St Mary’s School to become co-educational in landmark moment in its 154-year history
St Mary’s School in Gerrards Cross has announced it will become co-educational next year.
The school is opening a new chapter in response to changing educational needs from its community while retaining the same values, high academic standards and outstanding pastoral care pupils currently experience.
Subject to the Department for Education (DfE) approval, the all-through school will become co-educational from September 2027 when it will welcome boys into all prep school year groups and, through a phased approach, into Year 7 and Year 12. The nursery will begin to open its doors to boys from January 2027, with provision expanding to year-round care for children from the age of two.
Headmaster Lars Fox said the decision responded to demand from the Gerrards Cross area and followed extensive research and consultation with the school and wider local community.
He explained:
“We want our school to reflect the needs of the families and community we serve, while continuing to deliver the highest standards of education and pastoral care. We have listened carefully to parents and students, and the message has been clear. Families say they would welcome the opportunity for their sons and daughters to be educated alongside one another, while retaining the qualities that make St Mary’s such a special school.”
The move comes as St Mary’s celebrates another outstanding set of A-level and GCSE results. Half of all A Level grades achieved this year were A* or A, with 76% of grades awarded at A*-B. At GCSE, 45% of grades were awarded at 9-7, with more than 70% achieving grades 9-6.
Mr Fox said the decision to become co-educational would build on, rather than change, the school’s established strengths.
“We are proud of the breadth of opportunities we offer, from our academic and co-curricular programmes to sport, careers and pastoral support. Becoming co-educational means we can extend that offering to more families while preserving everything that makes us distinctive.”
St Mary’s students continue to secure places at leading universities, including Oxbridge, as well as progressing through degree apprenticeships and into careers spanning medicine, science, marketing, teaching, engineering and law.
Added Mr Fox:
“We are delighted to be able to extend the St Mary’s experience and we look forward to welcoming our first boys and to the contribution they will make to our community, alongside our existing pupils.Ultimately, our commitment is to every pupil – to provide an aspirational learning journey towards personal excellence beyond expectations. St Mary’s made that promise to girls 152 years ago when the school opened its doors for the first time and we make that promise now to every boy and girl as we enter this new era.”
For further information, please read our comprehensive document, which provides answers to many of the questions you may have about St Mary’s transition to co-education.
Read Further Information Document here
Find out more at an upcoming Open Day:
Co-ed from September 2027
Prep School and Years 7 & 12
Nursery from January 2027
Open Days
Senior School (Years 7–13)
Saturday 26 September
Prep in Action (Nursery–Year 6)
Friday 2 October
Sixth Form Open Evening
Tuesday 6 October