SPGS, Alleyn’s, DLD and Wallington High School for Girls
“Introduce them to all sorts of different experiences and ideas, so that they can begin to develop their own interests. The joy in them, that curiosity and creativity, then can shine through in the interview and in the entrance papers.” Jane echoed this, emphasising the importance of nurturing the “capacity for independent, creative thought.” Jane also reassures parents: “Don’t panic, the right school is there [...] trust the process.” When it comes to choosing between single-sex or co-education, all our guests emphasised focusing on the right school for your child. Both Sarah and Tracey praised all-girls’ education for its inclusive atmosphere, free of gender roles or self-consciousness. “It enables the girls to grow in confidence, to feel that they can take on anything in the world, and that they are equals of anyone. It enables them to explore their identity fully free from any stereotyping,” stated Sarah. She takes pride in the confidence and community of St Paul’s girls: “There are as many St Paul’s girls as there are students, but what they do share in common is a sense of confidence and a sense of empowerment.” Tracey also credited the single-sex environment with creating a sense of community and confidence at Wallington High School for Girls: “They have that kind of safe space to be themselves.” Both also recognised the importance of providing opportunities for their pupils to socialise in a coeducational environment, with St Paul’s Girls’ School working closely with St Paul’s School and Wallington High School working with Wilson’s
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“London is a melting pot of different nationalities and communities. It’s so enriching for our students to be a part of that, because that’s reflected in all of our schools.” SARAH FLETCHER
School for activities such as Masterchef, Battle of the Bands and CCF. “The partnership with the boys school brings the co-educational dimension, but it also means that our girls can grow up with a singlesex environment, [where] we can really cater to their needs,” stated Sarah. Jane, having worked at both single-sex and coeducational schools, sees the appeal of both, but told us: “I think when co-ed is done really well, it is pretty hard to beat.” She described how girls at Alleyn’s are also supported to be confident and not affected by gender stereotypes or selfconsciousness: “Maths is our most popular subject, and two-thirds of the pupils doing Maths at A Level are girls.” Jane also praised the way pupils support one another and thrive in this environment: “You then have an amazing, amazing environment where boys and girls basically grow up together, and they learn about themselves and they learn about the world together.” Both Jane and James emphasised the importance of teaching both boys and girls to be free from gender stereotypes and work well in co-educational environments for life beyond school. “There are challenges and benefits with all kinds of schools, and we’re trying to prepare them for society, giving them as many opportunities to experience what life will look like,” stated James. On the benefits of boarding in London, James described it as: “A halfway house, they’ve got that wrap-around care, but it’s an opportunity to be a little bit away from parents before going off to university.” Despite some parents’ possible fears about their children being given their first taste
