READING Sonning’s Blue Coat School will become fully co-ed by 2027.

Independent secondary education will begin to develop from September 2023 by welcoming girls in grade 7.

The school recently obtained a building permit from Wokingham Borough Council to increase its number of admissions so that girls can enroll from the age of 11.

Principal Pete Thomas said, “While this plan will see a gradual increase in our total number of students, I don’t want them to increase to such a level that anyone in our community becomes ‘just a number’.

“I am extremely proud of the sense of community that exists at Blue Coat, the kindness of our staff and students, and the sense of community that exists here. Welcoming girls throughout the school will only strengthen this community.

The school welcomed its first student over 50 years ago and its sixth has become fully
mixed 34 years ago.

Peter Bertram, who chairs the school governors, said: “Reading Blue Coat has seen a steady increase in student numbers over the past 10 years, so this decision to expand our co-education offering comes from ‘a position of strength.

“Academic results have increased year on year and at the same time our 45 acre campus has benefited from significant investment, providing 21st century facilities to our students and staff.

“We look forward to our transition to full coeducation and to seeing the school continue to develop and improve. “

The school has also revised its offer of extra-curricular education under the direction of the second teacher Ed Trelinksi.

Last month, he launched his Adventure Education program, which focuses on mountaineering, sailing and paddle sports and is designed to develop skills such as teamwork.