Alleyn’s Marks 50 Years of Co-Education

September 5th 2025

This year we are proud to celebrate a defining milestone in our history: the 50th anniversary of Alleyn’s becoming a co-educational school. In the same year, we are delighted to have been shortlisted for Co-ed Independent School of the Year at the Independent Schools of the Year 2025, recognition of our longstanding expertise and leadership in co-education.

Our journey began in September 1975, when the first girls joined the Lower Sixth (Year 12), opening a bold new chapter. Just a year later, in September 1976, we welcomed our first mixed intake into the First Year (Year 7). That same year, the Secretary of State for Education announced the abolition of Direct Grant Status from August 1976, prompting our transformation into the independent, co-educational day school we remain today.

At a time when many schools across the country continued to favour single-sex education, Alleyn’s made the forward-looking choice to embrace co-education. That decision was progressive in its day and has since proved far-sighted, as increasing numbers of leading independent schools across the UK prepare to follow the same path in the decade ahead.

According to the Independent Schools Council, only 17 percent of independent schools in the UK are now single sex, with the overwhelming majority (83 percent) fully co-educational. This shift reflects the growing recognition that all-gender learning mirrors contemporary society, enhances social development, and better prepares young people for life beyond school.

Our results also speak for themselves: in 2025, 81 percent of A level students achieved an A* or A grade, with 41 percent of exams awarded the top A* grade. These outcomes highlight not only academic strength, but also the power of a co-educational environment that enables every pupil to thrive.

As one of the first girls at Alleyn’s, Rowena Ceccaroni (Dutton’s 1982) later reflected:

“In education, we are united by a common purpose, though each of us travels a different, yet parallel, journey. Recognising our own strengths, and those of others, is an essential part of growing up. At Alleyn’s, students who excelled in sport, drama, and music were admired just as much as those who shone academically. Everyone was encouraged to explore their individual talents while supporting others in overcoming their weaknesses.”

Our Head, Jane Lunnon, adds:

“We remain committed to making this school a space where everyone has opportunity and a voice. I am proud of the way our pupils respect each other, work together and enjoy each other’s company. That commitment to co-education prepares them for life beyond school, cultivating respect, equality and understanding. This year’s commemorations therefore are both a look back and a step forward: a celebration of our past 50 years, and a reaffirmation of the joy that comes with educating all young people and our belief that boys and girls learn best when they learn together.”

As part of our anniversary year, we will publish a special edition of Alleyn’s On magazine this winter, featuring thought leaders in co-education. Alongside this, we are launching a social media campaign to capture personal reflections, memories and insights from our community on how co-education has shaped their lives and benefited our pupils. We invite you to join the celebration, share your story, and look ahead with us to the future of co-education at Alleyn’s.

The anniversary celebrations will culminate at Founders Day 2026, which will carry a vibrant 1970s theme in tribute to the decade that saw our transformation into a fully co-educational school. Guests will be warmly invited to embrace the spirit of the era by dressing in their best 1970s style. Alongside the traditions of Founders Day, this themed celebration will offer opportunities for the whole community to come together, reflect on our history, and enjoy a lively nod to one of the most defining chapters in the school’s story.

Follow the journey: #50YearsAhead

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