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- 3rd Sep 2025
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From single-sex to co-education: Dame Allan’s Schools exciting move for 2026
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Change is coming to one of Newcastle’s leading independent schools – Dame Allan’s Schools.
From September 2026, Dame Allan’s will extend co-education throughout the entire school, with boys and girls learning together in the Senior School for the first time. The only exception is Year 11, who will remain single sex as they work towards their GCSE exams.
It’s a bold move for a school with almost 300 years of history, but one that feels very much of its time. Already co-educational in its Junior School and Sixth Form, Dame Allan’s believes now is the right moment to take the next step forward.
“We’ve always been a school that balances tradition with innovation. The diamond structure has served us well for 40 years, but education is changing, society is changing and our pupils’ needs are changing. This is about creating a model that best reflects the world they are growing up in.”
says Will Scott, Principal of Dame Allan’s.
WHY MAKE THE CHANGE NOW?
For those unfamiliar, Dame Allan’s distinctive Diamond Structure has meant single-sex teaching in the Senior School, with boys and girls only coming back together in Sixth Form. While this approach has had its strengths, staff say the time is right to evolve.
“Our Junior School and Sixth Form are already thriving in mixed classrooms,” explains Mrs Jo Downie (left), Director of Pupil Wellbeing and current Head of Dame Allan’s Girls’ School. “Extending co-education throughout Senior School gives pupils a sense of continuity throughout the schools.”
It’s also about future-proofing. Independent schools across the country are navigating challenging times and those that adapt are the ones that will continue to flourish. “We know families are looking for inclusive, forward-thinking schools,” adds Will Scott. “Co-education helps us reflect modern society while ensuring Dame Allan’s remains strong for generations to come.”
PUTTING WELLBEING FIRST
Of course, change can sometimes feel daunting – for parents as much as pupils. At Dame Allan’s, staff are keen to reassure families that the transition will be supported every step of the way.
“Our pastoral care is something we’re incredibly proud of,” says Mrs Downie. “Every child here is known as an individual. That won’t change – in fact, it will be even more important as we move forward.”
That care is delivered in many different ways, from the dedicated wellbeing spaces (The Snug in Seniors and The Cosy Snug in Juniors) to simple touches like ‘Who Can I Talk To?’ posters in classrooms, making it clear to pupils where they can find support. The Schools also have dedicated counsellors, a robust peer mentor programme led by Sixth Form Officers, regular wellbeing check-ins via digital platform Govox, and access to Whisper, a platform which allows pupils to ask for help and support anonymously. The school’s therapy dog, Heidi, is also a familiar friendly face.
WHAT ABOUT THE CLASSROOM?
Lessons won’t change at this point. Pupils will still receive the same high-quality, personalised teaching that Dame Allan’s prides itself on.
“At this stage, the way we teach won’t change. Our teachers are already experienced at working with boys and girls – the focus has always been on individuals. What will change is the opportunity for pupils to collaborate more, learn from one another’s perspectives and prepare for life beyond school in a natural way.”
explains Will Scott.
Research consistently shows that outcomes depend less on whether a school is single-sex or co-ed and more on the quality of teaching and support. “And those are exactly the areas where Dame Allan’s excels,” Will Scott adds.
A GRADUAL, THOUGHTFUL TRANSITION
The full change to co-education will come in September 2026, but pupils will start seeing gentle changes as early as this September.
“We’re introducing small but meaningful shifts,” says Mrs Downie. “Form rooms will be organised by year group instead of gender, clubs and trips will be mixed, and even something as simple as the way pupils queue for lunch will encourage more interaction. It’s about building confidence and friendships gradually, so the transition feels natural when it comes.”
Importantly, pupils are being asked for their views along the way. The School Council has already suggested ideas to help boys and girls spend more time together, and their feedback will continue to shape the process.
“It’s change we’re building together, with our pupils very much at the centre.”
says Will Scott.
WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW
For families considering Dame Allan’s, the message is clear: this is a school that continues to put pupils’ needs first, while evolving with confidence to reflect the modern world.
“Parents often ask us what this means for their child,” says Mrs Downie. “The answer is that they’ll still be known, supported and encouraged as an individual – but with the added benefit of a school structure that better mirrors the society they’ll live, study and work in.”
And for those who want to see it all first-hand? Dame Allan’s is holding Open Mornings this September – a chance to explore the school, meet staff and pupils, and see the warmth of the community in action.
Junior School Open Morning: Saturday 20th September 2025
Senior School and Sixth Form Open Morning: Saturday 27th September 2025
To find out more, families can call the Admissions Team on 0191 275 0608 or visit Dame Allan’s website.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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