Girls will join boys in all Shrewsbury School classes

Plans to admit girls into all classes at Shrewsbury School in two years will come under the spotlight at a meeting for parents later this month. The school is planning to go fully co-educational from 2014.

Girls were introduced to its sixth form classes three years ago.

By 2020 about 35 per cent of the pupils at the school are expected to be girls.

Parents of prospective pupils who are interested in their children joining the school from September this year up until 2016 will have the opportunity to discuss the proposals at an event which will be held at the school on January 19.

Headmaster Mark Turner will give a talk which will be followed by a question and answer session.

Mr Turner said the introduction of a co-educational sixth form at Shrewsbury School three years ago had been a success.

"We firmly believe that a co-educational environment is the best preparation for the challenges which students will face throughout their careers," he said. "Girls have enhanced every part of the school and we look forward to talking to prospective parents at this information evening about our vision."

The event will include a visit to Emma Darwin Hall, currently one of two sixth form girls' houses at the school.

The new £5 million hall was opened last year by Ruth Padel, a direct descendent of Shrewsbury School's most famous former pupil, Charles Darwin.

Ms Padel, who is also a renowned poet and academic, launched the new girls' house in September. It has been named after her great great-grandmother Emma Darwin, who was the wife of Charles.

Shrewsbury School's planned move to full co-education was announced earlier this year as part of a development plan that includes a multi-million pound investment in refurbishing and creating new facilities.

Any prospective parents interested in attending the information evening are asked to contact Nikki Bevan on (01743) 280521 or e-mail nbevan@shrewsbury.org.uk