September 2022
Since the Mall Nursery opened in 2022, we have operated a well-subscribed, highly successful co-ed nursery for children aged 6 month to 4 years.
By opening the school to girls, children can move up from nursery (all pre-schoolers are automatically offered a place at the school 18 months prior to their September start date) or join us in Reception.
September 2023
We welcomed our first girls into Reception in September 2023 and the move to co-education will be completed across all year groups by September 2028.
The new class started their journey together with a healthy mix of girls and boys. The curriculum has been well-adjusted for both, and our staff have embraced an exciting new co-ed way of thinking within the school. The first mixed class enjoyed learning in a re-fitted classroom incorporating dedicated outdoor garden and lots of space for learning through play.
The uniform was updated for the girls, with beautiful summer dresses and a smart, inclusive approach which enabled them to wear either trousers or skirts and pinafores from Reception onwards.
September 2024
With enquiries for girls’ places coming in thick and fast, we accelerated our intake to include girls up to Year 2. This was a year ahead than we’d originally anticipated and reflected the growing interest from local families who were keen for their daughters to join The Mall.
Unifying the children through their appearances, girls wear ties in Year 2 to help keep unity with the boys and look smart.
Our swimming pool has always had changing rooms for both girls and boys. The Mall has exclusive use of Sunbury Cricket Club for football, rugby and cricket and the new headmaster met with our sports ground committee to discuss the creation of brand new changing facilities for both genders. Work gets underway.
New Headmaster – September 2024
With many years of co-ed experience both locally and in central London, Mr Gosden joins the school as the new Headmaster. During his first few months in post, he visited local girls’ and co-ed secondary schools including LEH, St George’s College, Sir William Perkins, Surbiton High School and St Catherine’s, to meet heads and introduce them to our new co-ed school.
Senior staff and teachers continue to nurture relationships with local secondary schools, ensuring they are familiar with the schools’ curricula and entry requirements for 11+ well in advance of our girls sitting exams.
January 2025
New free clubs are added to the school’s extensive co-curricular programme to give girls and boys new opportunities in gymnastics, dance and Lego, amongst many others. More than half of the clubs are offered for free and most are over-subscribed from the outset.
March 2025
Inspectors gave the school very positive feedback in all areas and mentioned our journey to co-ed in the report:
“Leaders reflect deeply on school performance. They implement detailed development plans, for example relating to how they can ensure that both male and female pupils have successful educational and pastoral experiences at the school.”
September 2025
For the first time we welcomed girls to Year 4. Alongside their learning in the classroom, the girls took part in mixed fixtures and swimming galas, and played sports with their classmates at Sunbury Cricket Club.
Closer to home in our playground, the girls have been taught netball with our specialist sports staff and are well prepared for fixtures and workshops with other schools.
The school extensively re-jigged its inclusive curriculum to assess and develop the impact of girls in the school for both sexes, ensuring an equal voice is heard. Our Headmaster introduced essential ‘Meet the Head’ coffee mornings to hear parents’ views, whilst regular school council meetings allowed pupils to share their thoughts and ideas with the Senior Leadership Team.
Next Steps
We look forward to warmly welcoming girls to the school in any year group. If you have a daughter who’d been interested in a fresh start at The Mall, why not attend one of our open mornings or book a personal tour with Mr Gosden?
Contact the Admissions team to organise a visit.
