FAQs

Have questions about Duchy College? We hope the answers below will help to answers some of your questions about the next stage in the evolution of our school. 

Will all classes be co-ed?

For pupils joining us in Year 7 and Year 12 in September 2026, all core lessons will be taught in co-ed classes.  Sport will predominantly be taught separately and, occasionally, some topics in PSHE lessons will be taught separately.  All other year groups will continue to be taught in single sex classes.

Will there be changes to the curriculum?

Yes. One of the benefits for all pupils will be enhancements to the current curriculum including the introduction of Design Technology (DT), alongside current carousel subjects such as Art, Textiles and Food & Nutrition.  All of our teaching staff are experienced co-ed teachers.

Well also be introducing a new innovative cross-curricular baccalaureate-type programme which will run from Year 5 to Year 9 designed to enable pupils to take on new challenges, develop new skills and extend their learning.

Will there be changes to the sports provision?

Absolutely; this is a great opportunity for us to enhance our sports provision for all pupils, including introducing new sports such as cricket and basketball, alongside current sports such as football, swimming, athletics and tennis.

What about extra-curricular clubs?

We already have a fantastic array of extra-curricular clubs on offer for pupils and our programme constantly evolves in line with their interests and passions.  This process will continue to ensure everyone’s needs are met and all pupils have the opportunity to learn new skills, discover new talents and grow as individuals.

Will there be separate single sex facilities?

Yes; all of the required single sex facilities will be in place by September 2026 including single sex changing rooms, toilets and boarding house bathrooms.

Will class sizes increase?

No; we are proud to be a relatively small school which enables us to know all our pupils as individuals. We do not intend to increase class sizes and it is not our aim to become a large school.

What about pastoral care?

Exceptional pastoral care is one of things we are known for and we know our parents and pupils greatly value this.  We are absolutely committed to continuing to build on our reputation in this area and we re looking forward to the prospect of being able to extend this level of care and support to boys in the future, as well as girls.  Our team has considerable co-ed expertise and will draw upon this to enhance our individualised support.

Will you offer co-ed boarding?

Yes; we are very pleased we will be offering co-ed boarding in Year 7 and Year 12 from September 2026.  This will be the only offering of its kind in Harrogate, providing flexi boarding to support busy family lives, as well as full boarding – find out more about the Benefits of Being a Day Pupil in a Boarding School.

Will there be separate facilities for boys and girls in boarding?

Yes; by September 2026 we will have single sex bedrooms, single sex bathrooms and single sex toilets in boarding.  Boys and girls will have separate access-controlled areas with the boarding houses with all the required safeguarding standards in place.  They will have shared access to communal areas such as the new wellbeing garden, boarding gym, kitchens and living spaces, all with appropriate safeguarding measures in place.

How will these changes affect prep school children?

This natural evolution of our school community will bring many positive benefits for children in our prep school.  As well as offering a through-school for all pupils, not just girls, and priority senior school places, the pupils will benefit from an integrated curriculum across prep and senior school with greater access to specialist teachers, use of specialist teaching facilities, aligned assessment cycles and joint KS2 and KS3 extra-curricular clubs.

Why are you changing the name of Highfield?

We did consider keeping the name Highfield, however the Highfield Leadership Team felt strongly we should be united as a school community and as a through-school for all pupils under one name.  The name Highfield Prep School will of course, always be part of our proud heritage though. 

What about uniform?

As current parents will be aware, we considered introducing a new uniform last year, but decided to put this on hold temporarily in view of the introduction of VAT on school fees.  We continue to be committed to keeping uniform costs down, but as there is a clear need to introduce a senior boys uniform it does seem like a sensible time to return to the previous plan of a phased uniform refresh.  We will share further details as early as possible to enable current and new parents to plan accordingly.

Is this purely a financial decision?

No; this is a positive and pro-active long-term strategy which will enable us to continue to uphold the ethos and values of the school; to expand the opportunities for your children; and secure the future of our school for the next 130 years and beyond.

We are, of course, mindful of the financial pressures on all independent schools and independent school families in the current climate, but this is carefully considered decision to adapt for the future with the needs of today’s pupils and parents and the quality of education at its heart.

Will fees increase?

Our fees will continue to be reviewed annually by the Governing Body, but we always strive to keep any increases to a minimum and do not underestimate the sacrifices families make to be able to afford independent school fees.  Having consolidated our boarding houses earlier this year, we now plan to sell our spare boarding house in order to fund investment in new facilities such as the new Sixth Form Centre and “boutique” co-ed boarding facilities, as well as enhancing the curriculum offer across the whole school.

Will the leadership structure change?

No, Joanna Fox will continue as Principal from 2-18 supported by James Savile, Head of Highfield and the existing Governing Body.  At her previous school, Joanna was an integral part of the senior leadership team that successfully transitioned the school from girls only to co-ed; she also introduced boarding to the school for the first time.

What will happen to the alumni association?

Our alumni are an incredibly important part of our school community – this will always be their school.  We will continue to welcome them to school with open arms and we know they will continue to inspire our current and future pupils. 

We will also continue to support our alumni through the alumni association which, in time, will also welcome alumni of Duchy College alongside those of Harrogate College, Oakdale Prep School, Harrogate Ladies’ College and Highfield Prep School. We are already planning a Christmas Choir Reunion for later this year and a full Alumni Reunion for 2026!

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