Under a multi-million-pound plan, Alton Convent School also plans to upgrade its facilities to meet the needs of a changing world.
As it approaches its 80th year, Alton Convent, an all-girls school at senior level, has announced changes and a major programme of development “to ensure the school remains a centre of excellence for generations to come”.
While maintaining its ethos, as from September it will drop the word “Convent” and change its name to Alton School, and it will become co-educational.
Viewed as the right time for such a change, with more boys currently in the prep-school than girls, it will go back to its roots by opening up the entire school to boys.
As from September 2018, boys will be accepted into years seven and 12 (sixth form), which will enable girls currently in years six to nine to experience a girls-only teaching environment until completion of their GCSEs.
According to headteacher Graham Maher, the plan will include the implementation of curriculum changes designed “to prepare pupils for a profoundly different future world”.
There will be significant development of sports facilities; the building of a new design and technology facility; an expanded international programme with increased interaction with sister and partner schools around the world, and the reintroduction of boarding facilities to develop this international programme.
The school has 530 pupils of all faiths and the aim is not to increase this number.
Working with staff, parents and governors, the school has come up with an 18-year development programme which initially needs £4million. The plan is to raise the money by selling off two small parcels of land for development.