Hawke's Bay's Hereworth School applies to become integrated, co-educational

Hereworth School was established in 1927 as a prep school for boys. Photo / Paul Taylor

Hereworth School in Havelock North is applying to the Ministry of Education to become an integrated co-educational school.

Jonathan Hensman, the chairman of the Hereworth School Trust Board, said the application is a "really positive next step" for the future of the school after 100 years as an independent school for boys.

"Our goal is to make Hereworth even better and stronger for the next 100 years. We are confident that our school has a bright future and can thrive as an integrated, co-educational school, just as others have done," he said.

"We're committed to ensuring that all the things that make Hereworth what it is; our heritage, special character and strong sense of community will be part of our future as an integrated school, and will form a key part of our discussions with the ministry.

"However, the past few years have been very challenging. Our roll, which we would like to be higher, has been steady at around 200, and our financial situation is becoming increasingly tight with rising costs.

"Continuing with the status quo and doing nothing is not an option."

He said previous boards have looked at many alternatives over several years, and the current board believes becoming a state-integrated school for boys and girls is the best option to ensure Hereworth's longevity.

Headmaster Trevor Barman said there were many advantages to co-education.

Hereworth School pupils at choir event the Kids Sing in 2018. Photo / Paul Taylor

"While this will be a departure from boys-only education, we believe there is much to be gained from having young people of both genders learning side-by-side over a sustained and extended period of time, making friends and shaping one's understanding of self by the relationships formed.

"In co-educational schools, both genders share in the joy of learning together, developing mutual respect and understanding for each other in a more natural setting where gender equality and opportunity is promoted, in both academic and co-curricular activities," says Barman.

Hereworth lodged its application with the Ministry of Education this month and on Monday began to share the news of its application with the school community, old boys and other interested parties.

"We will be holding a series of meetings for our staff, parents, old boys and students. We are committed to engaging with our community and others with a special interest in the school, so they can ask questions and be heard as we embark on this process.

"In our early discussions, the ministry's Napier office was clear that the most value to the Havelock North community comes from Hereworth transitioning to a co-educational school. Therefore, our application is to become an integrated school for boys and girls, years 1 to 8.

"There is a lot of work to do. We know how to get the best from boys and we will do our research to make sure that Hereworth's education for girls is just as excellent."

* Hereworth community engagement/communication begins May 10.
If the ministry's decision is favourable and received by December 2021, Hereworth could become an integrated school from Term 1, 2022, and could be co-educational the year after i.e. from Term 1, 2023.