School Fees - Academic Year 2025/2026
In July 2024, the government announced the addition of VAT to independent school fees from 1 January 2025. In response to this, and as part of our mission to reach as many girls as possible, we were pleased to confirm that the GDST was able to absorb a significant proportion of this VAT increase. The below table confirms the termly fees for the academic year 2025/2026, inclusive of VAT.
| JUNIOR SCHOOL | SENIOR SCHOOL | SIXTH FORM | |
| AUTUMN TERM | £6,852 | £8,497 | £8,497 |
| SPRING TERM |
£6,852 | £8,497 | £8,497 |
| SUMMER TERM |
£6,852 | £8,497 | £8,497 |
The above fees cover the curriculum, textbooks, some stationery, choral music, games and swimming. They do not cover the cost of school lunches, public exams and school trips, which are detailed below, and there may be additional charges for optional extra activities.
School Lunches
The termly charge for school lunches are an additional cost of £340 (from September 2025). School lunches are compulsory for all pupils from Reception to Year 11. In the Sixth Form, school lunches remain optional.
Please note the school lunches are not subject to VAT.
Exams
Public exam fees are an additional cost. The exam fees will be based on the number and type of exams taken by the student and will be itemised on the summer term invoice. Currently the typical range is between £400 to £600 for GCSE students and £350 to £500 for A level students.
Bursary recipients with an award of 50% or above will not pay for exams and those on lower award levels will have a pro-rata reduction applied.
School Trips
School trips from Reception to Year 11 that include the whole year group are charged as an additional cost that varies by year group.
2025-2026 Residential trips for pupils in Years 4 to 8 are charged as follows:
- Year 4 – £242.50 (payable in the Autumn term)
- Year 5 – £444.50 (payable in the Autumn term)
- Year 6 – £615 (charge spread across three terms)
- Year 7 – £400 (payable in the Autumn term)
- Year 8 – £210 (charge spread across three terms)
Please note that educational trips are exempt from VAT and the Tour Operators’ Margin Scheme is used to account for VAT on trips that fall within this category.
Fees Payment
Fees can be paid monthly via direct debit or in termly instalments.
Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee of £150 (£240 for overseas candidates) is payable at the time of applying.
Acceptance Deposit
On accepting a place, an acceptance deposit of £1,500 is payable which is automatically refunded after the pupil has left (after deducting any outstanding amounts due to the School or the Trust).
This fee is not returned if a pupil is withdrawn after the place has been accepted.