Huntley happy to break tradition

At Huntley co-educational private preparatory school are Georgia (left) and William McDonald, headmaster Sam Edwards, Angus and Olivia Anderson, Sophie and Thomas Williams.

New Zealand's oldest preparatory school, Huntley School on the outskirts of Marton, is now into its fourth year of co-education and has already had to build a second girls' dormitory.

Headmaster Sam Edwards said although it had been difficult and often fraught for the boys' school of 120 years to allow girls in the hallowed halls, that decision is now celebrated.

"We knew that there was no reason that all wonderful benefits the boys enjoy at Huntley shouldn't enhance the lives of the girls as well. And it has."

Four years on it's business as usual at Huntley.

"But now we have an additional uniform, netball teams and ponytails. The boys are still busy being boys building huts in the orchard and playing bullrush in the breaks - actually, so are some of the girls playing bullrush."

Mr Edwards said the board of trustees and the senior staff, despite some opposition, were convinced there was a demand for high quality co-education.

"With no boarding opportunities for girls in the lower North Island, we felt we had an obvious marketing advantage if we were to offer boarding. It made sense for us to offer what many modern families want. After all, parents want both their sons and daughters to succeed in life."

The roll at Huntley is 105 boys and 34 girls.

Mr Edwards it has been lovely to have brothers and sisters together at the school.

"We've noticed that often the girl can be braver than many of their male classmates which helps to push the boys. Her flair for arts and performing is a positive influence.

She's able to explore her passion for dance now that we provide dance programmes and ride her pony as part of the equestrian we are offering in conjunction with Nga Tawa."

However the majority of leadership positions are still held by boys.

Mr Edwards believes the benefits of the new co-educational model are numerous.
"The changes have meant our students grow and develop in a more natural environment, where they relate to both genders, just as they do in a family."

Just this week Huntley School took out the under-13 boys' grade in the six-hour road biking challenge at Manfeild and Year 8 student Sophie Williams has become the national 2000m champion. Mr Edwards lives on the school grounds with his family.

"My eldest, who is 6s, can't wait to come to Huntley. At the moment he has to go primary school down the road."

Boarding supervisor Nadene Jongen said it's been a family affair for her at Huntley with her father, Dave Calkin, head of woodwork classes while mum Merle was a matron.

She admits 82 boarders keep her on the run, but wouldn't have it any other way. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."