Co-education comes of age at St Andrew’s

Co-education

comes of age at St Andrew’s

Celebrating 30 years of

It was a momentous occasion when the first female students walked through the gates at St Andrew’s in 1990, which started a transformation of the traditional all-boys’ school forever.

In 1992, not only did the College celebrate its 75th birthday – it also became officially co-educational. Fast forward to 2022, and the St Andrew’s community is celebrating 30 years of boys and girls learning alongside one another.

The brand new, state-of-the-art Rentoul Senior College also opened its doors in 1992, built to accommodate the 55 girls who joined St Andrew’s for their final years of school in Form 6 and Form 7 (Years 12–13 today). “The Rentoul Senior College remains an important contributing factor to the positive, inclusive, and spirited environment that is a hallmark of our College; a College that is committed to the leadership and development of young people, preparing them to take their place in life beyond school,” says Rector, Christine Leighton.

Dr John Rentoul (Rector 1982–1994), was a key figure in this transformational period of the College’s history. He believed in the benefits of co-education, especially for senior students, and it was his drive and determination that led to the Board deciding to take the first significant step, by accepting girls into the Senior College.

At the recent Founders’ Day Assembly, Dr Rentoul said the presence of both boys and girls in the classroom stimulates a broader teaching base, allows students to build mutual respect, engenders a far more mature and tolerant social climate, and generally improves the academic performance of students. “The aim of the Senior College is to provide a collegiate institution between school and tertiary education, with an environment appropriate to the personal and social development needs of older adolescents, emphasising self-development, self-motivation, and self-discipline.”

Dr Rentoul went on to remark: “I am deeply gratified that co-education at St Andrew’s has been so successful.”

Christine says collaboration in the co-ed classroom helps boys and girls in many ways. “They gain a fresh perspective from each other intellectually, develop socially, and become more confident in expressing their views around members of the opposite sex. Our students are introduced to both male and female role models, and learn how to develop realistic and meaningful relationships, which are skills they carry throughout their lives.”

She says Dr Rentoul has left an incredible legacy to St Andrew’s. “Dr Rentoul’s foresight to introduce girls to the College, and the changes that were introduced in 1992, have enabled St Andrew’s College to be the place it is today.”