Horris Hill school to welcome girls for first time

Horris Hill Preparatory School in Newtown will be welcoming girls in September for the first time in its 134-year history.

The school, whose alumni include the pop star Will Young and Watership Down author Richard Adams, will be launching co-education in the next academic year.

From September, girls as well as boys, aged two and upwards will be welcomed into the 50-week nursery and Forest School, as well as into reception and lower school classes.

Girls will be able to progress all the way through the school until the age of 13.

John Forsyth, CEO of Forfar Education – which bought the school in 2021 – and now the chairman of the school, said it was the perfect time to welcome girls to Horris Hill “as the school recalibrates to align with the realities of the modern world”.

He added: “Our aim is to continue to be one of the world’s leading preparatory schools and in doing so, to create an inspiring co-educational environment which teaches self-belief, confidence and especially resilience for boys and girls, at the same time as continuing to deliver academic excellence across the board.

“It is our responsibility to prepare our young people for the future, whatever that may hold.

“It’s time to change and for our Forfar prep schools to accurately reflect modern day society.”

Mr Forsyth said the school offered a place for children “where they are free to explore, build self-confidence and awareness in a safe and encouraging environment”, which would be enhanced further by the introduction of co-education.

He added that the extensive market and academic research backing the school’s decision to welcome girls had played a major role in the historic decision and that the convenience of a co-educational setting would appeal to both current and future parents alike.

He continued: “The introduction of co-education brings several benefits for both children and parents.

“Children can learn in an inclusive environment which represents the world they will enter.

“As well as boosting academic achievement, co-education brings opportunities for the development of social skills. It also encourages equality, respect, trust and friendship.

“Boys and girls sharing a learning space also opens opportunities for parents with existing children at the school who have other siblings, as well as providing potential for expectant or new parents exploring for future educational options.”