The question of whether to choose a single-sex or co-educational school is one that many parents in Harpenden wrestle with. Both have their merits, and ultimately the right answer will depend on the individual child. But if you are considering a girls-only prep school for your daughter, we think there are some genuinely compelling reasons to explore what that kind of environment can offer.
At St Hilda’s, we have been educating girls from Nursery through to the end of Prep School for many years, and we have seen firsthand the confidence, ambition, and joy that grows when girls are given a space to be themselves.
Girls Thrive When They Feel Free to Be Themselves
In a single-sex environment, many of the subtle social pressures that can hold girls back in mixed settings simply do not apply. Girls in single-sex schools are more likely to put their hands up in class, take on leadership roles, and explore subjects that might be perceived as traditionally male-dominated, like maths, science, and technology.
This is not about excluding boys from a child’s world. It is about creating a space where girls can grow in their own way, at their own pace, without the comparisons and dynamics that can sometimes hold them back.
A Curriculum Built Around How Girls Learn
At St Hilda’s, our curriculum is designed with girls in mind. Our teachers understand the ways in which girls often approach learning differently, including their tendency to be thoughtful, collaborative, and reflective. We build on those strengths rather than trying to fit girls into a one-size-fits-all model.
This means lessons that encourage discussion, creativity, and genuine engagement. It means building literacy alongside numeracy, developing emotional intelligence alongside academic skill, and creating a classroom culture where every girl knows her contribution is valued.
Strong Female Role Models and Aspirations
In a girls-only prep school, every leader, every team captain, every public speaker, every head of house is a girl. There is no option to defer to a male peer. Girls take on responsibility, lead by example, and see themselves reflected in the achievements of those around them.
The impact of this on aspiration and self-belief is significant. Girls at St Hilda’s leave us with a strong sense of what they are capable of, and that confidence carries them through their senior school careers and beyond.
A Community That Understands Girls
Our staff know girls well. They understand the social dynamics, the emotional landscape, and the particular needs of girls at different stages of development. This means they can offer precisely the right kind of support, challenge, and encouragement at each stage.
Wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at St Hilda’s. You can read more about our approach on our wellbeing pages.
Exceptional Destinations at Senior School
Girls who have benefited from a strong single-sex prep school education tend to arrive at senior school with a level of academic confidence and self-assurance that gives them a real head start. St Hilda’s girls consistently earn places at some of the country’s most prestigious senior schools, and many win scholarships in academic, creative, and sporting disciplines.
To find out more about why families choose St Hilda’s, visit our Why Choose St Hilda’s page or book an open day visit.