The first girl in almost 150 years puts on the Hornsey Lane school’s uniform

A SECONDARY school in Highgate is set to welcome girls for the first time in a century and a half.

St Aloysius’ College in Hornsey Lane said it would be co-educational from September next year and parents and carers could get their applications in now for places in Year 7 – and what will be a landmark start to the academic year at the school.

It is on the Islington side of the borough borders. Applications are made through local authorities.

The deadline for applications is next Thursday, October 31.

College head Paula Whyte

The Department for Education approved the change just before the school broke up for its autumn half-term break.

“I am delighted to see a plan we worked on very hard over the last few years come to fruition,” headteacher Paula Whyte said.

“Staff at St Aloysius’ College work tirelessly to equip our young people for life, academically, spiritually and on a personal development level, and I am pleased that we can make that high and holistic quality of education accessible to girls from next year.”

Ms Whyte added: “We welcome boys and girls from all back­grounds, regardless of their faith. I’m proud to lead a school that is open, diverse and inclusive, now more than ever.”