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- OUR MOVE TO CO-EDUCATION
OUR MOVE TO CO-EDUCATION
Since September 2021, Farlington School has been fully co-educational, with boys in every year group.
We began welcoming boys in 2018, and our move to co-education received the backing of pupils, parents and staff alike right from the very start.
Farlington had long been associated with providing an excellent, balanced and all-round education to girls, and we were delighted to be able to extend this provision to include boys.
Our current boys are thriving, and our move to co-education makes Farlington the only co-educational independent school for ages 4 to 18 in the Horsham area.
Please watch this short film to hear a current parent's experience of Farlington as a co-educational school.
We appreciate that there may be questions surrounding Farlington's move to co-education, and hope that the responses below will help.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Admissions Department, who will be happy to help you.
Which year groups are now welcoming boys?
Boys are now welcome to join all year groups.
How did your existing students feel about the move to co-education?
The overwhelming feeling was one of excitement about the future, and optimism about the positive changes co-education will bring.
Did the move to co-education affect the number of school places available?
The total number of places available at Farlington has not changed. One of the key benefits of Farlington is that, as a smaller school, every child is personally known and valued for the contribution they make to our community. We believe this adds huge value to the very special educational experience here.
What do you expect the girl/boy ratio to be over the next few years?
We expect a gradual transition to a fully co-educational environment, with boys making up around 50% by 2024.
Have class sizes increased as a result of the changes?
We have retained our smaller class sizes, because our excellent pupil:teacher ratio is a crucial part of the Farlington learning experience.
Has the move to co-education affected after-school clubs?
We constantly review our after-school clubs and ensure that they suit the needs of all.
Have the changes affected the selection and Scholarship processes?
All pupils, regardless of gender, are selected on their own individual merit. Scholarships have always been awarded on merit, and this will not change.
Does the school provide separate toilet and shower facilities for boys and girls?
The current provision meets regulations and best practice for boys and girls.
Has pastoral care at the school been affected?
We have a very experienced and dedicated pastoral team. All pupils, regardless of gender, are treated as individuals, and their pastoral needs are fully met.
Do the staff have experience of teaching in a co-educational environment?
There is a wealth of co-educational experience amongst staff across the entire school.
Have subject choices changed in the Middle School and Senior School?
We do not believe that there are any subjects which are off limits to any gender – our ethos is centered around the individual. We offer a broad range of subjects and regularly review our provision; this will not change.
How many male staff members do you have?
We have many male teachers across the school, and male support staff too.
Where do male boarders sleep?
All of our boarders are accommodated under the same roof, and both boys and girls are able to share the communal areas such as the kitchens, office and TV room, which we believe greatly enhances the feeling of being part of a family. Bedrooms remain in separate parts of the Boarding House, with an overnight alarm set each evening on the door separating boys' and girls' accommodation. Boys’ accommodation is off limits to girls at all times, and vice versa: girls’ accommodation is off limits to boys at all times.
Are you investing in the facilities?
Of course! Our mission is to deliver the very best educational experience and this will involve investment in facilities over time.
Will you have a Head Boy and a Head Girl from now on?
We will continue to have two Head Students. These highly regarded and important positions will, as always, be awarded on merit.
How do you maintain balance in the classroom?
Our skilled teachers manage the classroom environment so that everyone has equal opportunity, regardless of gender. We have highly qualified, specialist staff, excellent resources and small classes, which enable this to be effectively and easily managed across all year groups.
