Westonbirt School is to accelerate its transition to co-education.

Traditionally a single sex environment, last year the school admitted boys into Year 7 for the first time in their 90-year history.

Initial plans were to admit boys into Year 9 in 2020 and Year 12 in 2021 if there was sufficient demand. However, boys will now enter both year groups in September.

A record number of Year 7 students are hoping to gain a place at the independent school this year.

Headteacher Natasha Dangerfield said: "Opening the senior school to boys was a natural progression for our successful co-educational prep school and we knew there was a strong demand for senior places.

"The significantly increased number of students applying for Year 7 entry and scholarships at Westonbirt demonstrates the level of interest.

"We are also delighted to find a wide variety of families enquiring about our provision.

"The abundance of outdoor space for sports at Westonbirt and our strong extra-curricular programme, well supports a holistic approach to education which benefits all students, regardless of gender and ability.

"For every one of our students, it is the passion and commitment from staff that fuels teaching and ensures the learning environment is rich and filled with an expectation that each child will fulfil their potential and beyond.”