Reed’s School in Cobham has just announced (May 2026) that it will welcome girls into Year 7 from September 2027. It’s joining a long and growing list: Abingdon, RGS Guildford, Magdalen College School...
What was once a proud tradition of single-sex boys’ education now feels like it’s on life support. Seems boys’ schools are rushing to “diversify” or “future-proof” themselves by going co-ed.
Financial pressures, falling numbers in some cases, parental demand for sibling continuity, and the broader societal shift away from single-sex models seem to be the drivers. Even schools that were oversubscribed are making the move.
Meanwhile, many girls’ schools continue as single-sex safe spaces, with far less pressure to open to boys. There are still more fully girls-only independents (around 139) than boys-only ones (92), according to ISC data, and the top holdouts like some of the leading girls’ schools show no sign of changing.
Is this the inevitable end for boys-only schools outside the very elite few (Eton, Harrow, Radley etc.)? Or is something lost when we erase these environments that many argue helped boys focus, build confidence in certain subjects, and develop without the social dynamics of mixed classes during formative years?
Reed’s timing feels particularly late, as an example, announcing now for a 2027 start means the change is already upon us with little debate time. Families planning ahead for 11+ might feel blindsided, despite them proclaiming it is a return the their roots - no organisation woukd do this for purely historical reasons, finances and future proofing always pay a role - especially at seemingly short notice...
Would love to hear others’ thoughts, especially parents of boys who valued (or are losing) the single-sex option. I know at RGS who are not happy about the move, but, is co-ed always better, or are we losing something valuable for boys specifically?