Trinity’s co-educational future
Vision for co-education
“We want to provide for younger girls what we currently offer to boys: a nurturing, academically ambitious environment with first-rate co-curricular opportunities. Diversity has always been a strength of our community, and extending co-education will better prepare all our students for life beyond school. This is not about changing what Trinity stands for – it’s about creating richer opportunities, socially, academically and in co-curricular life, by embracing diversity and ensuring every student feels known, valued and able to fulfil their potential.”
Alasdair Kennedy, Headmaster
We announced in April 2025 that we are embarking on an exciting journey: by September 2031, Trinity will be fully co-educational, welcoming girls into Year 6 and 7 from 2027. This move builds on the success of our co-ed Sixth Form (est. 2011) and will enrich the Trinity community for everyone.
Boys joining us in 2026 will enjoy the same high-quality academic and co-curricular opportunities Trinity is known for. The transition to co-education will be carefully phased, so their experience remains consistent, with the added benefits of a more diverse community from 2027.
Road to full co-education
At the start of 2027, half of Trinity’s year groups will already be co-educational.
Preparing staff and students
Our teaching, curriculum and co-curricular offer already serve younger boys well and will provide a first-rate experience for younger girls too. From 2027, there will be cultural and pastoral adjustments, but we are building on strong foundations.
Most staff have worked in co-educational settings, and we are proud of our near 50:50 balance of male and female teaching staff. Many students also come from co-ed prep and primary schools, and our Sixth Form girls already mentor younger boys and share co-curricular life; we also partner with a local co-ed school for CCF.
Through our Personal Development programme, we address important social issues such as discrimination and misogyny. Student councils and form time provide safe spaces for discussion, and these forums will remain central as we prepare for the arrival of younger girls. Alongside this, new yeargroup social areas will ensure everyone feels comfortable during break and lunch.
Inclusive culture
The Independent Schools Inspectorate recently praised our “inclusive and collaborative culture”. We believe strong relationships between staff and students, and attention to individuals, are at the heart of helping every child thrive.
We have reintroduced our historic House System to strengthen community spirit, encourage friendly competition, and create opportunities for students across age-groups. This honours tradition while preparing us for expansion, reinforcing the sense of belonging that is at the heart of Trinity.
We are proud of our dynamic co-curricular programme, with over 250 clubs each week. It is naturally inclusive, and built around
interest rather than age or background and remains one of the main ways students integrate into school life. From singing and ceramics to sport and cooking, there are opportunities for everyone.
Our award-winning Mentoring Programme connects Sixth Form with younger students, currently with over 500 weekly interactions. It is now being expanded, with input from Sixth Form girls, boys and external experts, to support the arrival of younger girls.
Joining Trinity in 2027
All students entering Year 6 and 7 in 2027 will benefit from carefully planned support to help them feel settled and confident. With guidance from tutors and pastoral staff experienced in supporting students through the transition to secondary school – and with the additional insight of Sixth Form mentors – they will be warmly welcomed and quickly become part of the Trinity community.
A central part of our ethos is that every student ‘joins in’. Our new girls will access the breadth of our co-curricular programme and facilities, enjoying – and enriching – our music, drama, clubs and outdoor activities.
Sport for younger girls will be a new and exciting focus. We aim to replicate the success of boys’ sport – high quality coaching, full participation, competitive fixtures for different abilities, excellence at national level and first-rate facilities. A new Assistant Director of Sport will be appointed in 2026 to lead girls’ provision and establish competitive fixtures across hockey, netball, football, swimming, water polo and cricket. We look forward to celebrating as our younger girls make Trinity history in sport. They will also access racquet sports, basketball, sailing, golf, climbing, strength and conditioning, and our Sports Scholars programme.
School building and facilities
This year, we are celebrating 60 years at our 27-acre Shirley Park site. The original architects built the school to support ambitious future growth.
With support from the John Whitgift Foundation, significant investment will expand and enhance facilities for all students. Trinity will grow to around 1,400 studentslarge enough to offer exceptional breadth of opportunity, small enough that every student is known.
Completed Summer 2025
• Elite-level astro
• Mirrored studio for sport and drama
• New toilet and changing facilities for boys and girls
Spring-Summer 2026
• Extended student restaurant (also a performance and lecture space for 400)
• Renovated netball courts
Spring 2027–Summer 2028
• New Sixth Form Centre, with more social and study space
• New classrooms
• New fitness suite
• Re-landscaped front of school with additional green space.
Next steps and staying updated
Visit our dedicated coeducation webpage for updates and FAQs: trinity-school.org/ co-education/ Please scan the QR code to visit
Applications for girls entering Year 6 and Year 7 in September 2027 open June 2026. Families are invited to join weekly tours and events from Spring 2026 and can register interest via OpenApply.
For queries, please contact Rhion Leadbitter, Head of Admissions: admissions@trinity.croydon.sch.uk