A BOROUGH school that for decades served boys only, has for the first time welcomed year 7 girls and boys.
The Forest School in Winnersh set the bar high on the first day of term, providing breakfast not only for the new cohort of more than 260 children, but for their parents, too.
Assistant headteacher Sonja Allen, explained: “It was our headteacher Shirley Austin’s idea.
“She’s keen to champion the Forest family and the community we foster here.
“Today is a historic moment for the school and we wanted to acknowledge that.
“We know that parents can find their children’s transition to secondary school tricky, so inviting them in for breakfast too seemed a great way to celebrate the big change with them, as well as the children.
“It has been very popular, and parents have been really grateful for the way we have welcomed them.
“Having girls join us is a more modern approach, and we’re really looking forward to having them here.
“We’ve included girls in the sixth form for a number of years now, and the boys say they quite like having them in school, because it pushes them – they see the copious notes girls make, and the neatness of their folders – but above all, the girls are their friends.”
The school has gone to great lengths, and overcome considerable hurdles, to achieve their successful first day of term breakfast, which catered for around 500 people.
Becoming a co-educational school has meant upgrading toilets and changing-room facilities to accommodate girls, with alterations taking place throughout the summer holidays.
Only a day ago the school hall was filled with construction materials.
Jaquie Blaney, PA to the headteacher, said” When we stepped inside I couldn’t believe how much there was to do to make the hall ready, but the builders have cleared up amazingly.
“It’s going really well this morning, and there’s a huge amount of excitement in the room.”
Headteacher Shirley Austin, addressing the families, said: “This is a special moment in the school’s history.
“We’re really excited and I’m humbled at how many of you have joined us.
“It has taken a lot of work to make this happen, but at The Forest School, if we say we’re going to do something, we do it.
“Today is about saying ‘welcome, and thank you’.
“We are a community, we’re here to work together, and this seven year journey is going to be amazing.
“The young people are here to work hard, have fun, and be the very best they can be, starting today.”
Wokingham.Today asked some families how they felt on the first day of term.
Year 7 pupil Leo said: “I’m excited to be moving on, but at the same time it’s a bit scary, and a lot more complicated than primary school.
“But my brother’s in year 10 here, and he seems OK, so I’m not worried.
“I don’t think it’s that bad having girls in school, in fact I think it will work out fine.”
Mum Ilaria added: “Having breakfast is a great way to get to know all the families.
“It’s a nice touch from the school to welcome parents in for breakfast.”
Dad, Sion, said: “I just want Leo to enjoy himself. It’s a big step, but he’s going to love it.”
Friends Emma and Summer, together with their mums Giulia and Debbie, found the morning helpful.
Debbie said: “It’s been amazing.
“There have been a few tears, but lots of excitement too.”
Pupils Keira and Lucia, sporting the school’s new uniform for girls, said: “We’ll get used to the boys – we know one of them already – that’s Ben.”
Keira’s mum, Rachael, added: “It’s been really nice to see everyone here together this morning, and it is helping the youngsters to settle in more easily.”
For information, visit: www.forest.wokingham.sch.uk
