Wednesday 29th August 2007 saw the start of a new school year at the Academy and a new era with girls joining the Junior School for the first time. The Academy was founded in 1824 to provide education for boys; in October 2006 the Directors announced that the school would become fully co-educational by August 2008. Seven young trailblazers started in P1 in 2007, joining 14 other girls who were new in years P2 to P6. This was in addition to the 14 girls enrolled in our nursery, which was already co-educational.

A flurry of activity had preceded their arrival, ranging from the mundane such as making sure all the necessary toilet facilities were in place, to events to ensure that the girls settled into Academy routine very quickly. No-one need have worried, however, because the girls have taken everything in their stride. More to the point, says one parent, “our sons are delighted to have girls in their class and in the playground! When someone falls over, one of the girls usually comes up to see if they are all right!”

Planning permission has been lodged for the all-weather play and games area to the north of the Junior School and both this and the space released by the move of the Nursery department will yet further enhance the facilities available for both boys and girls during this vital stage in their development and education. This is, all in all, a very exciting time in the Academy’s history and I am very fortunate to be involved in helping to take the school forward.

There has been a tremendous amount of support for the changes which have taken place over recent months and years and we feel that we have a modern, vibrant school, which will meet the needs of future generations of young people. Come and visit us and see for yourself. We would be delighted to welcome you to our campus.