Haberdashers’ Monmouth schools will combine: £32,000-a-year public school is set to make history by going mixed-sex for the first time in 408 year history
- The Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Boys aims to end single-sex education
- Pupils will be taught together with neighbouring Monmouth School for Girls
- A final decision will be taken in October 2022, with the prospect of a fully co-educational school in September 2024
A £32,000-a-year public school is set to make history by going mixed-sex for the first time in 408 years.
The Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Boys and neighbouring Monmouth School for Girls aim to end single-sex education.
It means pupils aged three to 18 will be taught together as part of ‘huge steps toward sustainability.’
Chair of Governors Lord Moynihan – an old boy of the school who was Minister for Sport under PM Margaret Thatcher – described it as a ‘very significant change’.
He said: ‘We believe that moving to a fully co-educational school will allow us to provide top quality education to our pupils from three to 18 – for generations to come.’
Monmouth School for Boys was founded in 1614 with a bequest from William Jones, a successful merchant and trader.
The Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Boys and neighbouring Monmouth School for Girls aim to end single-sex education
Chair of Governors Lord Moynihan – an old boy of the school who was Minister for Sport under PM Margaret Thatcher – described it as a ‘very significant change’
The boarding school will have a ‘rationalisation’ of buildings to make ‘huge steps towards the sustainability of all aspects of our schools’ estates and reduce our environmental impact’.
Lord Moynihan added there was ‘a significant trend towards co-education in the independent schools’ sector’ and claimed that ‘the majority of parents believe it prepares their children properly for university and adult life.’
He said: ‘We have launched this discussion process in response to this and I’m really excited by what the future holds.
‘Both the girls’ and boys’ schools deserve their strong academic and pastoral reputations and should be proud of what they have achieved.
‘Should we eventually decide to merge, we will ensure that the best aspects of both schools are preserved.’
In a statement sent out to staff and parents, it was announced that governors and the senior leadership of Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools have launched an evaluation process with a view potentially to merging Years 7 to 11 in the boys’ and girls’ schools.
Lord Moynihan said: ‘We are very excited by the potential that going fully co-ed presents, which responds to societal changes and is increasingly what parents, and indeed pupils themselves, are demanding.
‘We have two terrific schools, and we believe that bringing them together will make them even stronger, delivering the best education for our pupils.
A final decision will be taken in October 2022, with the prospect of a fully co-educational school in September 2024
‘At the same time, it would enable us to capitalise on the efficiencies that a rationalisation of the schools’ extensive estates would deliver; efficiencies that would deliver outstanding value for money.
‘We propose to deliver transformative development, including a range of pioneering initiatives and exciting, innovative estate developments such as the creation of an outstanding Sixth Form Centre, an enhanced sports offering, more opportunities in the arts, a better boarding experience and unifying the working week for boys and girls.
‘The resulting merger would also make huge steps towards the sustainability of all aspects of our schools’ estates and reduce our environmental impact.’
Speaking to reassure the staff that the school employs he added: ‘We recognise that our schools are an important feature of life in Monmouth.
‘We are a major employer in the town, and we value very highly our responsibilities to the wider community.’
A final decision will be taken in October 2022, with the prospect of a fully co-educational school in September 2024.
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