Following a public consultation, West Sussex County Council has taken the decision to change Millais School in Horsham from a single-sex school for girls to a school for both girls and boys, in a move that will help secure the future of secondary education in Horsham.
The 2024 consultation received more than 2,000 responses with the majority supporting the proposal.
The move to co-educational aims to address the issue of falling pupil numbers at the school and help relieve some of the pressure for additional secondary school places across Horsham.
The school has not filled its published admissions number of 300 for the last three years, which has had an impact on budgets and resources.
The first intake of Year 7 girls and boys at the school is due in September 2026.
Existing year groups of girls will continue to receive their education at the school until they leave at the age of 16.
Councillor Jacquie Russell, West Sussex County Council Cabinet member for Children, Young People and Education, said:
“Changing the status of Millais school to co-educational is an exciting opportunity to build on the school’s excellent foundations over many years.
"Millais provides a high standard of education to girls, and by accepting boys in the admission as well, we can help ensure that even more children and young people have the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
"The demand for places at Millais has been declining at a time when there is also a shortfall of secondary school places for boys in the wider Horsham district.
"By changing the school’s status to co-educational, we are taking a proactive approach towards addressing challenges around student numbers in the area, increasing the number of available places for boys and helping support the school’s longer-term sustainability.
“We have worked closely with the school throughout this process and I would like to thank staff for their ongoing efforts. Together, we will ensure the move to co-educational lessons is as seamless as possible.
“Before making this decision, we undertook extensive public consultation, and I would like to thank all who took part.
"The majority of respondents indicated their support for the proposals, but we have taken onboard all responses, including any concerns raised, and will refer to the consultation feedback as we move forward.”
The decision is subject to the council’s seven-day call-in period.
Details are available to read on the council's website.
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