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RGS Sixth Form becomes co-educational from September 2025

 

The Royal Grammar School High Wycombe is proud to announce that our Sixth Form will become co-educational from September 2025. This decision firmly underscores our commitment to nurturing a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that is rooted in our core values of Respect, Integrity and Aspiration.

At the RGS, our mission is to deliver an exceptional all-round education developing minds and character. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students of all backgrounds feel valued and empowered to succeed. Through becoming coeducational, we celebrate diversity and enrich the educational experience of students with a wide variety of perspectives and talents. We are preparing our students to thrive in an interconnected world, equipping them with the skills and understanding to navigate complex challenges with empathy and resilience.

As we begin this exciting new chapter we are confident that the transition to a co-educational Sixth Form will enhance the educational journey for all members of our community. We look forward to welcoming new members of our Sixth Form family and witnessing the transformative impact of this decision.

For more information, please email: coedsixth@rgshw.com 

Application for entry in 2025 for students new to RGS

We will be coeducational from September 2025 and are delighted to welcome applications from both male and female students. Please complete the form below by Friday 6th December. 

Please direct enquiries by email to sixthform@rgshw.com

Why is the RGS going coed?

The Governing Board and School reached the decision for the Sixth Form to become coed following extensive research and much consideration. The benefits of a coed sixth form are manifold. It offers students the chance to learn from a wider range of social and cultural perspectives, fostering creativity and critical thinking. Moreover, it provides a more realistic reflection of life after school at university and in the modern workplace. We are excited to embark on this new chapter and look forward to the positive impact it will undoubtedly have on our school community.

Is the RGS going coed from Year 7-11?

No, the RGS will remain a single-sex school for students in years 7-11.

How many female students are you expecting?

It is too early to say, but we know there is demand from enquiries following the public consultation. Male and female students applying to the Sixth Form from external schools will be treated equally according to the Admissions Policy.

How will this change affect current students at RGS?

Current students will continue to receive an extremely high quality of provision both inside and outside of the classroom with no reduction in what is available to them. Entry requirements for the Sixth Form for current students are not changing. This change will enhance the experience of current students by enabling greater collaboration, the sharing of perspectives and reflecting life after compulsory education. For students in the Sixth Form from September 2025, there is the potential for female students to be in their classes (Year 12 only in the first year), form time and social spaces (Year 12 and 13). 

Will all students be able to take part in the RGS co curricular programme including sport?

Absolutely, at the Royal Grammar School, we pride ourselves on the co-curricular provision on offer and we aim for as many of our students as possible to be involved. With particular reference to Sport, we cater for all levels of experience and have an environment that provides a good balance between those who wish to take part at a more recreational level, to the most able who are striving to represent the school and beyond, right up to national selection.

Can girls board?

The current boarding house was designed as a single sex boarding environment with the majority of students sharing dorms which means we can’t currently accommodate female students in boarding.

Does this mean the RGS will be accepting fewer internal students into the Sixth Form?

All students in Year 11 will be guaranteed a place in our Sixth Form as long they meet the entry requirements which remain unchanged. For external students, places will be given in line with our admissions policy.

Will there be any changes to the curriculum?

We are proud of our broad and balanced curriculum which allows each student to develop holistically, and this will continue as a co-ed Sixth Form. As part of our planning and preparation we are conducting an audit of areas of the curriculum to ensure we continue to support the needs of all pupils, enabling them to reach their potential.

What is the Sixth Form Dress Code?

Ethos:

At the Royal Grammar School High Wycombe, our Sixth Form Dress Code reflects an equitable, adult working environment that helps students develop a sense of professionalism, responsibility, and focus on their studies. We expect all students to uphold this ethos by being well-presented at all times. Clothing should be appropriate for both formal and informal situations, clean, smart, and in good repair.

Our commitment to equity ensures that this dress code is accessible to all students, regardless of gender expression, identity, or personal background. If any student or family experiences difficulty with the dress code—whether due to cost, religion, race, gender identity, or disability—they are encouraged to confidentially contact a member of the Sixth Form Team for support.

This dress code applies both to and from school, as well as during school trips, unless otherwise specified.

Requirements:

  • Formal business attire, including:
    • A black, blue, or grey business suit comprising a matching jacket with either trousers, a sleeved dress, or a professional-length skirt.
    • A shirt and school tie, or a collared blouse.
    • Formal black or brown, low-heeled shoes.
    • Plain black, grey, or navy socks, or plain black, grey, navy, or flesh-coloured tights.

Optional:

  • A black, blue, or grey V-neck jumper.
  • A dark plain leather belt.

Non-uniform days:

  • Informal wear that is practical and appropriate for the workplace.

Sport kit:

  • When representing the school, please wear the official kit as instructed by the Sports team.
  • For recreational games, wear an appropriate T-shirt with either a skort, shorts, or jogging bottoms, and trainers.

Hair:

  • Hair must be within the natural range of colours and its style and length should be appropriate for a professional environment. Where necessary (e.g. in laboratories) hair must be tied back or worn up.

Makeup and Jewellery:

  • Nail varnish should be pale and makeup should be discrete and suitable for a professional environment.
  • All jewellery should be discreet and understated.
  • Tattoos must not be visible.

Headscarves:

  • These should be in plain fabric and in navy blue, black or grey. The face must be entirely visible at all times.

Can all students take part in CCF?

Yes, if they have taken part in an external CCF, they can join with the current students. If they have not, there will be the opportunity to take part in an accelerated induction.

Does the admissions criteria change as a result of this change?

The 2025 Admissions Policy for Entry in September 2025 is on the website.  The only difference to previous years is the additional wording - (both boys and girls) - see below:

7.1 Sixth Form Entry Criteria
Applications from external students (both boys and girls) should be made direct to the school using the application form for Sixth Form Admission, available on the school’s website.

Will there be student leadership opportunities for all students?

Yes! All students will be able to fully participate in leadership opportunities at the RGS.

What preparation has the school made for the transition to a Coed Sixth Form?

In preparation for a fully coeducational Sixth Form, we’ve been working hard to ensure this transition is smooth and successful. We’re updating facilities, including new toilets, changing rooms, and a purpose built netball court, to ensure that our site is fully equipped for all students. Equally important has been our pastoral preparation. We have a staff training programme which is underway, and we’ve engaged our current students in PSHE lessons and assemblies, including initiatives like the long-running Positive Masculinity group which we have run in partnership with other girls schools over recent years. Our aim is to foster an environment of respect, equity, and inclusivity, ensuring all students feel valued as we embark on this new chapter.

Does RGS have any experience of Coeducation?

As we prepare to welcome our first cohort of female students next year, I’ve discovered that this is not RGS' first experience with coeducation. While exploring the Library last year, I noticed on our university awards board that Helena Ellis studied her A Levels here and gained a university place in 1960. In more recent years, we have collaborated with girls from other schools in areas like school productions, where they have performed alongside our students, and some have studied with us in subjects not offered at their schools. We also work closely with Wycombe Abbey School, attending their Academic Forum, Management Conference, and conducting reciprocal university preparation interviews.