"Keep it boys only": Petition calls for "meaningful consultation" before Bedford School goes co-ed next year
A petition against Bedford School welcoming girls is already gathering momentum.
Following this morning’s story (Tuesday) when the Harpur Trust revealed Bedford School will become co-educational from September 2027 – it’s calling for a rethink.
It’s been set up on MyPetition.Org (called Stop Bedford School becoming co-educational – keep it boys only now) asking the school's governors and trustees to reconsider the move.
The petition – which has already attracted over 300 signatures – says: “The school governors and the board of trustees must immediately suspend further co-educational admissions and commission an independent impact assessment on teaching quality, pastoral care and campus facilities.
"The headmaster should organise an open consultation with parents, pupils, staff and alumni within a clear timetable. If full reversal is not possible, the board must present a transparent plan that explains why co-education is essential and how it will protect educational standards and welfare.”
And grandfather Ross Cousens – who is backing the petition – told Bedford Today: “I am the grandfather of a current Bedford School pupil and therefore have a personal interest in the matter. However, I believe the issue goes considerably beyond my own family. Bedford School has educated boys for generations and has a distinctive place in the town and its community. A fundamental change to the character and structure of such an institution deserves proper public scrutiny.”
He added, the petition specifically calls for:
>A suspension of further co-educational admissions
>An independent assessment of the impact of the change
>An open consultation involving parents, pupils, staff and alumni
>Publication of the options, financial implications and proposed timetable
>A formal opportunity for stakeholders to have their views heard before any final commitment is made
In our story earlier today, David Steadman, chief executive of The Harpur Trust, said: “The world of education is changing rapidly, and we continually review how our schools can best meet the needs of current and future generations. Following careful research these plans help us respond to the changing education landscape, while remaining true to the distinctive strengths and values of each of our schools.”