Newington College in Sydney has announced significant changes as it prepares to welcome girls into its community. The 162-year-old all-boys private school will begin enrolling girls in kindergarten and Year 5 starting in 2024. This decision follows extensive research and visits to esteemed British schools that have successfully transitioned to co-education.
Headmaster Michael Parker visited schools such as Winchester College and Rugby School, both of which made the shift to co-education after centuries of tradition. “The feeling was if schools like Winchester and Rugby School could do it, then so can Newington,” Parker stated. The change aims to create a more inclusive environment, and Parker believes that the successful adaptations of these schools inspire confidence in Newington’s plans.
In addition to his overseas visits, Parker consulted with Barker College, which transitioned to co-education three years ago. Despite the positive outlook, Newington College’s decision to admit girls has sparked controversy among some parents and alumni. Protests have occurred, and legal challenges were launched, claiming insufficient consultation regarding the transition.
A NSW Supreme Court ruling favored the college, but opponents have filed an appeal, with the case set for hearing on October 14, 2023. The group behind the appeal, known as Save Newington, argues that parents were misled about the school’s single-sex commitment when enrolling their children.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Newington remains optimistic about its co-educational future. The school, which charges approximately $45,000 per year, anticipates strong enrolments, having already exceeded targets for Year 5 in 2026. Plans are in place to include girls in Years 7 and 11 by 2028, with a full transition to co-education expected by 2033.
The school recently introduced a new girls’ uniform, featuring a grey pinafore and striped shirt, to prepare for the upcoming enrolments. Parents Suzanne and Matt Gruber have chosen to enroll their daughter, Autumn, who will begin kindergarten next year. The couple expressed their desire for a co-educational environment for their children, citing the convenience of having both siblings at the same school.
Parker reported that the college has “well exceeded” projected enrolments, although between 50 and 60 students withdrew following the announcement. To facilitate the transition, Newington has appointed Brigid Taylor, the former principal of Marist Catholic College North Shore, as the director of co-education. Additionally, faculty members have undergone gender bias training to ensure a smooth integration.
The school intends to maintain its participation in the Athletic Association of the Great Public Schools (GPS) for boys’ sports while joining the Independent Sporting Association (ISA) for girls. This will allow Newington to offer a range of sports programs, including girls’ soccer, netball, touch football, and basketball.
While demographic trends played a role in the decision to become co-educational, the school emphasizes that it was not the primary factor. The administration considered various elements, including socio-economic factors and changes in government funding for independent schools, before finalizing the decision.
Newington College has also filed a master plan application for $110 million in building upgrades to accommodate the transition. These improvements will include new sports courts and dance studios, further enhancing the school’s facilities for both current and future students.
As Newington College embarks on this new chapter, the community will be closely watching how the transition unfolds and the impact it will have on the school’s culture and values.
