Single sex or Co-educational schools: which is best for your child?
Choosing between a single sex and a co-educational school is a personal and much-debated decision. While there is no right or wrong answer, understanding the key differences between the two options can help you to make confident and informed choices that are the right fit for your child's personality, learning style and aspirations.
Whether you're considering pre-prep, prep, senior school or sixth form, this guide outlines the advantages and drawbacks of each route, supplemented with data, trends, and honest insights to support your decision-making.
Understanding the landscape
The ISC Census and Annual Report 2025 provides insights into the number of single sex and co-educational member schools and pupils:
- There are 1,179 co-educational ISC member schools in the UK (83% of schools)
- 151 ISC member schools are girls-only (11% of total), and a further 93 schools are boys-only (6.5% of total)
- Around 115,000 pupils attend single sex schools: c. 85,000 girls and c. 30,000 boys
- From a total of 539,000 pupils, the overall gender split across ISC member schools is fairly even, with 274,000 boys and 265,000 girls
- Average school size: 452 pupils (boys' schools), 484 pupils (girls' schools), and 365 pupils (co-ed schools)
This data reflects a clear trend: while co-educational schools now dominate the independent school landscape, single sex education continues to have relevance, particularly for girls.
Pros of single sex schools
- Fewer gender-based stereotypes in the classroom: Girls may feel more confident studying STEM subjects, and boys may engage more with the arts.
- Tailored teaching: Lessons can be adapted to suit common learning styles among boys or girls.
- Focused social environment: There are fewer distractions for some children during developmental stages.
- Leadership opportunities: In single sex settings, girls and boys fill all leadership roles, from head of house to captains of sport.
Cons of single sex schools
- Less social mixing: Pupils may have fewer opportunities to build relationships with the opposite sex, which is a potential disadvantage as they approach adulthood.
- Transition challenges: Pupils moving from single sex schools to co-ed sixth forms or universities may take longer to adjust.
- Limited diversity of perspective: Co-educational settings can provide broader viewpoints and richer discussions in the classroom.
Pros of co-educational schools
- A more natural social environment that reflects real-world workplaces and universities.
- Greater diversity of friendships: Encourages emotional intelligence, collaboration, and mutual respect.
- Academic balance: Exposure to different learning styles and approaches can strengthen classroom dynamics.
- Wider subject mix: Co-ed schools often aim to balance interest in subjects traditionally skewed by gender.
Cons of co-educational schools
- Potential distractions: Especially during adolescence, pupils may feel more self-conscious or socially preoccupied.
- Subtle gender bias: In mixed classrooms, boys may dominate discussion or leadership roles unless staff are well-trained in inclusivity.
Trends: Shifting models at sixth form
An increasingly popular model in the UK is for pupils to transition from single-sex education to a co-educational environment at sixth form. Making this move allows children to:
- Build confidence and independence in a single sex environment during formative years
- Transition socially to a co-ed school before university or work
- Access a broader curriculum and mix of peers in Years 12 and 13
Many leading girls' schools (and some boys' schools) now open their sixth forms to the opposite sex. This approach is designed to offer the best of both worlds.
Outcomes: University destinations
The ISC Census and Annual Report 2025 states that the following numbers of pupils go on to university either in the UK or overseas from single sex and co-educational schools:
- 87.1% of girls' school pupils attend university
- 84.8% of boys' school pupils attend university
- 80.3% of co-ed pupils attend university
While the differences are not dramatic, single sex environments do currently edge slightly ahead in university transition rates.
Are there fee differences?
There is no fixed rule when it comes to fees: both single sex and co-ed schools range from highly affordable to premium, however:
- Co-ed schools may offer more flexible boarding options (e.g. mixed sixth form houses)
- Girls' schools may charge less on average than comparable co-ed or boys' schools, but this depends entirely on location, reputation, and facilities
When comparing schools, it's best to weigh value, outcomes, facilities, and curriculum breadth alongside the fee structure.
Other considerations
- Siblings: A co-educational school may be more convenient for families with both boys and girls
- Faith schools: These may be single sex by tradition and offer tailored pastoral care
- Boarding: Many boarding schools are single sex with co-ed sixth forms, or operate co-ed campuses with gender-specific houses
FAQs: Single Sex vs Co-Ed
Will my child be better off academically in a single sex school?
Not necessarily. Outcomes depend more on teaching quality, ethos, and support than on gender format alone, although single sex settings can benefit some learners.
Is it harder to make friends at a single sex school?
Many single sex schools have linked events and shared co-curriculars with nearby schools to ensure social development.
Do universities prefer pupils from one type of school?
No, university admissions are based on grades, potential, and broader contributions, not school format.
Can my child switch from single sex to co-ed later?
Absolutely. Sixth form is a common time to make the transition, and many pupils do so successfully.
In summary
There is no definitive right or wrong answer when it comes to single-sex or co-educational schools. The most important factor is finding a school that fits your child's personality, needs, and ambitions. Whether that's in a single sex setting or a co-ed environment, both can offer exceptional outcomes with the right balance of academic challenge and pastoral support.