ETHOS: Diamond Model Boarding Schools – Single-Sex or Co-Ed?

Should you choose a single-sex, co-ed or diamond model school? Everybody knows British boarding schools include those which are boys’, girls’ or co-educational, but you may not have heard of ‘diamond model’ schools.

How does the diamond model work?

A diamond model school educates girls and boys together in Prep, separates them for classes during the Senior years 7-11, then combines them again for Sixth Form. Some may say this is the best of both worlds; letting young children grow up together, before accommodating differing learning styles and promoting confidence for the duration of British key stages 3 and 4, to give them the best chance of success in their all-important GCSEs, while ensuring they can socialise during break times and collaborate for some activities such as music and drama. Post-GCSEs, the idea of bringing everyone together again in Sixth Form is to prepare these young people for the world beyond school, where they will be studying and/or working in mixed environments.

We work with several schools that use this model. New Hall School and Brentwood School, both in Essex, operate the classic diamond shape, while Sherborne girls’ and boys’ schools, which are located very close to one another, both full boarding and have always had a similar ethos, have recently joined together to offer an education that is “Separate yet together”. Although lessons are single sex, the pupils overlap in many places, offering countless joint activities in drama, sport or music.

Book a consultation to discuss the best British boarding school model for your child 

If you would like advice on whether single-sex education, a co-educational boarding school or the diamond model might be the right fit for your child, Dickinson School Consulting can provide tailored, independent guidance based on your family’s priorities and educational goals. Just get in touch with Gina by phone, email or via our contact form.