St Edward’s College, De La Salle welcome first ever junior co-educational intake

St Edward’s College and De La Salle has welcomed both boys and girls into their junior schools, for the first time ever. 

St Edward's school headmaster Nollaig Mac An Bhaird hailed the landmark step at the college. 

"The inclusion of girls in our Year 1 cohort is not only a reflection of our evolving educational philosophy but also a reaffirmation of our mission to nurture well-rounded individuals in a respectful and inclusive environment.

"We are honoured to welcome these young learners and their families into our community," he said. 

The college said extensive preparations have been undertaken to ensure a smooth transition. 

In a similar move, De La Salle College Junior School in Birgu and St Benild School also welcomed their first ever co-educational intake. 

De La Salle has also welcome its first junior school co-educational intake.

The school said the introduction of girls in Year 1 is the first concrete step in an 11-year process that will gradually transform De La Salle College and Stella Maris College, including St Benild School, into fully co-educational environments.

For this scholastic year, the Year 1 intake has been divided equally between boys and girls, with entry determined through the Church School ballot, organised nationally by the Secretariat for Catholic Education. 

Earlier this week, St Aloysius College's Secondary School admitted its first intake of girls, more than a century after opening its doors to its first students. 

Some 50 female students were welcomed to the school, which has an alumni that includes prime ministers and presidents.