Photography by Danny Fitzpatrick/DFphotography

Bickley Park School, an independent preparatory school for boys, is to become co-educational.

The school in Bromley, Southeast Greater London, currently caters to boys aged two-and-a-half to 13.

The transition begins in September this year when the school will admit girls and boys into its reception classes.

In the second phase from September next year, places for both girls and boys will be available from nursery through to Year 3.

These year groups will then move through the school.

The school said the decision follows a period of consultation and reflects strong demand from current and prospective parents.

On its website the school stated: “We are ambitious for the next chapter in the fine history of Bickley Park and remain determined to be adaptive, forward thinking and current.

“With the introduction of girls, we are taking the opportunity to enhance our strong family ethos by creating a fully co-educational community at Bickley Park. All pupils will benefit from our broad and balanced curriculum, delivered through our Four Quadrants of Learning and dedicated preparation for 11+ and 13+ examinations.

“Happiness and excellent pastoral care remain at the heart of everything we do, which is highly valued by the Bickley Park community. We will continue to foster a lifelong love of learning in a caring and supportive environment, where children feel secure and able to thrive.

“A dedicated preparation and refurbishment programme is already in progress to realign our school infrastructure to ensure that all pupils continue to benefit from the excellent facilities at Bickley Park.”