40 years of co-education

In the coming year we look forward to celebrating 40 years of co-education at Christ College. 

When Sally Stewart joined School House Red in September 1985, she made history. She also began a story that started with four historic chapters:

• Sally (1985) and the ‘de Winton Seven’ (1986);
• the opening of de Winton (1987);
• Bannau and whole school co-education (1995);
• opening Donaldson’s for girls (1998).

The featured photograph was taken in 1989, just a few years after Sally joined the school. It seems very ordinary now because every aspect of school life today includes boys and girls. James Griffiths’ address in this year’s Leavers Service, which will resonate with Old Breconians of all generations, offers some life-affirming clues to the story in 2025. 

Because Christ College has never just been about buildings, lessons, or timetables. Christ College has always been about people. About community. About family. We have not just been classmates — we have been brothers and sisters. We have grown up together. We’ve celebrated victories, faced setbacks, laughed until we cried, and found strength in one another when life got tough.

Historical facts are easily discoverable, but we need the help of those who were there in the early years.The featured photograph is significant because it's the earliest known informal photograph of a group of girls and boys in Christ College uniform. We are sure there must be more lurking in attics and boxes in the garage - from earlier years or soon afterwards.

If you have photographs that you would be willing to share with us, as scans or loans for scanning, Huw or Felicity would love to hear from you.