir Alumna of Central Newcastle High School Class of 1973
I choose to give to our school because I believe in the power of girls’ education to change lives and make a difference to society. Over the 33 years I have worked here, I have seen first hand the incredible difference a bursary can make to a pupil at NHSG, giving them opportunities to grow in confidence, ambition and achievement. It is a real pleasure to know that my small contribution helps transform lives and supports the school’s commitment to nurturing every girl’s potential
Julia Howe, Admissions Manager Newcastle High School for Girls
I believed the most important gift I could give my daughter was the best education possible. I am finding it difficult to find exactly the right words to express the extent of my gratitude for the education, the care, support and opportunities that allowed my daughter to flourish into the confident, hardworking and empathetic young woman I am so proud of
I would like to thank each and every person who has contributed to the NHSG bursary programme as it would not have been possible for Lauren to attend NHSG without it. We are both incredibly grateful for this amazing opportunity which will not be wasted’.
Linda Baldwin, Parent
Lauren works for Crimson Education, Cambridge which helps students from across the globe overcome financial and geographical barriers to higher education
Awarding a pupil a bursary in some circumstances is a vital life line It provides security and a family environment which values their contribution to the school community and recognises all they have to offer.
An education at NHSG is about so much more than just grades; it sets girls up for life and the confidence that being in such an empowering female community gives, whether it be in school or through the alumnae group, is invaluable
AT, Bursary Award recipient
Central Newcastle High School
‘I was terrified on my first day and ended up crying. I was treated with such kindness and understanding that I felt welcomed and like I belonged from day one If you are considering applying for a bursary then 100% go for it - and if you have given to the bursary fund then I would like to say thank you – you have given me so many opportunities and I have made so many friends!
Your kindness has changed my world’.
Lucy Henderson
Newcastle High School for Girls Class of 2024
Lucy is now in her second year of Physics with Astro Physics at Newcastle University.
