We are delighted to announce that SWPS will open its doors to boys from September 2026, subject to regulatory approval from the DfE.
This will be a phased introduction, with boys initially joining Years 7 and 12, with the school becoming fully co-educational by 2030. Applications for boys and girls to join Year 7 and Year 12 in 2026 are now open.
The move to co-education
This strategic decision is part of our vision for the future. It will enhance the educational opportunities we offer our students, provide a structure that is more financially efficient and fit for the future and create a more inclusive community to reflect the modern world. This next chapter in our journey is a natural evolution that will enable us to achieve our new vision. We are proud of our past, our culture and our traditions. In making this change we are empowering every student to explore their interests, supporting every student to follow their curiosity, pursue their ambitions and realise their potential, ready to make their mark on the world.
How can I find out more about the changes?
We are happy to answer any questions you may have, so please do get in touch. There may be some questions we can’t answer straight away, but we have created the information below to try to cover as many areas as we can.
Admissions
There will be no change to the application procedure, which is described in detail on the Admissions pages, along with the contact details of the admissions team.
Co-educational SWPS will have two entry points: 11+ and 16+.
| Year | Intake |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Girls and boys will join Year 7 and Year 12 |
| 2027 | Year 7, Year 8, Year 12 and Year 13 will be co-educational |
| 2028 | Year 7, 8, 9, 12 and Year 13 will be co-educational |
| 2029 | Year 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 and Year 13 will be co-educational |
| 2030 | The school will be fully co-educational |
The application window for the first Year 7 2026, deferred entry Year 9 2028 and Year 12 2026 boys is now open and will close in October 2025.
Reasons for co-education
The decision to educate both boys and girls is rooted in our long-term strategic desire to enable any child who would flourish at Sir William Perkins’s School to be able to come here.
- The school believes boys and girls learn best when educated together.
- This move will continue the school’s tradition of holistic education.
- There is a clear demand for co-ed schooling in the local area.
Benefits of co-education
We are delighted that boys will now be able to benefit from the educational and pastoral excellence we offer. We believe that girls and boys are best prepared for life when learning alongside each other, collaborating and developing mutual respect both inside and outside the classroom.
Enhances academic and social collaboration.
- Promotes mutual respect and prepares students for life beyond school.
- Focus on individual mentoring and support, regardless of gender.
- New opportunities in sport and the arts.
A Level A*/B grade in 2024
Top 10% nationally
Students received their first choice university offer
Preparation for co-education
Preparation is well underway for the school’s inaugural co-educational year groups, to ensure that both our new students and those already at the school enjoy a positive experience. From facilities to teaching and beyond, we are in the best possible place to be welcoming boys into the school.
- We continue to reflect on all aspects of school life through a co-educational lens to ensure we offer the best experience for all children and young people when we welcome boys in 2026.
- Our co-education working party comprises representation from all disciplines and is collaborating with other schools to share practice and experiences in teaching in co-educational schools.
- A dedicated co-education governor works closely with the Senior Leadership Team as we prepare for the first co-educational year groups.
- The Senior Leadership Team has commissioned considerable research into co-education transition, investigating key curriculum and co-curriculum issues to consider as we make our material change application to the Department for Education.
- We have evaluated our facilities and are in the final stages of plans to make modest adjustments to ensure we have the right provision for boys with regards to changing and toilet facilities.
- In partnership with King’s College London, we are creating a doctoral studentship to recruit a researcher to capture our co-education transition learning.
- In the coming academic year, we are developing appropriate professional learning that ensures all staff are prepared well for the beginnings of our co-education intake. This includes making use of our school-wide membership of the Chartered College of Teaching.
- We continue to engage with our student community through the Student Council, such as discussing future school uniform needs.
Further co-education information
Financial position
- The school is not moving to co-education due to financial issues.
- Finances are stable, and fees will continue to be reviewed annually.
Facilities development
- The current site has been reviewed and will be adapted to accommodate boys, with minimal changes and modest investment.
- Future site developments will benefit all students and will be phased over time.
Sports for boys
- The main sports are football, cricket and hockey.
- A development plan is underway for boys’ rowing, building on girls’ rowing success.
Admissions process
- Boys and girls are assessed equally during the admissions process.
- All students are given equal preference throughout the admissions process, regardless of gender.
