As a parent with a DD in year 10 SHS, I have read the SHS letter but would be very interested to read the Marling version if any one is able to share it?

Personally I am glad the schools are doing something to address the poor levels of progress in sixth form. DD has always been adamant that she wants to stay and I feel happier about her choice knowing things may be about to improve.

We have had emails from Marling which are more candid.
basically they say that SHS wanted more control over their students on certain key/major subjects and so wanted to teach their students in their classes, not in co-ed classes for those subjects. Marling was unhappy as that meant the students would not have a co-ed sixth form experience which they seem to place high value on.

Discussions then continued but broke down. It seems that SHS wanted to have more control over teaching and progress of students which they couldn't have if students were taught bystaff from Marling.

Makes sense, and I can understand it, but doesn't make me happy.
It sounds as if the schools are committed to making their sixth forms co-ed, but we will see.

ds is seriously cross about it.

Dear Parents and Carers,

Further to our communication last week we can now confirm that the Governing Body have reviewed the consultation feedback and carefully considered all of the responses received. Following this, the Governing Body then voted unanimously to implement the policy that went to consultation, including the admission of girls to the Sixth Form in 2019. They have prepared a document outlining their responses to the main issues raised during the consultation and this can be found here: http://www.marling.gloucs.sch.uk/admissions-policy/

In making this decision the Governors considered whether Stroud High School might seek to reverse their decision to change the Sixth Form collaboration, or to slow down the process of change, and have communicated that they remain open to both. However, in order to preserve co-education for Marling students they felt it was in our students’ best interests to make a permanent change to the policy. This will not hinder discussions with Stroud High School should they wish to delay or reverse their decision. We have also proposed to Stroud High School that regardless of the final outcome, we should consider retaining shared use of the whole Sixth Form block beyond 2020, so that both sets of students can continue to share study and social space.

The Governing Body of Marling School would like to thank all those who contributed to the consultation.

Yours Faithfully,



Nigel Riglar John Gilbert

Chair of Governors Vice Chair of Governors