March 9th 2025
This week, we welcomed parents to our second Parent Forum as part of our transition to a co-educational prep school. We greatly appreciate parents giving up their time to attend and for their valuable contributions to the discussion.
One of the key areas we covered was school uniform and sports kit. A dedicated committee is currently exploring various options to ensure that all pupils feel comfortable and included, and a price comparison project has been undertaken to ensure any choices which are pursued are cost sensitive. Prep pupils have already shared insightful feedback, particularly around the importance of choice.
Facilities were another focus, with plans outlined for alterations to toilets, changing rooms, and the medical room to ensure they are well-equipped for a co-educational environment. We also discussed potential developments, including covering the swimming pool and installing a new astro pitch, both of which would be fantastic additions to our sporting provision. While all these elements are currently being explored in detail, it was emphasised that priorities, funding and phasing are yet to be decided as they cannot all be progressed simultaneously.
We are reviewing the curriculum, looking at topics and resources to ensure they remain engaging and appealing to all pupils, whether boys or girls, for example the range of books available in the Library. Pastoral care remains a priority, and staff will receive additional training to support pupils through this transition. Feedback from staff and pupils has been incredibly valuable, and we are pleased to confirm that the vast majority of our staff already have experience teaching in co-educational settings.
As we continue to develop our Games curriculum, we are excited to share the provision for boys and girls entering Year 3. The boys' major sports will remain unchanged, with Rugby, Football, and Cricket as the main focus in Years 3 and 4. For the girls, the programme will include Hockey, Netball, Football and Cricket, ensuring a well-rounded sporting experience. With these sports - alongside Rugby - already introduced in Years 1 and 2, pupils will have received 76 contact hours of major sports before entering Year 3. We have been in discussion with numerous schools to establish a strong fixture card, aiming to provide competitive and enriching opportunities against both co-educational and single-sex schools. This ensures all pupils receive the best possible sporting education as they progress through the school.
The session provided an opportunity for parents to ask any questions, which included wide ranging topics from the ratio of pupils to toilets, relationship building with all girls’ schools, and what the school is doing to promote co-education and to attract girls to Moulsford. As we continue planning for this exciting transition, we will keep parents updated. Thank you once again for your engagement and support as we shape the future of Moulsford together.
