Why has St James decided to become co-educational across all its schools?
The decision is grounded in strong parental interest and a shared belief that co-education will open new opportunities for our pupils academically, socially and in preparing them for life beyond school. This also follows from our Prep School’s experience of successfully transitioning to co-education in 2022.
Who was involved in making the decision to go co-educational and what background research was conducted which led to this outcome?
The Trustees have been considering this for some time, and it was first discussed a number of years ago. However, we believe the time is right now given the changing pattern of demand from parents, societal developments which place greater emphasis on co-education over single sex, and the evolving external political and economic environment. This follows a formal consultation with parents.
What is the planned timeline for St James Schools to become fully co-educational?
We will begin welcoming both boys and girls into Year 7 and Year 12 from September 2027, at both our Ashford, Surrey and Kensington Olympia sites. Subject to DofE approval, our phased entry approach will be as follows:
2027/28: Year 7 and Year 12.
2028/29: Years 7, 8, 12 and 13.
2029/30: Years 7–9 and 12–13.
2030/31: Years 7–10 and 12–13.
2031/32: Fully co-educational across the schools.
What will be the impact of this change day-to-day for my child both in the short and longer term?
There will be no impact, both short and long term, on the day to day running and experience of the school. In the short term, the school will be planning in the background to ensure we have the right provision for the girls.
How are the school preparing the staff for these changes?
Staff are working closely together to prepare for the changes. A number of staff bring valuable experience from working in co-educational environments, including the Head, Mr Clarke, who has served as both Head and Deputy Head in co-educational schools. Staff from Ashford are already collaborating with colleagues at the senior school in Olympia, sharing their knowledge and expertise in educating both boys and girls. In addition, staff at Ashford and Olympia are establishing a joint working party to coordinate curriculum development and exchange ideas across both sites.
Are there plans to recruit additional staff to support co-education?
We already have a diverse staff body, but if we feel we need to recruit staff with additional expertise, we will consider this. We live by the maxim that ‘once a teacher, always a teacher,’ and see no essential difference in the skill set required to teach both boys and girls.
Will these changes affect the number of school places available to boys and girls, or the recruitment ratio between them?
These changes will not affect the number of school places available to both boys and girls. While it will be important for us to achieve a balance of boys and girls, we will continue to offer places to any child who we feel would benefit from a St James education.
Will the school get bigger because of the change?
It is likely that the school will grow in some year groups, but it is our intention to retain the ‘small school’ feel of St James so that we can know and care for all the pupils at the school.
How will the changes affect the school’s selection process and academic standards?
There will be no change to our admissions process. You will need to complete the online registration form and pay the registration fee. Your child will then be invited to attend an assessment day, where they will sit a standardised test and take part in an interview. We will also request a reference from their current school. If a place is offered, an acceptance deposit will be required to secure it. We are proud to be a broad-ability school, and it is our intention to remain so. Please use the link here to find out more about our admissions process.
How will the school manage the changes pastorally once fully co-educational?
To manage the changes pastorally, we will ensure that all staff are fully trained to respond to the needs of both boys and girls, while continuing to share and learn from the strong practice already established within the Ashford pastoral team. We do not anticipate significant structural changes. Our existing pastoral structure is strong, comprising dedicated tutors, Heads of Year, an Assistant Head (Pastoral), trained ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants) and a school counsellor.
What changes will be made to the current school uniform and sports kit?
The girls’ school uniform currently in use at the Olympia, Kensington site will also be used at Ashford. Of course, if any additional items are needed, we will make them available.
What provision is the school making for dealing with medical matters for both boys and girls in the future?
We have a highly experienced nurse practitioner working at the senior school in Ashford. She spent many years in the NHS and already has extensive experience caring for both boys and girls.
How will the decision to extend co-educational provision at the senior schools impact my child’s education?
This change will have no detrimental impact on your child’s education; if anything, it will enhance their experience, as additional curriculum opportunities could be offered. The change is expected to support and enrich learning, as the different perspectives and mindsets of boys and girls can be beneficial in the classroom.
Will boys and girls be taught in mixed or separate classes, and will class sizes increase as a result?
Boys and girls will be taught together. It is possible that some of the more sensitive aspects of the PSHE curriculum will be delivered separately, in line with best practice in other co-educational schools.
How will sport at St James be adapted once fully co-educational?
Boys and girls will have the opportunity to play many of the same sports. We offer an excellent sports programme for all and are committed to continuing this. We are planning to construct netball courts at the Ashford site to ensure we can deliver netball, while all our other sports will remain accessible to both boys and girls.
Will the curriculum include new subjects?
We already have a broad curriculum. However, we will be reviewing our provision and if we feel we need to offer any additional subjects we will do so.
How will the school’s co-curricular activities be adapted once fully co-educational?
The key aspect of the co-curricular provision is opportunity. All pupils will have the opportunity to participate in their interest, their ‘spark’ outside the classroom. While many sports clubs will likely be single sex, there will be opportunities for co-ed activities. Many of the current extra-curricular activities will be open to all, such as climbing, lacrosse and CCF.
What changes or investments will you make to the facilities to prepare for the wider introduction of girls into the earlier years in the school?
We are commissioning an estate management review to ensure that our facilities would fully meet the needs of all pupils in a co-educational environment. With two years to go before the proposed move there is ample time to plan carefully and deliver any necessary changes. This work will take into account the importance of minimising disruption to existing pupils.
Will going fully co-educational have any impact on school fees, scholarships or bursaries?
Going fully co-educational will not affect the school fee review process, and it will not change how we handle scholarship or bursary applications at either site.
I am interested in my child joining the school. Who should I contact about this and when is the earliest they can join?
For all admission enquiries, please contact our school Registrar, Ms Rebecca Tocknell by email at admissions@stjamesboys.co.uk or phone 01784 266 933. For September 2026 entry (boys only), registration has now closed; however, please contact our admissions team to discuss a late application. Our first co-educational intake for Year 7 and Year 12 will be September 2027.
How do I arrange a visit to the school following the announced changes?
To arrange a personal tour, please contact our school Registrar, Ms Rebecca Tocknell, by email at admissions@stjamesboys.co.uk or phone 01784 266 933. Alternatively, book to attend one of our upcoming Open Events.
How far in advance should we register for a place now that demand may increase with co-education?
We recommend registering for a place as early as possible. The registration deadline is mid-November, with the assessment day scheduled for the end of November.
