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November 5, 2024 12:02pm
Department for Education gives green light for three Medway grammar schools to go co-ed
Three single-sex schools - Chatham Grammar, Fort Pitt Grammar School, and Holcombe Grammar School - are set to become co-educational schools from September 2026 to allow for equal access to grammar education in Medway.
Following consultations in December 2023 and January 2024 with parents and carers as well as the wider community and neighbouring localities, the Department for Education has approved the changes.
The schools, alongside Medway Council, said they are pleased with the outcome and believe it will bring about many benefits for the children and families of Medway.
They cited that all three schools, two of which are currently all-girls schools and one of which is all-boys from Year 7 to 11, becoming co-educational establishments will help balance opportunity for access to grammar school education for boys and girls in the area.
They added that over time, alongside changes to the Medway Test, the move will support more young people from Medway to attend grammar schools. This will also reduce pressure on non-selective secondary schools in the area, ensuring that there are enough places for all Medway pupils whether or not they wish to attend a grammar school.
The transition will also mean that boys’ and girls’ places are more evenly spread across Medway and that pupils will not have to travel as far to access a grammar education. This will minimise disruption for families, as siblings will be able to attend the same school.
The three schools are now planning to welcome a mixed-gender Year 7 cohort from September 2026 and are working together with the council to ensure a smooth transition and ensure any disruption to current pupils and staff is minimised.
In a joint statement, the three schools stated:
“We are delighted to receive a positive decision from the DfE and know that our schools’ move to a co-educational model will ensure a more equal balance of grammar school places for boys and girls and support the council’s wider efforts to relieve pressure on school places across Medway.
“We would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and enabled us to make the best decision for our community and for young people in this area. This signifies an important moment for each school and we are confident that this decision will only enhance the education being provided across our schools and prepare our pupils for the modern world.
“We are now working with the Local Authority, our staff, families, pupils and each other to ensure a smooth transition.”
Cllr Tracy Coombs, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education said:
“I’m really pleased that these three great schools are now set to become co-educational. It’s a progressive step which will benefit all Medway children.
“I’d also like to thank the DfE for approving the move – it’s is going to help us provide more access to grammar school places, and in doing so will help ensure there are enough places for pupils of all academic abilities at all secondary schools across Medway.”