Leading Sheffield independent school, Birkdale, is to welcome girls throughout the School - starting with the Prep School in 2020. The School will begin the process of moving from being a school for boys with a co-educational Sixth Form to being a co-educational school at every age, from 4-18, in September next year. In 12 months’ time, girls will be joining at Pre-Prep 1 (Reception), Pre-Prep 2 (Year 1), Pre-Prep 3 (Year 2) and Prep 1 (Year 3). These co-educational classes will then continue through the Prep and Senior School with the first co-educational year group in the Senior School in September 2024.

Birkdale is making the change to ensure the benefits of the School’s education is available to all. There has been a growing demand from current parents to allow both their sons and daughters into the School.

Peter Harris, Headmaster of Birkdale School, said: “Girls are part of your family and they’re part of ours. In 1995, we welcomed girls into our Sixth Form, and now we have decided they should be part of our entire family. We know change is never easy but we know change is vital. Birkdale has been one of Sheffield’s leading schools for over 100 years by continually evolving. We are about to open a new chapter in the School’s history and we are excited at the opportunities this brings for everyone within our School community, across Sheffield and beyond.”

Chris Burch, Head of Birkdale Prep School, added: “While our primary aim is to provide the highest quality education, we place just as much importance on nurturing the individual and educating the whole child. Our Christian ethos, the traditional core values of kindness, courtesy, honesty and good manners are central to our daily life. By welcoming girls to join the School, we are confident we will be enriching the experience of every pupil who passes through our doors.”

Paul Houghton, Chair of Governors, added: “We are delighted to be taking Birkdale forward in going fully co-educational. Birkdale is a school with a unique family feel, focusing on academic excellence whilst providing each individual with a broad, rounded education. Interestingly, our uniqueness has been much less about being a school primarily for boys, so the decision to take girls throughout the School has become a question of when, not if. Now is the time, and we’re hugely positive about this change and Birkdale’s role in developing future generations of young people in Sheffield.”

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