"Published on Thursday 16 September 2004 14:30 BOSSES at an all-girls school have cut through 160 years of tradition by allowing boys to enrol. St Elphin's School, in Darley Dale, has decided to admit boys as well as girls in a bid to attract more students. The private school, which opened to girls in 1844, was threatened with closure until June when a business consortium bought the site for 2.4 million. Deborah Mouat, principal at St Elphin's, said: "This is a big change but it will be wonderful to have boys because I think they will be a civilising influence. "The school will now be a truer reflection of life outside where girls have to face boys. "When I first came to this school, I argued that it would be nice to have boys as well as girls, so I am very pleased. "The staff have undergone training, although the vast majority have worked with boys in the past. "The first few boys are here already and they are the pioneers. They are being well looked after by the girls." She added: "Inquiries from interested parents are on the up." Teachers are confident that boys who enrol at the school will enjoy a good level of sports provision in line with the activities currently on offer to girls. And the business group has also vowed to invest in better facilities at St Elphin's. Meanwhile, day fees at the school have been reduced by 22 per cent to provide better value for money. Interested parents and children will have a chance to view the school during a special open day, starting at 10am on September 29. By Will Kilner"
Reprinted by kind permission of Matlock Mercury |
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