Girls Return to the 'Royal'

THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS of the Royal Wolverhampton School, Penn Road, announced in December that they are seeking changes in their constitution.

From September next, girls are returning to the Royal School. The old girls wing of the school was closed down in 1964. Now, day girls will be accepted at eleven years of age in the Senior School. Brothers and sisters will therefore be able to attend the same school.

The new Headmaster, Mr. Raymond Hawkins, aged 40, said there is room for 25 girls each year until a third of the projected 450 pupils are girls. Two new Day Houses are being built for them and two Housemistresses and a Games Mistress will be engaged, followed by an additional lady teacher every year until 1985.

There will be an Entrance Examination in May 1978.

The Royal School is following changes at many well known Public Schools - like Oakham, Dean Close - Cheltenham, King's School - Ely and Taunton School. "It will be nothing new", said Mr. P.V. Sellers, chairman of Governors, an Old Boy and a well known local businessman. "We have had nearly 120 years of experience of running a mixed school, probably more than any other Board in the country".

The new Headmaster, who once taught at King's School, Ely, said that he hoped the people of Wolverhampton would continue to support their Royal School, and that he was proud to be associated with its caring tradition.

The governors of the School have also the intention to seek up to six scholarships of part fees in May 1978 which will be open to both boys and girls aged 11 years. "This should make our good examination record even better" said Mr. Hawkins, "and ensure that able children should not be deprived of a good education through lack of funds."