In Australia, co-education is the dominant model. Only 5 per cent of our 9400-plus schools are single-sex and less than 2 per cent are girls’ schools. Co-ed is what most of us have experienced. Yet those who have had a single-sex school experience are equally as passionate as co-ed advocates about the benefits and positive impact of their schooling on their lives. And yes, just like in co-ed schools, some people will have had a negative experience.
A 2016 study by the South Australian Association of State School Organisations, demonstrated that demand for single-sex schools is strong: most (62 per cent of parents and 83 per cent of teachers) want more all-girls public schools.
Yet, a recent article in the Herald quoted some parents as saying a lack of choice could force them to move, to accommodate their preference for co-educational schooling.