A BRIGHTER FUTURE, TOGETHER
We are delighted to announce that SWPS will open its doors to boys from September 2026. 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.
DISCOVER OUR VISION FOR THE SCHOOL
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+.
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.
| 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 |
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.
- There is a clear demand for co-ed schooling in the local area.
- The school believes boys and girls learn best when educated together.
- This move will continue the school's tradition of holistic education.
BENEFITS 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.
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 site development will accommodate boys, with minimal changes.
- Future expansions 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 in train 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.
