Co-Education 4-18
St Columba’s College has moved to become a co-educational school from 4-18 , welcoming girls for the first time, in 2021.
The decision to do so was one born out of a philosophy that the College is a family and so the ability to provide its unique education to both boys and girls was the most appropriate way to embrace that principle.
The transition will take time but even as you read this the number of girls beginning to provide the balance within the College is growing.
In January 2021, we were delighted to welcome girls into Reception, and in September 2021 girls were welcomed into each year group in the Lower Prep ( Reception, Year 1 and Year 2), and the Lower Sixth Form.
Since September 2022, girls were welcomed into Prep 3/Year 3, and Form 1/Year 7. The numbers entering Form 1 in September 2023 have grown and we see this as being the case year on year as the College becomes more readily recognised as coeducational. This phased transition will continue to take shape in the future. This year sees the first cohort of female student graduate from the College, some twenty in number and their own testimonies regarding their wonderful experience of only two years in the College is heartening. The current Lower 6th ( moving to Upper) is also healthy in number with twenty. This means that the Sixth form is blossoming in regards the coed transition. Numbers for September 2023 suggest a similar pattern of enrolment.
The Columban values of courage, courtesy and compassion permeate all that we do. As a result, our young people are academically successful, intellectually curious, happy and empathetic.
The world needs leaders with these qualities, who can connect with people and respond wisely to the many complex challenges we face in an ever-changing society. That is ultimately our goal for all our students whether male or female.
