The first official cohort of nine Lower Sixth girls arrived at Wellington College in 1975. The Apsley soon became the place where girls’ boarding and our journey to co-education began. Now, as we begin the academic year 2025–26, we wish to celebrate the 50th anniversary. This is the year we reach a 50-50 split of boys and girls at College, as the Talbot completes its journey to becoming a girls’ House and the Elizabeth (our new, co-ed Sixth Form House) reaches full capacity.
First Girls to Join The Apsley
Elizabeth House Official Opening
Pioneering Women’s Trail
Celebrate with us at our Special Events
We hope you will join us in celebrating and learning more about our journey to date and acknowledging the achievements of all the pupils and staff who have played their part in making modern Wellington the very special, inclusive – and fully co-educational – place it is.
Pioneering Women’s Trail
The journey to becoming co-educational is full of memorable moments – from stories of being ‘toughened up’ by living in the predominantly ‘male world’ to the humorous, behind-the-scenes chaos of organising events like Speech Day. You will learn more about the many women and girls who have been part of this journey. Alongside these personal experiences, we mark and celebrate achievements – not only in teaching and the life of the College, but across so many areas. From entrepreneurial ventures to breaking new ground in diverse industries, from service in the armed forces to achievements in acting and sport, and with continued success in fields such as Maths and the Sciences, we hope these accomplishments continue to inspire generations to follow.
Learn more about the Pioneering Women’s Trail HERE or via the link below.
Celebrating 50 Years of Co-education – A Day of Celebrations
Saturday 20 September 11:30–16:00
On Saturday 20 September, members of the Wellington Community gathered to celebrate the start of our year-long programme marking 50 Years of Co-education at Wellington College.
The day began with a very special Chapel Service, which brought together past and present choristers and choirmasters in uplifting chorus and worship. We were delighted to welcome back former choirmasters Stefan Anderson and George de Voil, who joined Simon Williamson and Sean Farrell alongside our current choirmaster, Jack Thompson.
Following the service, guests enjoyed lunch in Waterloo Hall before gathering in Selangor Court for the official launch of one of the centrepieces of the anniversary year: the Pioneering Women’s Trail.
Celebrating 50 Years of Co-education – The Film
September 2025 marks two major milestones for the College: 50 years since the official admission of girls into the Apsley and the College reaching a 50-50 co-educational ratio across the school.
To celebrate, the College has commissioned a film exploring how and why girls joined Wellington in the 1970s, and our journey towards full co-education. Told through the voices of pupils, parents, staff and OWs, the film weaves together the past, present and future – reflecting our ongoing commitment to an inclusive and progressive ethos.
Celebrating 50 Years of Co-education – The Film Premiere
Friday 27 February 19:30–21:00
Join us for the premiere of our specially commissioned film and enjoy an evening of discussion where OWs and past and present staff will reflect on their experiences of co-education, the evolution of the College and what the future has in store.
To find out more about the event and to book tickets, click below.
Celebrating 50 years of Co-education Through the Arts
Wednesday 11 March 19:30–22:00
A magnificent evening of music, dance and drama with current pupils and OWs performing side-by-side to celebrate the creative spirit and energy of a co-educational Wellington.
To find out more about the event being held at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre and how to book, click below.
Speech Day 2026
Saturday 23 May 10:00–16:30
We welcome pupils, parents and staff to celebrate Speech Day 2026 with us in the iconic Wellington Big Top. Enjoy a showcase event of the year’s activities, prize-giving and speeches from the College Community. This will be followed by the annual House drinks reception and lunch on Turf, various pupil-led activities across site including the field gun, exhibitions and the traditional full-school Callover.
At this year’s event, we will shine a special spotlight on co-education, acknowledging the benefits and strengths of Wellington’s contemporary community where everyone is welcomed and valued. We are better together and so proud that, 166 years after the foundation of Wellington College as a boys-only institution, we have finally become a fully balanced co-educational school.
To learn more about Speech Day and parent booking, please click below.
