School to accept girls for first time in 500-year history

One of the UK's most prestigious independent schools will accept girls into its main student body for the first time in its near five-and-a-half-century history from next year.

Magdalen College School (MCS) in Oxford said it would be welcoming girls into years three and four from 2027, and then into year seven in 2030.

The school was founded in 1480 and was this year included in the Sunday Times' Top 20 Independent Schools list.

Its move to co-educational comes 15 years after the school's sixth form first began accepting girls.

Bob Price, chair of governors, said he was "delighted" that it would be "welcoming both boys and girls to enjoy the stimulation and excitement of life" at MCS.

"By opening the school to all young people who can flourish at MCS, we are honouring our legacy and enriching our community for generations to come," he added.

Among the previous students at the historic school are Tudor statesmen Cardinal Thomas Wolsey and Sir Thomas More - who was executed on the orders of Henry VIII and is now recognised as the patron saint of politicians.

More recent alumni include Oscar-winning film director Sir Sam Mendes and Wicked star Jonathan Bailey.

The school's current master, Helen Pike, said it was an "exciting time for everyone at MCS".

"We are proud to offer a happy and inclusive learning environment shaped by inspiring teachers and enriching opportunities; one in which the brightest children can learn and flourish together," she added.

Its move to co-ed will be subject to a Material Change process through the Department for Education.

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