Cranbrook, a private school in Bellevue Hill, Sydney is considering opening its doors to female students for the first time in 102 years following a plan backed by Scott Farquhar.
Mr Farquhar, the co-founder and co-CEO of the software company Atlassian, has shown his support for the plan which aims to gradually transform Cranbrook, one of the most prestigious boy schools into a co-educational institution.
The proposal, which has yet to be lodged, came about after the school’s principal Nicholas Sampson and other senior members of staff conceptualised the initiative. Though specific details have not been released, Cranbrook head prefect Asher Learmonth mentioned in a school assembly that the students from boys-only schools seldom interact with girls outside of parties and mixers.
As a result, this proposal aims to provide girls with new educational opportunities while simultaneously allowing boys and girls to interact with one another and work together. If endorsed, female students at Cranbrook will be able to join International Baccalaureate Diploma classes in 2022, and over the years, girls will be able to enroll into the rest of the school.
Despite this, the proposal has drawn some controversy, with attention being drawn to the culture that boys’ private schools tend to foster. Hundreds of Sydney students have claimed they were sexually assaulted during their school years, and there are growing concerns over the safety of the girls who will enroll at these previously-all-boys schools.
Though nothing is currently concrete, it is estimated that the plan will be proposed to the school council shortly, though the councillors have mostly been supportive of the proposal for the school to become co-educational, there has been opposition from members who believe that Cranbrook should retain its all-male heritage.
Cranbrook can be found at 5 Victoria Rd, Bellevue Hill.
