Heathfield’s ‘small school, big opportunities’ ethos has, from this September, become accessible to a whole new cohort of students. The school has proudly taken its initial steps towards becoming co-educational, welcoming its first male members of the community into the Sixth Form.
Head of Sixth Form, Mr Richard Willis, has been instrumental in helping all our Sixth Formers settle into a more independent way of learning while adapting to this exciting change. He said:
‘Our Sixth Formers have hit the ground running – their abundance of energy and enthusiasm has been evident both in and out of the classroom. The Cadogan Sixth Form Centre has been a hub of shared experience, with everything from new friendships and spirited debates to collaborative study sessions and plenty of laughter taking place in the first week or so of term. I am buoyed by how readily co-educational life has become the norm here at Heathfield, and I am pleased to be part of this future-ready new chapter.’
Having settled in quickly, the Lower Sixth cohort is embracing Sixth Form life and the additional opportunities, responsibilities and social experiences it presents.
Lower Sixth student Umar, one of our first boys, commented: ‘Joining Heathfield for Sixth Form has been a seamless transition. The warm and welcoming environment made it easy to settle right in, and the smaller class sizes give us the space and support to focus on doing well in our A Levels.’
Ivan echoed his thoughts: ‘I’ve really enjoyed my time at Heathfield so far, especially the welcoming atmosphere, small class sizes and the wide range of opportunities available to us.’
Heathfield has been preparing for its move towards co-education for some time, with the school impressing inspectors at its Material Change Inspection in February 2026. More than 80% of staff have experience teaching in a co-educational environment, while current parents and students have embraced this exciting new chapter for this ambitious and innovative school.
As Heathfield looks ahead, the arrival of its first male Sixth Form students marks an important milestone – one that builds on the school’s commitment to providing a supportive, forward-thinking education where every student has the opportunity to thrive. These young men will become mentors for the boys who join us in the future.
If you would like to explore Heathfield for your son or daughter for September 2027 and beyond, please get in touch today at admissions@heathfieldschool.net or on 01344 898342.