We hear both sides of this educational conundrum as two schools explain their points of view…
Woldingham School
Numerous studies have shown that girls achieve higher grades in all-girls schools than in co-ed schools. Not only do girls excel academically in a single-sex environment, they also do so socially and emotionally, expressing themselves freely, exploring their interests and developing their individuality without fear of judgement or stereotypes. In Woldingham’s supportive all-girls environment, our students are confident to take risks in their learning and embrace mistakes, to speak out and make their voices heard, and to put themselves forward for the many leadership opportunities the school offers.
As well as being an environment where girls can be themselves and get to know themselves and how they learn without the distraction (and pressure) of boys in the classroom, Woldingham also creates opportunities for our students to interact with boys through organised socials, shared academic lectures, academic competitions, and activities such as debating and book clubs.
One of the UK’s oldest girls’ schools, Woldingham staff are expert in teaching girls and our whole school environment is designed based on almost 185 years’ experience.
We advocate ‘empowered learning’ underpinned by a values-led ethos, where girls are encouraged and empowered to develop passion for their subjects, become resilient, life-long learners and give back to their school through leadership and a strong sense of community.
Woldingham continues to be a pioneer of women’s education, and our forward-thinking and caring community ensures our students have the ‘futureproof’ skills they need to succeed in their personal and professional lives.
“In Woldingham’s supportive all-girls environment, our students are confident to take risks”
Find out more at woldinghamschool.co.uk
Sir William Perkins’s School
The idea of championing every individual has always been at the heart of what we do, at Sir William Perkins’s School (SWPS), and it is what’s driving our exciting move to co-education.
From September, boys will join girls in Year 7 and Year 12, beginning a carefully phased transition to become fully co-educational by 2030. The response has been remarkable: a strong inaugural cohort of boys is already confirmed, reflecting deep confidence in SWPS’s academic rigour and pastoral warmth.
With nearly 300 years of history behind us, this isn’t a change of direction – it’s a natural evolution. We believe that girls and boys learn best together. Our individualised approach to teaching, mentoring and interdisciplinary study has always put the student first, and a co-educational environment only strengthens that.
As Head Debbie Picton puts it, co-education deepens our mission to send young people into the world genuinely ready for it – confident, thoughtful and principled, shaped not just by academic success but by learning alongside one another. Beyond the classroom, this move unlocks even richer opportunities across co-curricular life. From sport and the performing arts to leadership programmes and community partnerships, a more diverse pupil body will broaden perspectives and deepen collaboration. Crucially, our commitment to outstanding pastoral care and a values-led education remains unchanged. We will continue to know every pupil as an individual, supporting them to flourish academically and personally.
Co-education at SWPS is not simply about who we welcome, but about strengthening how we educate, preparing young people to thrive, contribute and lead in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic world.
The results speak for themselves. Based in Chertsey, SWPS is ranked 68th nationally in The Sunday Times Parent Power league table – rising 43 places in a single year.
“We believe that girls and boys learn best together”
Find out more about Sir William Perkins’s School at swps.org.uk
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