Principal Joanna Fox with Harrogate Ladies’ College pupils

Harrogate Ladies’ College in North Yorkshire has announced it will extend its co-ed provision into senior school from September next year. At the same time the school, along with its associated junior school, Highfield Prep School, will operate under the new name of Duchy College.

The school, currently caters to girls from ages two to 18 and boys up to age 11.

In 1893, the school began life as a boys’ school, before becoming a girls’ senior school, and went on to open a co-ed prep school 25 years ago.

Next year the school will also open a new sixth form centre featuring individual study spaces, extended sports provision, a new baccalaureate programme running from prep school into senior school, and “an enhanced co-ed ‘boutique’ boarding environment”.

The school’s principal Joanna Fox said: “We were pioneers of girls’ education in the early 20th century at a time when girls struggled to access university. The world has, thankfully, evolved and our focus has evolved with it. Our aim today is to provide a tailored educational experience, where pupils are known as individuals and are supported pastorally and academically. Our small, nurturing environment enables our pupils to be themselves. Our ethos today is ultimately relevant to all young people.

“I know our ethos is the reason many parents choose our school for their children, and it is the reason we are regularly asked by parents of boys about joining our senior school. We are, therefore, excited about being able to extend our provision to all children and parents in the future. We are committed to ensuring we move forward gradually and sensitively. Our immediate priority is our existing pupils. We are introducing this next chapter with a dedication to continuity and working closely with our with our current families and alumni.

“As Harrogate’s only boarding school, we are uniquely placed to provide extended support outside the standard school day to support parents who are juggling busy family lives. Having the opportunity to board occasionally is also invaluable experience for older pupils as they prepare for university.

The school’s chair of governors Francine Holroyd commented: This is a positive and proactive long-term strategy which will enable us to continue to uphold the ethos and values of the school, to expand the opportunities for pupils, and secure the future of our school for the next 130 years and beyond.”