WOKE , WOMEN AND WINCHESTER : CHRIS MATTHEWS
Going co-ed isn ’ t about creating a new culture . It ’ s about instigating the means to be able to produce savvier , more rounded and more intelligent individuals .
kind and moral . And that ’ s because in the end everyone shared similar Wykehamical attributes — intelligence , curiosity , a passion for debate or conversation and an overriding understanding that diplomacy is more useful than shouty stubbornness . Nuance and perspective drive towards a multifaceted education , and banishing female perspectives isn ’ t helpful for boys , or vice versa for girls . It doesn ’ t say much for people ’ s prospects if they can ’ t deal with learning alongside the opposite sex .
It ’ s true , there ’ s something comforting about living in a house with 60 other men : the camaraderie , the teenage humour , the shared experience . There ’ s always a worry that this sort of monumental change will somehow degrade future generations of Wykehamists . But creativity and quirkiness flourish because of the freeness of discussion , devoid of the cancel culture we see at other schools and universities . It ’ s not down to a lack of social pressure because of an absence of girls . Going co-ed isn ’ t about creating a new culture . It ’ s about instigating the means to be able to produce savvier , more rounded and more intelligent individuals .
There will be drawbacks , especially from initially having such a tiny number of girls — inclusion happens through shared experience and organising any sporting activities will be difficult with just 30 people .
I do worry whether the College will be able to ensure that day pupils don ’ t lose some of the benefits of a Wykehamical education by not sharing in the boarding experience . It ’ s an education in itself , especially in how to get along with people .
And to come in for the last two years alone has always been challenging . You need to be a people person , confident and interesting . That ’ s the only way you ’ ll be accepted into groups of people who have spent the last three years living with each other . You ’ re coming to Winchester for a full education . Everyone should want good grades but if that ’ s all you ’ re about then there ’ s a problem . Being one of those first 30 girls will be tough . But if you ’ re good enough to get in , then you ’ ll probably have the backbone to be able to thrive .
Naturally the jury will be out until it settles , and that may take a few years . Is Winchester right for your daughter ? Is it right for your son ? It always depends on the child . But if they want to be the best , why go anywhere other than a school that has been sculpting the most inquisitive and mercurial minds for 639 years ?
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