A highly sought-after independent prep school will be welcoming boys for the first time at the start of the next school term.

From September, Park School for Girls in Ilford, established in 1975, will be expanding its prep school to teach both boys and girls – Year 7 to 11 will remain girls only.

The school’s governing body has taken the decision to “meet the growing demand for school places, particularly in the local Ilford area”.

Mrs Nicholas the current headteacher of five years, will also be retiring this summer, handing over the reins to Catherine Redfern, who joins from Gosfield School in Essex.

She said: “I am delighted to be joining Park School this September as the headteacher and view it as a privilege to be chosen to lead the further development of this wonderful school.

“It is an exciting time to be joining Park School, with the Prep School becoming co-educational in September and the fiftieth anniversary just three years away. It was very apparent to me when I visited Park School that the culture of inclusion, kindness and mutual respect is embodied by all pupils and staff and that each and every child is enabled to flourish and succeed as a result of the child-centred philosophy.

“The Park School Way, which pupils talked to me about with pride and respect when I visited recently, are inspiring guiding principles for all. Park School is a successful school and as well as pupils enjoying high academic achievement, they are also guided to become rounded individuals, happy and confident in themselves. I look forward to meeting and working with pupils, staff, parents and governors to ensure that Park School continues to flourish.”

To register your son or daughter for Park School for September 2021, please contact the Admissions Officer on 020 8554 2466. You can also visit the school's website www.parkschool.org.uk and follow them on Facebook.