18 Mar 2025
St Albans School will be extending its co-educational provision across the entire school from Year 7 through to Sixth Form, ending more than a thousand years of boys-only provision across all ages.
Both boys and girls will be admitted into the First Form (Year 7) from September 2026.
Founded in 948 by Wulsin (Abbot Ulsinus), St Albans School is not only the oldest school in Hertfordshire but also one of the oldest in the world.
Its alumni include Pope Adrian IV, Colin Renfrew, Jack Goody, Stephen Hawking, and Ian Grant.
This strategic decision was unanimously agreed by the Board of Governors, and will be a carefully managed transition.
Chairman of the Board of Governors, Neil Osborn said: “Having enjoyed great success in our co-educational Sixth Form over the last 30 years, the decision made by the Board of Governors to extend that provision across the whole school was unanimous. To thrive in this evolving landscape, our students must develop the interpersonal skills needed to collaborate, communicate, and succeed together. A truly modern education must reflect the future world and diverse society it prepares young people for, and that means learning side by side.”
Head Joe Silvester added: “It is a privilege to be part of this remarkable community. The transition towards becoming fully co-educational is reflective of a school that never stands still. In fact, the decision allows the school to move from a position of strength with great confidence and ambition.
“We strive to educate our students about the wider world and what it means to become a purposeful and ambitious individual who makes a valuable contribution to society. I am absolutely committed to making this accessible to all. It is precisely because of our vision and values that now is the right time to complete the co-educational journey that began over 30 years ago in 1991 when girls were first admitted to the Sixth Form.”
Over the coming academic year, the school will continue to invest in its academic and co-curricular facilities, nurturing pastoral care provision and community partnerships.
