Abingdon School to welcome girls for the first time
BBCOne of the oldest schools in England is to welcome girls for the first time.
Abingdon School in Oxfordshire is thought to have been founded in the 7th Century and is currently an independent day and boarding school for boys.
Former pupils include the members of Radiohead, the comedian David Mitchell and actor Toby Jones.
Prof Mike Stevens, chair of Governors for The Abingdon Foundation, said the decision had been driven by "what we think is best for education today".
Abingdon Prep School admits girls to its pre-prep from September, and to Years 3 to 6 from September 2025.
Abingdon Senior School will admit girls to Year 7 and Sixth Form from September 2026.
The school said it wanted its education "to be reflective of today's society - one where equal opportunity for the sexes is promoted and in which both girls and boys should be able to be as ambitious as each other and be in control of their own future success".
It added: "We believe that the life skills of teamwork, emotional intelligence, mutual understanding and the ability to relate to others are better fostered in a co-educational environment and one which more closely mirrors the conditions of real life.
"Our values of intellectual curiosity; a balanced education; and outstanding pastoral support will remain the core of all that we do and we believe a stronger and better Abingdon will emerge as a result of this move."
Prof Stevens said he was "very excited" by what the development would mean "for the Abingdonians of the future".
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