Dear Old Cothillians,

On behalf of Cothill and the Prep Schools Trust I are writing to share the news that Cothill will begin the move to co-education from September 2025.

In our ongoing efforts to deliver an outstanding education for our pupils and to ensure a flourishing future for the school, the Prep Schools Trust has for some time been investigating various options to help the school achieve its long-term strategic plans.

We have carefully followed the evolution of the prep school market both locally and nationally, as many parents seek broader educational options for their children. Busy prospective parents are increasingly looking for a family-focused school that will welcome their sons and daughters and that will provide the same opportunities for both within a co-educational environment.

George May arrived with a mandate to grow Cothill and build on the school’s existing strengths. Aware of a changing local and national market, George, the school and Trust looked at all possible options for the future, including no change at all. After  considerable analysis and reflection it was unanimously agreed that a move to co-education will not only benefit pupils of both sexes, but also help to grow the school and deliver the highest standards of education for generations to come.

From September 2025, all our pupils will access the academic, social and developmental benefits of a co-educational environment. The complementary skills and ways of thinking that both genders bring will add a new dynamic to our classrooms, while our co-curricular offering will be enhanced by the presence of both girls and boys.

The school’s much-loved ethos, values and educational aims, developed over the past 150 years, will remain unchanged. We will continue to ensure each child is individually known, appreciated and valued. Our current parents tell us they set great store by the family-friendly feel of Cothill and its strong sense of community, and we believe that will be further enhanced by the move to co-education.

As a much-valued member of the school’s community we are happy to answer any questions you may have and we look forward to welcoming you back over the next few years to see the progress being made.

George May