A boy's preparatory school is set to open its doors to girls for the first time in 50 years.

Chinthurst School in Tadworth opened in 1908 as a co-educational school but was transformed into a boy’s only preparatory in the 1950s by incoming headmaster, Ronald Kelly .

The school announced its decision to accept girls again last week with the first intake set for next year.

Headmaster Ian Thorpe said: “The decision to move to co-education is a natural development, reflecting the realities of today’s world, where our students go on to co-educational senior schools, universities and develop careers in an equal opportunities environment.

“It is a small beginning but we are optimistic and it is very heartening to hear from families with boys and girls that they can join up for the first time in the school.”

The plans received unanimous support from the school’s governors.

Chairman of governors, Andrew Bisset said: “This is an exciting, ambitious but achievable plan for the school’s future, designed to ensure we retain our position as one of Surrey’s foremost preparatory schools.

“The plan builds on the school’s traditions and ethos, which have evolved since our foundation in 1908, and places these in the context of the increasingly competitive and challenging world for which we need to equip our pupils, by providing them with the best possible all round education. “Until the mid-1950s, Chinthurst was a co-educational school so, in many respects, we are returning to our roots.”

Open Mornings will be held on Friday, January 27 and Saturday, 28 and Thursday, March 8 when parents will be able to visit the school ahead of the changes.

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