For the first time in its 83-year history, Campion School is set to go co-ed from Monday (July 14). The former boys’ school will see young girls stepping in, only into the nursery and kindergarten classes, starting the co-ed format in a staggered manner. The former ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) school is also to adopt the Cambridge International Education board, under which the infrastructure of the school will get a complete overhaul.
Alumni, who once attended Campion when it was an all-boys’ school, are eager to send their daughters to their now inclusive alma mater. Varun Ahuja, who was a part of the 2003 batch, is now eagerly awaiting his daughter’s first day at Campion. “Of course, we’re a little nervous since our child is starting out on her new journey, but I’m sure that the educators and inclusive infrastructure will make it a smooth transition.”
Campion School has redesigned its learning spaces to ensure kids learn through diverse ways. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Reminiscing on his adolescent days at Campion, Ahuja adds that a co-ed format could have transformed his life too. “Had Campion been co-ed back then, I would have definitely become a college student who was more conscious of his surroundings,” said Ahuja. The move was also welcomed by those who parent both boys and girls, and hope to send their children to the same school. “We have twins and they are basically joined at the hip, so we’re glad that they now get to study together at Campion,” said Purazar Fouzdar, who is about to send his young girl and boy to junior kindergarten.
Adapting to the new Cambridge curriculum, the school will now feature tech-savvy classrooms, experiential learning, and diverse assessments, informed Sarah Justin Thomas, the newly appointed female principal who will now head the Campion School. “Young students need not sit in one place and study. We have tried to redesign our learning spaces to ensure that they are able to learn through diverse ways. We already have a good ratio of male and female faculty and we are conducting extensive training to ensure that the educators are conscious of the new students,” reflected Thomas on the preparedness of the school.
While Campion has always had kindergarten, the school is introducing a nursery curriculum for the first time. This year, the school is to welcome 30 nursery and 48 Junior KG students. “While we had enough boys enrolling at the school, our education philosophy is rooted in inclusion, so it’s natural to go co-ed. Values like sensitivity and respect can’t be created in an all-boys school; these need to be inculcated in early years and co-education is the right setup for it,” said Fr John Rose, SJ, chairperson of the school management.
The board of management at Campion has been planning out this decision over the last few years to make the school more inclusive. “Today’s professional and academic world is co-educational, and both genders need to lead and adapt to each other. Many families have both girls and boys; now the pair of them can be schooled at Campion,” added Sharookh Contractor, former chairperson and a current member of the Campion general body.
Alumni Speak
Speaking with mid-day, renowned alumni of Campion School shared their thoughts on the transition to co-education…
Niranjan Hiranandani, founder, Hiranandani Group
‘Opening its doors to young girls and moving toward a co-educational model is a welcome and necessary evolution. A co-ed environment fosters a more balanced social development and encourages mutual respect and collaboration — skills that are indispensable in the real world. It reflects the modern ethos of inclusivity and equality — values that are essential for a progressive society. As for the shift to the Cambridge Board, it aligns with the globalisation of education.’
Atul Kasbekar, producer and photographer
‘This is a welcome change, and it should have happened sooner! Only boys’ or all-girls’ schools are a very dated concept in today’s day and age, since all children should co-exist in an educational space. I was a part of several co-curricular activities at Campion in my day and age. Had there been girls back then, I’m sure they would have beaten me at many of these.’
Dr Vivek Mendonsa, director, Lawrence & Mayo
‘Equality between men and women is a must! A co-ed system teaches children how to converse and deal with the other gender. This move is very welcome and has made things especially easier for parents with two children.’
Rajdeep Sardesai, journalist
‘I must confess that when I first heard of it, I was a bit surprised. It almost felt like a precious childhood all-boys school space was being snatched away. But we all have to change with the times and I think Campion has rightly chosen to be part of that change. I wish the school well in their new avatar!’
