Girls at Worth

PRESS INFORMATION

5 January 2007

Girls to join Worth School

Worth School is pleased to announce that it will be admitting girls in a phased plan from September 2008. Girls will join the School as boarders and day students in the Sixth Form in 2008, and from 2010 girls will also be able to join the School at ages 11, 12 and 13 (Years 7, 8 and 9). Over the coming years, Worth will expand in size, so that the right co-educational ratio can be created without a marked reduction in the number of boys, while still remaining a relatively small sized school.

The decision to become co-educational follows a lengthy study and consultation. This included detailed market research and consulting parents, staff and boys. The process has been very thorough and has now led to a unanimous decision by the Board to admit girls. This decision has been fully endorsed by the Monastic Community. “We want girls as well as boys to benefit from the distinctive education and the unique atmosphere of Worth” commented Peter Armstrong, Headmaster.

The School will now start turning the outline plans into reality. In view of the immediate need for continuity and stability in carrying forward these plans, Mr Peter Armstrong has offered to step down as Headmaster as from 31st March 2007. This will enable him to prepare to take up his new post as Principal of Aiglon College in Switzerland in September. Mr Gino Carminati, Headmaster designate, will come to Worth as Head from 1st April. He will lead the co-education implementation process and establish continuity within the School, as the whole community moves forward. Currently he is the Head of a successful co-educational boarding and day school, so he will bring great experience and stability to the School during the change process.

To achieve the School’s co-educational aims, Worth will be investing in new facilities and staff. The School’s extensive range of subjects, sports and activities will be expanded and the outstanding music and drama departments will be further enhanced by the inclusion of girls. A larger Sixth Form will also enable the School to offer a greater variety of subject options at A-Level, as well as expanding its provision within the International Baccalaureate.

“We want to develop Worth’s special qualities and are sure that the new admissions policy will enrich the School’s whole development. Worth faces the future with great confidence” said Abbot Christopher Jamison.

Worth is an independent boarding and day school for boys aged 11-18. Two thirds of the 440 students board.

The Benedictine ethos of community living and lifetime learning form the basis of education at Worth which offers a blend between traditional values and modern technology.

For further information about Worth, contact Zoë Taylor, Marketing Manager, Worth School, Turners Hill, West Sussex RH10 4SD. Telephone: 01342 710374 Fax: 01342 710201, e-mail: ztaylor@worth.org.uk www.worthschool.co.uk.

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