AN Alton school, which takes pupils from across the Farnham area, is taking a bold leap of faith with a multi-million pound plan to upgrade and enhance its facilities to meet the needs of a changing world.

As it approaches its 80th year, Alton Convent School - an all-girls school at senior level - has announced radical changes and a major programme of development “to ensure the school remains a centre of excellence for generations to come.”

While maintaining its ethos, as from September it will drop the word ‘Convent’ and change its name to ‘Alton School’, and it will become co-educational.

Viewed as “the right time” for such a change, with more boys currently in the prep-school than girls, it will go back to its roots by opening up the entire school to boys.

As from September 2018 boys will be accepted into years seven and12 (sixth form), which will enable girls currently in years six to nine to experience a girls-only teaching environment until completion of their GCSEs.

Headmaster Graham Maher said the plan going forward will include the implementation of curriculum changes designed “to prepare pupils for a profoundly different future world.”

There will be significant development of sports facilities and provision; the building of a new design and technology facility; an expanded international programme with increased interaction with sister and partner schools around the world; and the reintroduction of boarding facilities to further develop this international programme.

Mr Maher added: “Alton Convent School is thriving and received an ‘excellent in all areas’ inspection report in March this year. We have a strong foundational ethos, outstanding academic and sports results, and excellent pastoral care. Allowing boys to stay with us into the senior school will not change this.”