Welcoming girls and boys from September 2027

A natural next step for St John’s

St John’s is delighted to announce that from September 2027 the school will welcome girls as well as boys, beginning in Early Years.

This marks an exciting new chapter in the school’s long and proud history. Girls joining St John’s will benefit from the same outstanding education, care and opportunities enjoyed by current pupils, within a warm, inclusive and values driven community.

St John’s will continue to offer everything for which it is known: excellent teaching, outstanding pastoral care, small class sizes, strong academics, sporting strength, outdoor learning, and rich opportunities in music, drama and the creative arts. The school’s ethos – values and commitment to nurturing confident, curious and resilient learners – remains unchanged.

What this means for your child

Girls joining St John’s will benefit from the same high-quality education, care and opportunities already experienced by current pupils:

A personalised approach where every child is known
High academic standards, delivered without unnecessary pressure
Outstanding pastoral care and wellbeing
A broad, engaging curriculum with real choice
Exceptional outdoor space and facilities

Children will continue to leave St John’s confident, articulate and well prepared for the next stage of their education.

Why co-education?

Prospective families increasingly value a co-educational environment at this stage; one that reflects the real world and supports children’s social and emotional development. There has been significant positive interest from current and prospective families to welcome girls to St John’s, and there are no comparative, co-ed independent school options in the local area for 3-11 year-olds.

At primary age, there is no evidence that boys and girls learn better in a single-sex environment. What matters most is the quality of teaching, the strength of relationships and the environment in which children grow. St John’s is well placed to offer this, combining academic ambition with a warm, inclusive culture.

This strategic decision, fully supported by our staff, Governors and the Merchant Taylor’s Educational trust, reflects our confidence in the strength of St John’s and presents an exciting opportunity to extend the benefit of a St John’s education to girls, while preserving everything that makes our school special.

Children will continue to leave St John’s confident, articulate and well prepared for the next stage of their education.

A carefully phased approach

The move to co-education will begin in Early Years and grow naturally year by year:

Girls will join Nursery from September 2027
Reception entry will follow (September 2027 or 2028, subject to final consultation)
Each cohort will move through the school together

This ensures a smooth transition and a consistent experience for all pupils.