Two leading independent schools have made history by announcing both boys and girls will learn together as one on the same campus.
Despite being based on the same 100 acre site in Elstree for more than 40 years, Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls and The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School have worked separately.
But this announcement to provide single sex education in a co-educational 'single campus' is part of an ambitious ten year redevelopment plan which will see the schools united under one shared vision for the first time in their history.
Under the joint strategy, both schools will continue to deliver single sex education, while benefitting from an expansive co-educational setting.
Following an extensive review, the governing bodies of both schools have confirmed they are committed to the future plans and, as a result, a series of cross-school working parties are now underway to determine how these aims can be best implemented throughout the 10-year period.
Habs' Boys' School
Rose Hardy, headmistress at Habs Girls, founded in 1875, has been keen to forge closer links with the Boys’ School, founded in 1690, since she became head in September 2019.
She said: "Our schools already share many things, from an expansive campus on the outskirts of north London to a reputation for educational excellence.
"Our guiding principles are the same and working together as a team, we all stand to gain so much more.
"I’m excited about the next decade as we move forward with a robust strategy that combines tradition with optimism. "Working more closely together will also enhance our aspirations to support and celebrate every child, nurture cultural diversity and broaden global perspectives, so that we may prepare all of our students for the modern world."
Habs' Boys' School
Gus Lock, headmaster at Habs Boys, added: "I believe that our shared strategy will best serve all members of the Habs community and, most importantly, help us to prepare our students for future success.
"Something the team at Habs is passionate about is the legacy and the intentions of our founder, Robert Aske, who believed wholeheartedly in serving our local community and supporting all talented children, regardless of financial status.
"We are proud to be working on a number of bursary-led campaigns and future initiatives to uphold this legacy."
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