Bruern Abbey Announces Move to Co-education
The leading mainstream, independent school for neurodiverse pupils will welcome girls from 2026.
Bruern Abbey is proud to announce that it will become a co-educational school from September 2026, welcoming girls initially at its Prep School, with entry to the Senior School from 2027.
For over 35 years, Bruern Abbey has been at the forefront of providing an ambitious, inclusive, mainstream education for neurodiverse pupils, long before special educational needs were fully on the radar of many independent schools. This move builds on that founding mission: to unlock academic and personal potential through outstanding teaching, care, and opportunity.
Girls will be welcomed into an environment where kindness, curiosity and confidence are championed; one where pupils are supported to thrive both academically and in terms of their self-esteem. The school’s unwavering commitment to bespoke, inclusive education remains unchanged, and this next chapter ensures more young people will benefit from Bruern’s distinctive approach.
John Floyd, Executive Head of Bruern Abbey, said: 'At Bruern, we have always focused on what children can do, not what they cannot. Becoming co-educational is a natural step forward. There are many girls who would benefit from the type of education we offer: warm, rigorous, joyful, and tailored to the individual. This change allows us to widen our reach while remaining true to our values.'
Bruern Abbey operates across two inspiring sites: the Prep School in Chesterton, Oxfordshire, set within 20 acres of parkland and woodland; and the Senior School in Chilton, Buckinghamshire, centred around a Georgian manor house with expansive views of the Vale of Aylesbury. The schools prepare pupils for Common Entrance, GCSEs, sixth form, and beyond.
Both schools offer day, weekly, and flexi boarding. Many pupils who start boarding for practical reasons quickly come to embrace it as a fulfilling part of their Bruern experience. Pastoral care is a recognised strength, underpinned by our patient, experienced staff and a belief that happiness and academic progress go hand-in-hand.
Admissions for girls will open from September 2025, with places available from September 2026. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team or visit www.bruernabbey.org.
July 2025