College aims for girls in every year group by 2025
GIRLS are expected to be in every year group at Elizabeth College by 2025, the college has said.
A list of frequently asked questions was sent out to parents yesterday in a bid to tackle any queries they had about the change to it being a fully co-educational school.
It confirmed that a new girls’ uniform would be introduced and that the registration process for places would remain the same.
The college said the change was not driven by money.
‘This is about the educational experience.
‘Our pupil numbers are strong and there is a healthy demand for the quality and style of education that we deliver.’
Girls will be able to join Year 7 and Year 12 in September 2021, although parents can apply
for girls to start at different times.
‘From September 2025 we expect that there will be girls in every year group,’ the letter stated.
It reassured parents that pastoral care would remain a strength of the college.
‘Every individual pupil is valued and supported as a member of the Elizabeth College community,’ the letter said.
‘When they join the upper school, the younger girls will benefit from male and female role models to look up to, and pastoral staff to talk to – just as the boys in Elizabeth College and the boys and girls at ECJS have currently.
‘We have many members of staff who are already experienced in working within the co-ed environment, across the age-range, who are passionate about providing the necessary levels of support and care
to ensure that both boys and girls flourish.’
The letter said that the college would maintain its high standards.
‘We believe that this environment will be strengthened further by the inclusion of girls in all year groups,’ it stated.
‘Healthy competition across a wide range of subjects in the upper school will add to the academic environment and encourage greater achievement.
'It will enable an even better balance of discussion in lessons and help to break down barriers of gender stereotypes.’
All subjects and activities will be offered to boys and girls and take-up of each subject will be a matter of guided choice and they will be taught together.
‘Our curriculum evolves to offer new subjects as they become valuable and relevant in the changing world, but there will not be subjects that are only open to boys or girls,’ the letter says.
