All-boys school could let girls join sixth form

An all-boys school is considering allowing girls to join its sixth form to offer students "a more representative social environment".

Parents and carers of current students at Victoria College are being asked to complete an anonymous survey on the proposals by 18:00 BST on 17 June, according to a letter.

The letter, signed by the chair of governors Susana Rowles and head teacher Gareth Hughes, said the proposal reflected "evolving expectations from families".

It added the intention would be to grow the overall sixth form cohort and increase capacity and choice rather than reduce opportunities for boys at the college, which is a states-owned fee paying school.

"In recent years we have celebrated the school's strengths and welcomed independent reviews that highlight our ethos, academic rigour and inclusive culture," Rowles and Hughes said in the letter.

"At the same time, we cannot ignore the structural changes around us: shifting demographics, evolving parental expectations and an international trend towards co-education at secondary level to better reflect 21st Century society."

They added the school already had experience of working with female pupils through guest student schemes in sixth form lessons, joint-school working parties and other co-curricular activities.

The letter said "research and experience from UK schools" suggested co-educational sixth forms could offer students "broader perspectives and richer classroom discussion".

It added the research showed boys and girls learning together helped develop "stronger communication and interpersonal skills" and "a more representative social environment".

A decision to introduce a co-educational sixth form would be accompanied by a review of facilities including toilets, changing facilities, social and study spaces.

"Any adaptations would prioritise dignity and inclusivity," the letter added.

The college was established in 1852 with fees for the current academic year (September 2025 to July 2026) set at £2,880 per term.

Earlier this year, it said it would increase fees by 3.8% in September 2026, but this would not be enough to cover its operational costs.

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.