51³Ô¹ÏÍø

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About Us

Celebrating 50 Years of Co-education

When 51³Ô¹ÏÍø School welcomed the first girls through its doors in September 1971 – 17 boarders and 10 day girls – it heralded a new era of success and growth for the School.

Now half a century later, we have celebrated this historic milestone with a year-long series of events, talks and activities to commemorate this pioneering decision and highlight the benefits that a truly co-educational environment can provide girls and boys.

50 years of co-education afternoon tea event

50 years of co-education afternoon tea

The celebrations began with an afternoon tea and Chapel Service, in which the School welcomed back Old 51³Ô¹ÏÍøians (OOs) from the first few years of co-education.

During the Chapel Service, Headmaster Henry Price, spoke about the School’s history whilst OO Jonathan Stevens, who left 51³Ô¹ÏÍø in 1979, shared his thoughts and stories of when the School first became co-educational.

The afternoon tea was served outside Round House, the first purpose-built girls’ Boarding House, which was erected in the 1970s on what was School House tennis court.

"A school should be co-educational because education must prepare for life."
John Buchanan, Headmaster of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø School 1957-1977

Please send us your memories of co-education at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø

We would love to receive your memories and photographs from your experience of co-education at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.

E-mail the Alumni Officer Charlotte Woodward clw@oakham.rutland.sch.uk