Move to Co-Education

From September 2026, Bruern Abbey will proudly become a co-educational school. Girls will be welcomed into our Prep School in Oxfordshire from that time, with the Senior School in Buckinghamshire opening its doors to girls from September 2027.

Staying True to Our Mission

This important development is firmly rooted in Bruern’s founding mission: to provide an ambitious and inclusive mainstream education tailored to neurodiverse pupils; something we have been proudly doing for over 35 years.

We believe the decision to welcome girls is both timely and necessary. While boys have historically been more frequently diagnosed with neurodiverse profiles such as dyslexia or ADHD, national data highlights a significant rise in the number of girls facing similar challenges—many of whom remain under-identified and underserved. Too often, girls go without the specialist support they need.

We understand that girls often mask their challenges, sometimes excelling academically, in sports, or other areas. However, as every parent and teacher of neurodivergent children knows, this coping can come at a hidden cost—gradually eroding confidence and increasing anxiety. Unfortunately, many girls only receive the support they need once they reach a crisis point. Additionally, traditional assessment tools have historically been based on male patterns, which means girls with learning differences are frequently diagnosed later—or not at all—and often miss out on early, tailored interventions.

Bruern’s Unique Position

Bruern Abbey is uniquely positioned to help redress this imbalance. Our tailored curriculum, small class sizes, and therapeutic, strength-based approach have transformed the educational experiences of hundreds of boys—and we are now ready to do the same for girls.

An effective learning environment for neurodivergent children is one that adapts to them, not the other way around. At Bruern, this means:

Small class sizes and a high staff-to-pupil ratio, allowing deep understanding of each learner’s profile and first rate pastoral care, rooted in trust and empathy
Twice the number of lessons for English and Mathematics
A strengths-based curriculum that celebrates neurodivergent thinking. For some, this is 9 academic GCSEs; for others its vocational courses and professional qualifications; for some it’s a combination
Dedicated support for dyslexia, ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, slow processing, working memory issues, and more, including embracing the benefits of technology and AI to give pupils the tools they need for success in life, not just in school
Access to regulation spaces, flexible routines, and sensory-aware environments, especially in boarding
Curriculum content and PSHE frameworks that are inclusive of neurodivergent experiences

Ongoing staff development to ensure that our team understands the gendered nuances of neurodivergence
Benefitting from a mutually supportive and collaborative parental body

Start Your Child’s Bruern Journey

We recognise the dedication of many schools in supporting pupils with additional needs. However, there will always be some children for whom a more specialist mainstream environment is the right fit. If you are a parent of a child—or a professional working with a pupil in your school community—who is finding it difficult to access learning due to dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, ASC, slow processing, working memory challenges or related barriers, we would be very pleased to start a conversation. Whether you’re exploring options for your own child or supporting a family in your school community, we are here to help.

Our admissions process is designed to be personal, supportive, and straightforward. Whether you’re a parent exploring the best fit for your child, or a school helping a family navigate next steps, we encourage you to reach out early. We’re happy to answer questions, arrange a visit, or talk through whether Bruern might be the right environment. You can view our Bruern Specialisms here.

As we prepare to welcome girls from 2026, we look forward to opening our doors to even more families who could benefit from all that Bruern has to offer.

FAQs around our move to Co-education

When will Bruern Abbey become co-educational?

Bruern Abbey will welcome girls into the Prep School from September 2026, with the Senior School following from September 2027. This phased approach allows the transition to be carefully planned and well supported.

Which year groups will girls be admitted into?

Girls may be admitted into a range of year groups, subject to availability and suitability. As with all admissions, the school’s priority is ensuring that Bruern is the right environment for each individual child.

Will Bruern’s specialist SEND provision change?

No. Bruern’s specialist approach, small class sizes and personalised teaching model will remain central to the school. The move to co-education does not change Bruern’s mission or educational philosophy.

Does Bruern have experience supporting girls with SEND?

Although Bruern has historically been a boys’ school, staff and leadership bring extensive experience of supporting neurodiverse girls in both independent and maintained settings. The decision to become co-educational reflects growing national recognition that girls’ needs have often been under-identified and would benefit from Bruern’s approach.

How does Bruern support girls who may mask difficulties or experience anxiety?

Bruern places strong emphasis on pastoral care, confidence-building and early identification. Staff are trained to recognise less visible presentations of SEND, including masking, internalised anxiety and perfectionism, and to respond with appropriate, tailored support.

Will boys and girls be taught together?

Teaching arrangements will be age-appropriate and carefully considered. The vast majority of lessons will be co-educational, whilst a small number may be taught in smaller or single-sex groups where this best supports learning, confidence and wellbeing.

Will there be separate boarding provision for girls?

Yes. Girls will have their own dedicated boarding accommodation, designed to provide a safe, comfortable and supportive environment.

Is Bruern Abbey the right school for every neurodiverse girl?

No school is right for every child. Bruern places great importance on ensuring a strong fit between pupil, family and school, and will always be open and honest during the admissions process.

Still have questions?

If you would like to discuss whether Bruern Abbey might be right for your daughter, or if you have questions about our move to co-education, we would be very happy to talk. Please contact the Admissions team to arrange a conversation or visit, and we will take the time to understand your child’s needs and circumstances fully.