Celebrating co-education at Christ College

Inspired by our International Women's Day social media post on 8 March, our pupils have created a heartfelt ‘thank you’ video to send to all the young women who walked through the gates of Christ College and helped shape the inclusive school community we are proud of today.

Following the Head’s 40 Years Assembly last term, there was a real buzz of conversation in Tutor groups as our senior pupils dug a little deeper into what the shift to co-education meant for the school. Pupils were struck most by how small the number of girls was in those early days and they chose to reflect on what it must have felt like at the very beginning. 

For a generation who have grown up in a fully co-educational environment, it was almost impossible for them to imagine corridors, classrooms and competitions where girls were so heavily outnumbered for so long. That discovery prompted thoughtful discussion about courage, resilience and what it takes to be part of something entirely new.

Our pupils' reflections revealed a very genuine sense of appreciation of those who blazed trails in all areas of school life – from the classroom to the stage, from the science lab to the sports field, from leadership roles to outdoor adventure. 

After learning more about the story of co-education at Christ College, boys as well as girls devised a range of meaningful messages of gratitude to accompany the video.  

Thank you so much for taking the first steps in enabling so many girls to be part of a wonderful education in such an incredible, historic school community that is Christ College. Year 10

Thank you for such bravery and for creating such a strong sense of sisterhood that continues to be passed down the school. Year 10

Thank you for showing both girls and boys, then and now, that equality is possible. Year 11

You remind us that what we take for granted was once a very significant achievement that required personal bravery. Thank you! Lower Sixth

Thank you for setting a path for girls and for creating a more diverse, enriched school experience for all. Upper Sixth

Pupils were especially keen to put questions directly to those first trailblazers who helped shape the culture of a newly co-educational school. Writing on behalf of the senior pupils, the current Head of de Winton House recently invited the very first de Winton girls (1986–1991) to share their memories and reflections. We’ve already received some wonderfully engaging responses from those early pioneers and will be sharing them more widely soon. If you received the email from Joely but haven't yet contributed, there is still time to answer her questions: 

What were the biggest challenges?

What was it like being in a school dominated by boys? 

Did you feel genuinely accepted by the boys and staff?

As you adjusted to life in CCB, what helped you most?

How did your experience impact on your future?

What are your favourite memories of being in de Winton? 

If you left de Winton before September 1998 or soon afterwards, we extend you a warm invitation to share your perspective with our senior pupils. They'd love to hear your answers to the same questions.

You can safely send responses to 40years@christcollegebrecon.com

The next chapter in the story of co-education at Christ College will be the shift to 'through-school' co-education, with the opening of Bannau in September 1995 and the opening of Alway to girls in September 1997. To contribute to the telling of that part of the story, please contact Felicity or Huw. Our current pupils are eager to learn more. 

@ Not getting the emails? @

Check your spam settings or check with Huw that we have your correct details.