Sir William Perkins’s School

Sir William Perkins’s School, an independent day school for girls aged 11 to 18 in Chertsey, Surrey, has announced it will admit boys from September 2026.

The school is planning a phased introduction, with boys initially joining Years 7 and 12, and will become fully co-educational by 2030.

On its website the school said: “On the eve of our 300th anniversary, we are delighted that boys will now also 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.

“Throughout our history, we have always sought to offer the best possible education, instilling confidence, integrity and excellence to enable every child in our care to become their best self and will continue to do so.

“Our founder originally established our School for boys who otherwise were unable to access a good education. A decade later, we became pioneers by opening our doors to offer an equally excellent education for girls. In the three hundred years since, SWPS has constantly evolved to nurture the talent of the next generation, and together, we believe we can build a stronger and better SWPS which meets the needs of many generations to come.

“Inspectors recently highlighted SWPS’s culture of high expectations and the School’s ‘happy and purposeful atmosphere’ where students enjoy School life and thrive. This is an exciting new chapter in the history of our School, and a move supported unanimously by our Governing Board.”