There is an inadequate choice of secondary schools in Wimbledon, since the two non-faith based outstanding options, Rutlish and Richards Lodge, are single sex. Many families move out of Wimbledon to enable their children to attend coeducational (mixed sex) secondary schools or resign themselves to the fact that nothing can be done about this issue. This doesn't need to be the case, mixing our secondary schools would better serve our children and the local community. We call on Merton Local Authority to mix Rutlish and Ricards Lodge schools to create two outstanding co-educational secondary schools that meet the needs of Wimbledon children emotionally, socially, and academically.

There are many benefits of coeducational schools that single sex schools cannot offer:

Preparing children for the real world

Coeducational schools better prepare our children for the future, for adulthood, for the world of work, and living together harmoniously in an inclusive society. Whether at work, home or in the wider community, a mix of genders are in constant contact and need to cooperate and communicate effectively in daily life. Children attending mixed schools are introduced to this balance early on in life and will therefore find it easier to build relationships and the core skills required for the workplace and their future lives.

Better socialisation, communication and teaching equality

The nature of coeducational schools teaches children to grow up together learning mutual respect, kindness, and inclusivity, regardless of sex. Social skills and communication with each sex is vital, working in mixed groups means that different perspectives are constantly explored and better understood.

We are in a world where equality is at the forefront of government policy. We need to support children’s learning from an early age, to overcome common misconceptions and stereotypes. Children in mixed schools are able to see their peers doing well across a variety of subjects and understand that no one sex is better at a subject than the other.

Single sex schools

We support the view that splitting children into single sex schools hinders their emotional and social growth, as these schools are not representative of our society today or the way the world works in practice.

Single sex schools go against both the national and global equality movement. The World Heath Organisation states “Gender equality is the absence of discrimination on the basis of a person's sex in opportunities, the allocation of resources and benefits, or access to services.”

Single sex schools do not allow a broader more inclusive view for how this generation of children perceive 'sex', and if a child considers themselves non-binary, they do not have an option in this current schooling structure. We know this has a significant impact on mental health for children, an issue that is becoming more prevalent.

In summary, single sex schools are based on antiquated beliefs that boys and girls are so different that they cannot be mixed, this fosters stereotyping by inhibiting boys and girls from forming friendships, leading to a lack of understanding and respect. Research supporting the view that girls do better in single sex schools is outdated and provides little conclusive evidence in relation to the rapidly evolving world we live in today.

We call on Merton Local Authority to mix Rutlish and Ricards Lodge schools to create two co-educational secondary schools that meet the needs of Wimbledon children emotionally, socially, and academically.

We believe this change would better serve our children, the local community and, ultimately, society as a whole.

Thank you

The Mix Our Schools Wimbledon Campaign