A HISTORIC day for a hospital school in the South West was celebrated last Tuesday, as it welcomed female pupils for the first time in more than 400 years.

Of those that applied to Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital (QEH), 17 were selected to join the newly-co-educational sixth form.

In preparation for their arrival and the subsequent expansion of the Sixth Form, the Sixth Form Centre has been transformed over the summer, with the creation of a new vibrant social space, a new IT centre and private study space as well as female changing rooms and facilities.

The school’s first female students have quickly settled in to life at QEH, supported by the school’s induction process and pastoral system, describing the school as “really friendly and welcoming”.

One female student, who joined QEH from a nearby girls’ school, explained her reasons for joining QEH Sixth Form.  “Two of my A-level options are science subjects and QEH has a reputation for the sciences that is second to none.”

Stephen Holliday, headmaster at QEH, says he is looking forward to overseeing a new chapter at QEH.

“I always find the beginning of each new academic year to be exciting and full of promise for the future and this year is certainly no exception,” he said.

“Over the summer our students have celebrated outstanding examination results and our new students, including our first cohort of girls, are settling in well and are already taking advantage of all the academic and extra-curricular opportunities we offer.”

The school’s next sixth form open evening will be held on Wednesday, November 8 at 6.30pm.