Cranbrook School one step closer to introducing co-ed classes

One of Sydney’s most elite and expensive private schools is on the cusp of a huge change, encouraged by a prominent billionaire.

After a lengthy review process, one of Sydney’s most prestigious all-boys schools has taken another step towards allowing female students into its Year 11 and 12 cohorts.

There has been talk of the school’s transition into coeducation since April, with President of the School Council Jon North announcing the proposal to parents today.

A proposal for integrated classes will be introduced in early 2022 and its success will be measured by “community engagement and support”.

In a letter to parents seen by news.com.au, Mr North said the school board hopes the transition into coeducation will help build “confidence, integrity, empathy and respect”.

The school also intends to increase the number of extra-curricular activities involving girls.

“(Opportunities) will include an enhanced co-curriculum, the establishment of an after-school enrichment program in the Senior School to be known as the ‘Cranbrook Academy’ and the development of the Wolgan Valley experiential campus,” wrote Mr North.

“To date, we have been encouraged by support from within the School and the community to make changes that will better support our students both during their time at Cranbrook and as they move on to tertiary study and professional endeavours.

“We are also conscious of ensuring that we remain committed to our enduring values of a liberal education: academic aspiration, respect for the individual and personal integrity.”

Cranbrook School is located in Bellevue Hill, an affluent suburb in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Picture: Richard Dobson.

In February 2021, Cranbrook came under fire after it was listed in a petition started by Chanel Contos – a 22-year-old, ex-student of Kambala School, based in Sydney’s affluent east – which accused students from some of Sydney’s top private schools of sexual assault.

The petition contained dozens of testimonies from anonymous students and contained claims against boys who attended Scots College, Sydney Grammar School, Waverley College, Kings School and Cranbrook.

In his letter to parents, Mr North said he hoped a potential move to co-ed classes would “increase interaction between boys and girls” and encourage “the development of healthy and respectful relationships”.

It’s understood Sydney tech-billionaire and Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar has been an advocate of the transition as well.

Cranbrook School is regarded as one of NSW’s and Australia’s most elite and expensive independent education facilities. School fees range from $26,064 for kindergarten students and to $38,862 for just the tuition cost of a Year 11 or 12 student.

Year 11 and 12 students who also attend boarding school are charged $73,536.

Some of the school’s famous alumni include Olympic runner Steven Solomon, 14th Chief Justice of NSW Sir Laurence Whistler Street and media tycoon Kerry Packer and his son James Packer.