As leading private schools like Shore and Kincoppal-Rose Bay reverse their plans to offer co-education at junior levels, the debate around the relevance of single-sex schools has intensified.
Research shows girls in co-ed schools face significantly higher rates of sex-based harassment – often dismissed as “harmless banter” – compared to those in single-sex settings.
Experts argue that single-sex schooling offers safer, more supportive environments, with data revealing dramatically lower bullying rates and better protection from sexism and sexual misconduct.
“The strength of our single-sex model ensures that girls can move confidently from primary into secondary school within the same supportive environment — building lasting relationships and developing the leadership skills that will carry them forward,” Loreto Normanhurst Principal, Marina Ugonotti said.
From Year 5 through to Year 12, Loreto Normanhurst students experience continuity in a community that fosters deep connections with peers and teachers.
Ugonotti said this “consistent environment” is key to young peoples’ academic success, wellbeing, and personal growth.
“At a time when gender bias and social pressures are still very present in our communities, single-sex schools offer a unique environment where girls can take up space, speak up, and step into leadership without hesitation,” she said.
Ugonotti pointed to recent studies, which she said support this approach.
“Girls in single-sex schools report greater confidence, stronger academic outcomes, and a higher likelihood of pursuing careers in leadership and traditionally male-dominated fields, such as STEM,” she said.
“At Loreto Normanhurst, 100% of leadership positions go to girls, and our bespoke Loreto Normanhurst Student Growth Model and programs like our Social and Emotional Education Program ‘OakSEED’ are specifically designed to nurture the emotional, social, and academic development of adolescent girls,” Ugonotti said.
‘Co-ed schools best prepare young people for the real world’
Raquel Charet, Chair of the Heads of Independent Co-educational Schools, has 12 years’ experience as a Principal, first at Sydney Montessori School and Georges River Grammar, where she has held the role of Principal for five years, leading a Kindergarten to Year 12 school of over 900 students.
Since 2024, Charet has been Principal of Masada College, an independent Jewish co-educational day school located in St Ives.
She believes co-educational environments best prepare young people for the real world, where people of all genders live, work and collaborate.
“Co-education allows students to develop mutual understanding, empathy and respect by learning together and interacting in diverse group settings,” Charet told The Educator.
“These environments help break down gender stereotypes through shared experiences, encouraging students to see each other as individuals rather than categories.”
Charet said a co-educational school environment promotes healthy communication, teamwork and the broad exchange of ideas, which she said are all essential for success in tertiary education, the workplace and broader society.
“Rather than shielding students from social pressures, co-education teaches them to manage and respond to those pressures with maturity and resilience,” she said.
“Importantly, co-educational settings play a crucial role in creating a culture of mutual respect and safety.”
Charet said that when young people of different genders learn alongside each other, there are greater opportunities to challenge harmful assumptions, promote respectful relationships and build the confidence of young women to speak up and be heard.
“At the same time, boys learn from a young age to value and respect others' voices, developing healthier and more equitable attitudes that carry into adulthood,” she said.
“These are vital foundations for a safer, more inclusive society, which is often harder to cultivate in single-sex environments.”