Harrogate Ladies’ College has announced it will extend its co-ed provision into senior school from September 2026.
At the same time the school, along with its associated junior school, Highfield Prep School, will operate under the new name of Duchy College.
The school began life as a boys’ school, before becoming a girls’ senior school, and went on to open a co-ed prep school 25 years ago.
Now in the next phase of its evolution, it will once again welcome Year 7 and Year 12 boys to its senior school from September 2026, and will operate under the new name of Duchy College for all pupils from 2 to 18 years.
The school will continue to be led by Principal, Joanna Fox along with the current senior leadership team and the existing Board of Governors led by Chair of Governors, Dame Francine Holroyd.
Principal, Joanna Fox, explained the reason behind this new era for the school;
“We were pioneers of girls’ education in the early 20th century at a time when girls struggled to access university.
"The world has, thankfully, evolved and our focus has evolved with it.
"Our aim today is to provide a tailored educational experience, where pupils are known as individuals and are supported pastorally and academically."
Mrs Fox added:
“We are committed to ensuring we move forward gradually and sensitively.
"Our immediate priority is our existing pupils.
"We are introducing this next chapter with a dedication to continuity and working closely with our with our current families and alumni.”
Previously, the school was called Harrogate College before the introduction of Harrogate Ladies’ College in the 1980s and Highfield Prep School in 2000.
The new name of Duchy College, which aligns with the school’s location within The Duchy area of Harrogate, will be used across all areas of the school from September 2026.
This new chapter will also see further developments to the school’s campus including:
- The opening of a brand new Sixth Form Centre, which will offer individual study spaces
- An extended sports provision
- A new baccalaureate programme running from prep school into senior school
- An enhanced co-ed “boutique” boarding environment.
To find out more about Harrogate Ladies College, visit their website https://www.hlc.org.uk/ and hear from principal Joanna Fox below, sspeaking to Your Harrogate's Pete Egerton.
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