Following Wichester College’s move to admit female boarders from September 2026, Tonbridge School has recently announced that they will introduce a co-educational Sixth Form from September 2028 – their 475th anniversary year – as part of long-term plans for the future of the School. From September 2028, girls will join initially as day pupils, with boarding provision available from September 2030.
Tonbridge’s Sixth Form is recognised as a ‘significant strength’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, reflecting the quality of its curriculum, the breadth of academic enrichment and strong pupil outcomes. The introduction of a co-educational Sixth Form will build on this strength at a pivotal stage of pupils’ development, creating a broader and more dynamic learning environment that reflects life beyond school and supports pupils as they mature academically and socially.
At the rate that boys’ independent schools are going co-educational, the big question to ask is who might be next? I have a feeling it might be Harrow, which has a lot to gain from going co-educational and an already very strong brand name globally. For Eton College, it might be more of a risk (and similar to Winchester College, many parents of current boys might not like the idea), but it is hard to see how they will escape the eventual path all the single sex schools will go. If I had to bet, I would say Harrow will introduce at least a co-educational Sixth Form within the next 5 years and Eton College in less than 10 years. You heard it here first!
Further details will be shared over the coming months, with additional announcements expected in the autumn as part of the wider masterplan for Tonbridge School.