Co-Educational boarding schools are the most popular in the UK, with the majority of schools providing a co-educational programme of studies and extra-curricular activities. In co-educational schools, boys and girls study together in mixed classes and socialise together outside of lessons.
As well as providing a good education, co-ed boarding schools also offer excellent extra-curricular activities, including sports, drama and music. Many schools have specialist facilities, so it is worth finding one that caters to your child’s needs. Boarding schools also run various after-school clubs, which cater to student’s interests, including subjects as diverse as photography, chess and archery.
Accommodation
Although boys and girls study together, they usually live in separate boarding houses. Some boarding schools do have co-educational boarding houses, but boys and girls are on different floors and use separate bathrooms. Boys and girls will have access to a dining room and a common room, where they will spend the majority of their down time.
The standard of accommodation is very high and schools often offer different room options, including singles, doubles or en suites.
Advantages of Co-Educational Schools
Life is co-educational, and since schools aim to prepare students for life, it makes sense to educate children in a co-educational environment. Co-educational schooling demystifies the opposite sex and helps children to build relationships and confidence from an early age.
Co-educational schools provide a mutually supportive environment for both boys and girls to live and work together, and learn from each other. Co-educational schools are equipped to deal with different learning styles and have the ability to tailor their teaching styles accordingly.
Co-educational schools are an excellent opportunity for students to learn from each other’s different approaches and viewpoints. This can help to foster healthy debate amongst pupils, and help students to understand opposing points of view.
Ultimately, you need to choose the right environment for your child and should focus on your child’s needs when choosing a school.