BOYS have walked into lessons at Reigate's Dunottar School for the first time since the Second World War.
The High Trees Road school, which avoided closure when it became part of the United Learning Group in March, held a taster day for boys on May 8, ahead of going co-educational in September.
The school faced a tumultuous start to the year, facing closure due to dwindling pupil numbers, but was saved by a last-minute takeover.
But in an attempt to turnaround Dunottar's fortunes, the United Learning Group – which also runs Caterham School and Surbiton High School – is making changes, including introducing boys and a new head teacher, after current head Nikki Matthews decided to step down.
Mrs Rowena Cole, who will be the new head teacher from September, said: "We have been very pleased with the strong interest there has been from families with boys and, each week, offers are being accepted.
"As a group, United Learning has significant experience in managing the transition from single-sex school to co-educational and we are receiving some excellent support – making sure Dunottar has everything it needs to welcome its boys in September.
"I am very excited about taking up the post and look forward to welcoming all our new pupils – boys and girls – into what is already a successful, happy and thriving school."
During the taster day, pupils tried out science, art, PE and drama classes.
Boys will be introduced to Years 7, 9 and 12 when they first arrive.
It will be the first time male pupils have enrolled at Dunottar since the school briefly went co-educational during the Second World War, due to a massive need for school places in the area.
