From January 2024, Christ Church Cathedral School’s (CCCS) Pre-Prep (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) will become co-educational. The Montessori-inspired Nursery currently welcomes girls and boys.
Following extensive research and discussion with local families, the decision to become co-educational in Pre-Prep reflects strong demand from the Oxford community.
Christ Church Cathedral School hope this will enable current girls in the Nursery, as well as girls interested in joining Pre-Prep, the opportunity to benefit from a well-rounded Early Years education at CCCS. There is no plan to change the Prep School (Years 3-8), which will remain all boys and continue to deliver an outstanding academic and musical education.
Following careful consideration and planning, Pre-Prep’s transition to co-education will be seamless. The school curriculum, ethos, and values have been reviewed to ensure both girls and boys receive a diverse and well-rounded education. Pre-Prep’s classrooms are already well-equipped, situated in the same building with a secure playground, and able to accommodate both boys and girls. The Pre-Prep is the central hub of the school.
The sports and extra-curricular activities on offer will not be defined by gender. Mixed sports will include Tag Rugby, Football, Chess, and Life Skills essential for modern life, amongst others. We will also be introducing new activities including Dance and Gymnastics. Christ Church Cathedral School will make full use of their Woodland School on Christ Church Meadow with regular class outings. All of CCCS’s current Pre-Prep teaching staff have experience in co-educational teaching of Pre-Prep age children. The Head of Pre-Prep, Tom Robards, taught at St Andrew’s, a co-educational Primary school.
Prospective parents are very welcome to talk to the Headmaster, Richard Murray, and the Head of Pre-Prep, Tom Robards. To arrange a School visit, please contact the Registrar, Laura Kemp, registrar@cccs.org,uk
The next Open Morning is on Tuesday 5th March 2024.
CCCS is a boys’ Prep day and boarding school that includes a co-ed Nursery and Pre-Prep. The School was founded by Henry VIII in 1546 when he founded Christ Church and its Cathedral.
CCCS prides itself on exceptional academic and musical achievements – over 50% of pupils achieved a music scholarship to leading independent secondary schools in 2023.
