Our Move to Co-education

From September 2025, girls will be welcomed into the Pre-Prep (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) and will then progress through the school year by year. The school will be fully co-educational by 2031. A table outlining the planned progression for each year group is below.

The key distinguishing feature of an Aldwickbury education has always been its strong values and the quality of its provision in all areas: academic, pastoral, and co-curricular. We value pupils who strive to do their best, embrace challenges, stay true to themselves, and above all, to be kind. As a co-educational school, we will continue to offer an outstanding education for both boys and girls, preparing them for a wide range of day and boarding senior schools. Our goal remains to provide a holistic education that fosters academic success in an environment where every child feels safe and happy. In time, we expect Aldwickbury to have an equal number of boys and girls.

Governors have been discussing Aldwickbury’s all-boys structure for at least five years as part of our regular reviews of the school’s development plan. After the Covid-19 pandemic, coinciding with the appointment of the new Headmaster, the Governors undertook extensive research on the school’s model. The findings indicated a growing trend towards co-education but, at that time, the Governors decided to continue with the all-boys strategy.

Recent sector trends have accelerated and political changes have placed standalone single-sex schools in a more vulnerable position. Falling birth rates and the introduction of VAT on school fees have reduced the number of families opting for single-sex education. The Governing Body has taken this decision from a position of strength, ensuring the school not only survives but thrives in the future. We are confident this move will secure Aldwickbury’s position as one of the leading Prep schools in the country.

Aldwickbury has partnered with various consultants in recent years to shape its strategy, including Mungo Dunnett Associates and, more recently, RSAcademics. While none of our recent research has focused exclusively on co-education, sufficient data and trends have emerged to support this decision. These include general shifts in the independent education sector and contemporary expectations, as well as feedback from our own parent body. It is clear that parents want an outstanding education for their children, regardless of whether the school is single-sex or co-educational.

From September 2025, for families in Years 3 - 8 there will be no change to the education currently on offer at the school and we will continue to deliver an outstanding education preparing boys for their senior school of choice.

For boys currently in Reception and Year 1, they will continue to progress through the school with girls joining their year groups. The learning environment will remain based on our core values, with expectations for all children to try their best, embrace challenges, be themselves, and, above all, be kind. Both boys and girls will be stretched and challenged through a holistic education that fosters academic success.

We understand that for parents of boys in Reception and Year 1, this announcement may be unexpected, as their sons will not experience an all-boys’ education as originally anticipated. Whilst the school has had record numbers in Years 7 and 8, for the second consecutive year, numbers in the Pre-Prep have been declining, which ultimately impacts overall pupil numbers. We believe now is the right time to make this strategic decision from a position of strength and with significant lead time, we believe this will ensure a smooth transition to co-education. This move also ensures that continued investment in the school remains feasible.

Until September 2025, pupils will not be affected at all. Various aspects of the school’s infrastructure will be adapted during this period, benefiting all Aldwickbury families.

From September 2025, when girls join the Pre-Prep, some changes will occur as Pre-Prep adapts the curriculum. The girls will then progress through the school naturally year by year, with younger cohorts following. Our core value of kindness will support this transition, as it has over the past three years with pupils joining at non-traditional entry points.

There will be no changes to Aldwickbury’s aims and ethos, which remain as before and can be found on our website. The Headmaster has reiterated our expectations for pupils to try their best, embrace challenges, be themselves, and, above all, be kind. These foundations will continue to underpin an Aldwickbury education.

We are excited to offer girls the opportunity to benefit from this special learning environment. We believe that a holistic education can achieve academic success, and we are proud of our role in preparing children for senior schools in partnership with parents to find the best fit for their child. There will be no change to this philosophy, nor to the school’s ethos, which is one of the main reasons parents choose Aldwickbury for their son’s education. We are confident that the boys will warmly welcome the girls and demonstrate our most important value of kindness.

Firstly, we consider our facilities to be a major strength of the school. As well as class sizes of 16 in the Pre-Prep and 18 in the Prep School are considerably favourable in the independent sector. Our innovative Future Thinking Curriculum and approach to education are distinctive features of Aldwickbury, underpinned by the school’s strong values. Furthermore, our dedicated staff are a significant factor that sets us apart from local schools.

All information regarding the transition to co-education will be available on the dedicated
Co-education page on our website, and updates will be posted as plans progress.

Creating an environment where the boys feel safe and happy is the most important aspect of an Aldwickbury education. Mr Schanschieff, Deputy Head, has extensive pastoral and co-educational experience from his work in a co-educational prep school prior to joining Aldwickbury. Our team of tutors and class teachers also possesses significant co-educational experience.

Boys and girls will thrive under our Promoting Positive Behaviour policy, where we celebrate their successes and use these as a springboard to academic achievement in the classroom. Aldwickbury will continue to be a school where we know all the boys and girls personally and provide a pastoral network that supports their individual needs. This is developed through a strong safeguarding culture, positive communication with parents and creating an environment where both boys and girls have a voice to share their worries.

Strong male and female role models are essential for both boys and girls. We have an excellent balance of male and female staff, with roughly a 50:50 ratio, and both genders occupy pivotal roles in leadership and management positions within the school. Our Directors of Sport, Head of Future Thinking, Head of Languages, Head of Science, Head of Geography, and Religious Studies are male, whilst our Directors of Music and Drama, Head of History, Head of English, Head of Art, and Head of Technology are female.

When appointing new staff at Aldwickbury, a key consideration is alignment with the Aldwickbury staff ethos:

• Our community is one where all staff should feel supported, where kindness connects us as one team.
• We work with passion to deliver an outstanding education for all pupils.
• Our culture is one of integrity, respect, and high ambition, underpinned by a growth mindset. We encourage endeavour and self-reflection to develop, grow, and support each other’s wellbeing and happiness.

Boys will continue to be supported in all areas of school life through their tutors, teachers, Head of Pre-Prep, Head of Juniors, Head of Years 5 and 6, and the Senior Leadership Team, just as the girls will be. Boys will have the opportunity to express their thoughts leading up to co-education, and support will be provided to address any concerns they have before, during, and after the transition to co-education in the Pre-Prep in September 2025.

Break times are staffed at all times to ensure the pastoral wellbeing and safety of all children, as well as to help facilitate social interaction and inclusion. Break times are also staggered according to the curriculum, ensuring that younger and older children do not share the same playground space during breaks and lunchtimes; this practice will continue. The school provides multiple activities during lunchtime and break times, and as the children progress through the school, there is a wide range of clubs and activities on offer to meet the interests of all the children.

There are numerous areas for the children to utilise, whether they wish to be actively running around or choosing a quieter and calmer space, either indoors or outdoors. Similarly, our library serves as the perfect place to enjoy some quiet time.

Safeguarding will continue to be the school’s number one priority. This will be managed by our Designated Safeguarding Team. They will work very closely with the DSL, who will oversee the safety and wellbeing of all the children. All pupils are aware that they can speak to any member of staff at any time if they wish to do so. The school Matrons are always available for pupils to visit during times of difficulty. We believe that strong communication between the school and parents is also vital in supporting pupils throughout their time at Aldwickbury. The school has robust pastoral systems in place, which are regularly reviewed by the Governors through our annual Safeguarding Audit and as a standing item on termly Education Committee meetings and reports to the main Board.

PSHEE lessons are conducted throughout each year group at an age-appropriate level. Up until Year 4, they are taught by their class teachers, and from Years 5 to 8, our Head of PSHEE teaches all classes to build further continuity and consistency as the pupil’s progress to the upper end of the school. The PSHEE curriculum is constantly reviewed, and between now and September 2025, it will be further evaluated to reflect a co-educational Prep school.

Girls will join the Sections system in the same manner as the boys, becoming members of one of our four Sections (Highlands, Lowlands, Midlands and Uplands), or in the Pre-Prep, one of the four colours. This system is very much a part of the school’s history, and we look forward to girls participating alongside the boys in a wide range of activities and playing their part in the school’s legacy.

Aldwickbury is proud of its rewards system, and we are excited to see girls embrace these opportunities and actively participate in activities that contribute to the school community and engage in the school’s holistic education. These systems foster confidence, leadership, and independence, and are rooted in the school’s values. Both boys and girls will have equal opportunities to earn these awards as they progress through the school. In the Pre-Prep, the marbles system will continue to be popular among both boys and girls.

Ahead of the Pre-Prep move to co-education in September 2025, a uniform for the girls will be designed and will be worn from Reception; this will closely resemble the boys' uniform. The Pre-Prep girls will have the option of a summer dress in the second half of the spring and summer terms. Our intention is for girls to follow the current uniform, with the introduction of slightly more grown-up items, for Years 3 and above. There is ample time to consider this, as additional items will not be required until Year 3 in 2026. The sports kit will be reviewed, and additional sports items (e.g. a skort) will be added as necessary by September 2026. Items will be designed to ensure a proper fit for girls. The school will consider the cost of these items and will work closely with our suppliers to ensure prices remain reasonable.

Aldwickbury remains committed to providing a holistic education that ensures academic success. The passionate staff, dedicated to their subject areas, instil this enthusiasm in the children they teach.

The introduction of girls into the Pre-Prep will bring new perspectives and learning approaches, fostering collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and communication. We believe this diversity will equip Aldwickbury children with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Co-educational environments promote collaborative learning, deepen understanding, encourage teamwork, and foster empathy and mutual respect - factors that positively contribute to academic achievement.

With the inclusion of girls, the curriculum will be expanded to accommodate a wider range of interests and talents, providing more opportunities for intellectual exploration and personal growth. This enrichment will ultimately elevate academic standards. Importantly, Aldwickbury will remain true to its ethos, resisting the pressure to become an academic hot house. We believe that high academic achievement is best attained by adhering to our core values. For boys currently in Years 2- 8 our high academic standards will remain as the boys prepare for their senior school of choice.

The staff have extensive experience in co-education, which will be invaluable in guiding the school through this exciting new chapter. Additionally, many staff are trained to teach at senior school level, familiar with the academic standards required for both boys and girls.

Moving forward, our professional development programme will focus specifically on adapting teaching methods for co-education, promoting inclusivity, and continuing to achieve outstanding results for all our pupils.

We are incredibly proud of our Learning Support department, led by Mrs Pendell (Head of Individual Development). We work closely with families to identify and tailor the necessary support for each child, using provision mapping to address individual needs. As a non-selective school at Reception, we take pride in the value-added progress our children make by the time they leave in Year 8, having gained places at prestigious senior schools and becoming independent learners with a greater understanding of their neurodiversity.

Girls will receive the same level of individualised support as boys, ensuring a consistent and equitable approach to their learning journey.

Aldwickbury currently provides outstanding preparation for boys transitioning to senior schools at 13+, offering tailored, supportive, and honest advice to parents throughout the process. Our ability to find the right fit for each child is well-established. Specific exam preparation classes led by our experienced Director of Studies and Senior Tutor have further enhanced our academic curriculum, focusing on the requirements of individual senior schools. Girls will benefit from the same opportunities ensuring they are well-prepared for their next steps.

We are also committed to ensuring that Aldwickbury pupils leave as good people, guided by our values-driven ethos.

Aldwickbury maintains excellent relationships with several co-educational day and boarding schools, including those that participated in our recent Senior Schools Fair:

• Haileybury (Hertford)
• St Margaret's (Bushey)
• St Columba's (St Albans)
• St Edmund's (Ware)
• Aldenham (Radlett)
• Kingshott (Hitchin)
• Oakham (Rutland)
• St Christopher's (Letchworth)
• Westbrook Hay (Berkhamsted)
• Shiplake College (Oxfordshire)
• Rugby School (Warwickshire)
• Oundle (Northamptonshire)
• Marlborough College (Wiltshire)
• Uppingham (Rutland)

We will also establish stronger links with the following girls' day schools:

• Abbot’s Hill (Hertfordshire)
• Bedford Girls (Bedfordshire)
• Berkhamsted (Hertfordshire)
• Queenswood (Potters Bar)
• St Albans High School for Girls (St Albans)

Additionally, we continue to maintain strong relationships with boys' schools, including:

• Bedford School
• St Albans School
• Eton (Berkshire)
• Harrow (Middlesex)
• Radley (Oxfordshire)
• Winchester College (Hampshire)
• Charterhouse (Surrey)

These relationships will remain important to Aldwickbury, particularly for families seeking single-sex education at the senior school level. All these schools welcome boys from co-educational settings.

We already have existing relationships with many of the girls' schools listed above. Over time, we will be visiting these schools to meet key staff, understand their values, and invite them to Aldwickbury to see the exceptional education and values we offer.

As girls progress through the school, we will seek opportunities for them to participate in joint curriculum and co-curricular events with these schools.

We will continue to offer a holistic education that emphasises the benefits of remaining through Years 7 and 8, rather than transitioning to a larger senior school at 11. Our small class sizes and rigorous curriculum prepare boys exceptionally well for senior school at Year 9, whilst offering leadership roles, sports teams, choirs, drama productions, and musical ensembles that develop confidence and independence.

This exciting curriculum will be available to girls. We are committed to maintaining relationships with senior schools that support the 13+ model whilst also supporting families who choose to move on at 11+.

An Aldwickbury education will prepare girls for either path, offering a rich and varied curriculum alongside ample preparation for senior school entrance tests.

We are proud of our sporting offer. This will be available to boys and girls, both together and separately. From Year 3, sport will be offered every afternoon and will continue to play an important role in general happiness and supporting both positive physical and mental health. Girls will be able to participate in traditional sports including netball, hockey, football and rugby and we look forward to girls also benefitting from our excellent facilities on site and those at local venues, including climbing, fencing, skiing, triathlon and cycling.

Our extensive co-curricular of over 60 clubs and activities will continue to expand with greater diversity in our community. Co-curricular activities will remain an important part of Aldwickbury life and will continue to support confidence in the classroom. Boys and girls will always be encouraged to take part in clubs to support the holistic education on offer and develop confidence that in turn spills in to the classroom.

All clubs and activities will be available to both boys and girls.

In the Pre-Prep, there are likely to be three classes per year group, whilst in the Prep School, there will be three or four classes per year group depending on pupil numbers. The number of pupils and the dynamics in each year group are considered carefully when deciding on class sizes for the next academic year. This is fluid for each year group depending on demand for places and can fluctuate throughout the course of a particular cohort’s journey through the school. This is perfectly normal and reflects our commitment to welcoming children at all entry points, accommodating families who may be relocating, or those wishing to move their children from another school. The school is committed to a maximum of 16 pupils per class in Pre-Prep and 18 per class in the Prep School.

The natural end of an Aldwickbury education is in July of Year 8. For girls joining the school in Pre-Prep, they will be able to attend Aldwickbury all the way through to the end of Year 8.

Adaptations to the Pre-Prep will be ready for September 2025, benefiting all children. We have plans for dedicated WCs, showers, and changing rooms for the girls in Year 3 and above. We are currently in discussions with architects and Governors about further development of the Pre-Prep building and playground in accordance with the estate master plan.

Increasing numbers will have little impact on residents due to staggered pick-up and drop-off arrangements. We are also exploring further improvements to the pedestrian and cycle access gate via the golf club. Currently this is an informal agreement, but we have expressed our intention to improve this access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Our AOBA (Aldwickbury Old Boys' Association), along with current and past parents and staff, are all extremely proud of Aldwickbury’s heritage and history. We look forward to welcoming girls and their parents into the AOBA community in the years to come. We will review the name of this association as and when girls join.

A move to co-education will not have any direct impact on fees. As is customary the Chair of Governors will write to parents in the Easter break regarding fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Bursaries are means-tested via a third-party company, and all parents are welcome to apply. The process will be the same for parents of both boys and girls.

Aldwickbury offers a 3% sibling discount for the second child and subsequent discounts for additional siblings.

The Headmaster has spoken passionately about his view on holistic education achieving academic success and informed parents that Governors were exploring all strategic options to ensure the school continues to thrive. He also highlighted the steps other schools have taken in response to VAT added to school fees. We hope that you will understand an announcement of this nature cannot be shared in advance. It has been very important for us to make this announcement so that all our stakeholders were informed simultaneously.

Please contact the Head of Admissions, Sue McKinnon, at admissions@aldwickbury.org.uk for more information and if you wish to arrange a visit, organise a school tour or to talk with the Headmaster.

We also welcome prospective parents to our Open Mornings, which take place during the year.

No, the first admission of girls to the Pre-Prep will be in September 2025.

The Governors are making this long-term strategic decision to go co-educational from a position of strength and therefore, there is no rush to introduce girls in every year group. Taking time for this transition allows Aldwickbury to adjust both practically and culturally. Both the Board and Senior Management Team will continue to monitor the impact of sector changes on Aldwickbury and will respond as necessary.

Over the spring and summer term we will work with the boys in lessons to talk about how our values of kindness, cooperation, respect, independence, endeavour, integrity, fairness and welcome the girls in September. It is important to remember that many of the boys would have recently been in a nursery setting with girls.  

Many of our topics, toys, and books already support a co-educational environment; we are committed to enhancing this further by introducing additional resources. We will carefully review and adapt our planning to ensure all materials and activities appeal to both boys and girls, fostering an inclusive environment.

We will thoughtfully organise and balance classes in each year group, considering age, ability, and the number of girls, to create a harmonious and inclusive classroom dynamic. Each class profile will be tailored to suit the specific cohort joining us.

In this case, we will ensure the girls are placed in one class together with boys through our planned class re-mixing process. This approach helps foster friendships and ensures that everyone has an opportunity to settle in comfortably.

Whilst our goal is to have balanced classes, there may be instances where there are not enough girls to distribute across every class. However, we will always strive to create inclusive environments for all pupils.

Yes, we already have a range of unisex and girl-friendly resources, such as dolls and prams. We are also investing in more books and toys to support diverse interests and promote an inclusive learning environment.

Yes, all of our Pre-Prep staff have experience teaching in co-educational settings and are skilled in engaging both girls and boys effectively. They bring a deep understanding of the techniques required to support all pupils in their learning journey.

We are committed to tailoring our lessons to ensure they are inclusive and engaging for all pupils. Whilst we already individualise our teaching to meet each child’s unique needs and strengths, we will continue to adjust our practices to fully embrace a co-educational approach.

Our goal is to celebrate and support the diversity of all our pupils, regardless of gender.

Most importantly, Aldwickbury creates an environment where all our pupils are safe and happy within their surroundings, allowing them to be themselves in and outside the classroom. All the children will be encouraged to get involved in a wide range of activities and most importantly, we will celebrate them being their unique brilliant selves.

If your daughter is starting Reception in 2025, she will be invited to two settling-in sessions in the Pre-Prep: one in March and another in June with Reception teaching staff and her new classmates.

Additionally, a Pre-Prep teacher will visit her nursery setting in the summer term to help ease her transition.

If your daughter is joining Reception in 2026, your family will be invited to two Stay and Play sessions during the summer and autumn terms of 2025. For those joining in Year 1 or Year 2, we organise a half-day visit where your daughter will meet her teacher and classmates and participate in lessons. We are also committed to accommodating any additional needs to ensure a smooth transition, with adjustments made in consultation with families.