Fears that Our Lady’s Convent school has plans to enrol boys
PARENTS of pupils Loughborough’s Our Lady’s Convent School, have expressed fears that there are plans to allow older boys into their numbers, making it co-educational after 11-years-old.
The parents also say they worried that the 168-year-old school will even change its name, for fear that the female association of “Convent’ would discourage boy intake.
At present the Convent’s preparatory school is mixed sex, from four to 11 years-old, after which the girls can continue until sixth form, but the boys have to transfer to different schools.
The Rosminian Sisters founded, independent Gray Street school, was taken over by Loughborough Endowed Schools a few years back.
One parent who contacted to the Echo with their concerns said that it had come to parents’ attention that: “The intention of the headmaster Julian Murphy was to close the school as it is now and re-open it under a new name, new uniform and most importantly making it co-ed without any formal consultation with the parents or pupils.”
The parent added that the move would go against the policy of Loughborough Endowed Schools who: “Pride themselves, based on proven history, that children learn better if you separate them during their educational years and this is their main selling point when trying to attract parents to the school.
“Why then are they prepared to say goodbye to Our Lady’s Convent School in its present format, going against all their principals to offer co-ed and in doing so destroy a piece of Loughborough history?”
The parents are also angry saying that decisions are being taken without any consultation and say that they believe reason behind the possible move is purely financial because the school cannot attract enough girl pupils.
“There has been correspondence. No opportunity for the parents to give their views.”
When contacted by the Echo the school would not say whether there were any plans to accept older boys, or if a name change was on the cards.
In a statement Julian Murphy, headteacher said: “At Our Lady’s Convent School, we always consider any opportunities which could ensure the continued future success of our pupils.
“However, no formal consultation or announcement has been made on adopting a co-educational status.
“A decision such as this would be of huge historic importance for the school and would not be taken lightly.
“Our present and future pupils always come first. As such, it is our practice to always communicate any changes, plans or ideas that might have an impact on our community – regardless of how big or small these are – directly with parents, staff and current pupils before making any public announcements.”