CO-EDUCATION
CONSULTATION
INFORMATION UPDATE
5 NOVEMBER 2024
As you will recall, we held consultations in December 2023 and January 2024 regarding the proposal for Fort Pitt Grammar School to become a co-educational establishment, alongside Chatham Grammar School and Holcombe Grammar School. We are delighted to share that the Department for Education has approved this decision, and all three schools will therefore become co-educational from September 2026.
This marks the start of an exciting new chapter in our school’s history. It will support us in transforming the lives of more young people in Medway, preparing them with the skills, tools and experiences to thrive in the modern world.
We are now carefully planning for the transition to ensure it is as smooth as possible for our entire school community. Pupils currently in Years 7 to 11 or due to join us in September 2025 will not be affected by this change and our Sixth Form is already co-educational. To make sure our pupils’ teaching and learning is not affected, Medway Council will be providing capital funding to support us to carry out any necessary updates to the school buildings.
Fort Pitt’s move (and that of Holcombe and Chatham Grammar) to co-educational teaching will balance access to grammar school education for boys and girls in the area and over time, alongside changes to the Medway Test, support more young people from Medway to attend grammar schools. This will also reduce pressure on non-selective secondary schools, ensuring that there are enough places for all Medway pupils whether or not they wish to attend a grammar school.
The transition will also mean that boys’ and girls’ places are more evenly spread across Medway and that pupils will not have to travel as far to attend a Grammar School. This will minimise disruption for families, as siblings will now be able to attend the same school.
We hope you will join us in celebrating this positive outcome and we want to thank everyone who shared their views as part of the consultations and supported the school throughout this process. As you know, we are dedicated to providing an education that supports the needs of our community, and your opinions were a key part of the robust and thorough decision-making process.
If you have any questions about the transition and what this means for your child, first look at our Frequently Asked Questions below; if your query is not covered in the list of answers then please contact office@fortpitt.co.uk.
Thank you for your continued support of our school and the community.
Ms S Hirons
Headteacher
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What changes will my child (currently on roll) experience?
None. For students who have joined before September 2026, their classes will remain single sex, and their curriculum will continue as planned. In year casual admissions will also continue to be single sex for those single sex year groups.
What impact will there be on Educational Standards?
The educational and behavioural expectations of Fort Pitt students will remain the same, regardless of gender. Our values, ethos and vision for Fort Pitt Grammar School will remain constant.
Will there be any impact on wider extra-curricular opportunities?
At present, most trips are offered within year groups and will therefore remain unchanged. International trips which are offered across various year groups will continue to be offered to all eligible students on roll. This will therefore include boys in the lower end of the school, as well as those in Sixth Form, who are already eligible. Extra-curricular clubs will continue to be offered and are frequently reviewed to include additional activities which suit the interests of students.
Will the uniform change?
Yes. We will be researching options for a new uniform in accordance with the latest DfE guidance, which will be phased in. This means those students on roll before September 2026 will have the option to continue with their current uniform or move to the new uniform. All students who join from September 2026 (boys or girls) will only have the option for the new school uniform.
Will the facilities change to accommodate boys?
Yes. Building works will commence in the academic year 2025/26 to provide separate toilet and changing facilities for boys.
Will the curriculum change?
No. We will continue to offer a broad and balanced curriculum. Some elements of PSHE may need to be reviewed.
How will the admission criteria change?
Except the change to allow boys to apply, the admissions criteria will remain the same.
How will the ratio of each year group be determined?
This cannot be predicted and will change year on year. Admission will continue to be allocated by Medway Council and determined against the results of the Medway Test, our admission criteria and the applications received.