Co-education

Positively moving to co-education

At Elstree, we believe that a great school is a school that maintains its relevance and place in an ever-changing world.

In recent years, it became clear that both our current and prospective parents were looking for a family focused school. They wanted a co-educational school that offered the same opportunities and ambitions for both their daughters and their sons.

From September 2020, Elstree became a fully co-educational school, welcoming girls alongside boys. Both can now receive an Elstree education from the age of 3 (Nursery), all the way through to 13 (Year 8).

After a well-attended Discovery Morning earlier in the year, the cohort of pioneering girls in Years 3 to 6 are already positively contributing to Elstree’s fully co-educational status. 

Set in idyllic grounds of 150 acres, only an hour by car from west London, Elstree offers a secure and stimulating environment for children to be nurtured and inspired.

An education that lasts a lifetime

Girls have been enjoying an Elstree education in the Pre-Prep since it was founded 25 years ago. By extending our co-educational experience into the Prep School, Elstree is providing an environment where both girls and boys can develop the skills necessary to thrive in a 21st century world.

At Elstree our pupils lead fulfilling and purposeful lives, benefitting from an all-round education based on Christian values and a strong sense of community. We aim to provide an education that lasts a lifetime.

Girls’ Boarding

A variety of areas within the school have been redeveloped and refurbished to accommodate the girls, including a new girls’ dormitory for boarding, affectionately named ‘Finlay’, after a much-loved former School Nurse.

Sport for Girls

Hockey is the main sport for girls in the Autumn Term. During the Lent Term it’s netball. Then, cricket, tennis, athletics and swimming for Summer. Girls will also join the boys for cross country and some football. 

Ensuring a smooth transition

To ensure the smooth transition to becoming a fully co-educational school this September, places for girls in Year 3 and above have been offered incrementally.  As this cohort moves through the school, Elstree will grow organically.

The gradual process is allowing class sizes to be kept small and staff to pupil ratios low.  Any girls wanting to join further up the school will be welcomed on a case-by-case basis.  For further information, please see our information leaflet Nurturing The Future. 

Girls’ Discovery Day

Our last  Girls’ Discovery Day was on  Saturday 7th March 2020 from 10.00am until 1.00pm.  If you are interested in attending our next Girls’ Discovery Day, please contact the registrar, Tish Gauci on registrar@elstreeschool.org.uk.