Girls schools looking at mixed-sex classes

The school will keep its current teaching staff following the takeover

A girls school established in 1885 is looking to introduce mixed-sex classes.

Shrewsbury High School in Shropshire is in the process of being taken over by the Inspired Learning Group (ILG), which said it would also invest in expanding nursery provision and 'enhancing facilities'.

It said the proposals for co-educational teaching would be subject to consultation.

Darren Payne, head of Shrewsbury High School, described the change in leadership as "an exciting new chapter", and said he was "confident that Shrewsbury High will continue to thrive, remaining true to our values and heritage".

The school is currently part of the Girls' Day School Trust and educates girls aged four to 18.

The riverside campus is set within Shrewsbury's town walls, and Amit Mehta, chief executive of ILG, said it was a "beacon of educational excellence and community values".

ILG said Mr Payne and all teaching and support staff would transfer over, "ensuring that students experience uninterrupted learning and care".

It promised changes would be "delivered thoughtfully, with clear consultation and ongoing communication with students, staff, families, feeder schools and the wider Shropshire community".