Co-Educational Prep School in London
Co-education, by definition, is the education of all students together in the same school, sharing the same classrooms, lessons and opportunities regardless of gender. At The Lyceum, it has been at the heart of who we are since we opened our doors in 1997. As a co-educational prep school in the City of London for children aged 4 to 11, we believe that pupils learn best when they learn side by side. They develop respect, empathy and confidence alongside strong academic foundations. Our small, inclusive community is a place where every child is known, valued and encouraged to become the best version of themselves.
What Is Co-Education?
The simplest definition of co-education is an approach in which children are taught together, rather than in separate single-sex schools or classes. In a co-educational school, children share the same curriculum, teachers, activities and expectations, and they work together every day as classmates, teammates and friends.
Co-education is now the most common model in UK schools. Almost all state primary schools are co-educational, and so are the majority of independent schools. Many schools have chosen this approach because it reflects the world children will grow up into: a world in which people of all genders study, work and lead together.
At The Lyceum, co-education isn’t simply an arrangement. It is a philosophy that shapes how we teach, how we care for our pupils and how we help them grow.
| Feature | How The Lyceum School delivers this |
| Co-educational learning | All students learn together in an inclusive, collaborative environment that encourages mutual respect and shared learning. |
| Academic excellence | A broad curriculum supported by personalised teaching helps every child reach their full potential. |
| Social development | Daily collaboration develops communication skills, empathy, confidence and teamwork. |
| Individual growth | Small class sizes allow teachers to nurture every child’s strengths, interests and personal development. |
| Enrichment opportunities | Sport, music, creative arts and extracurricular activities help pupils develop beyond the classroom. |
| Preparation for the future | Pupils gain the confidence, resilience and interpersonal skills needed for senior school and later life. |
Benefits of a Co-Educational Prep School
Research into single-sex and co-educational schooling suggests that what matters most is the quality of teaching and the culture of the school. In a nurturing co-educational setting, the benefits reach every part of a child’s development.
Academic Achievement
In a co-educational classroom, children hear a wider range of perspectives and approaches to problem-solving. A group tackling a STEAM challenge, planning a history presentation or debating a book in English benefits from different ways of thinking. This naturally deepens understanding and raises the quality of discussion.
Confidence and Resilience
When children grow up learning alongside one another, the classroom becomes a place where everyone is equally expected to contribute, take risks and try again. Pupils learn to share ideas confidently in any company, a skill that serves them in senior school interviews, presentations and beyond.
Communication Skills
Everyday interaction with a diverse group of classmates helps children learn to listen carefully, express themselves clearly and appreciate different points of view. Our Speech and Language programme, class assemblies and performances build on this every week.
Leadership Opportunities
In a co-ed prep school, leadership roles are open to all. At The Lyceum, Year 6 pupils serve as House Captains, peer reading partners and mentors, and our Wellbeing Council is democratically elected from Years 1 to 6. Boys and girls learn to lead, and to follow, with equal confidence.
Collaboration
Much of our topic-based learning is built around group work. Whether pupils are building a model in the STEAM Studio or rehearsing a class performance, they learn to value each other’s strengths and achieve more together.
Respect and Empathy
Learning together from the age of four helps children see each other simply as friends and classmates. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion runs through the curriculum, so every pupil feels valued and heard.
Preparation for Future Education
Our leavers go on to a wide range of senior schools, including co-educational schools such as Highgate and Forest School, and single-sex schools such as City of London School for Girls and Haberdashers’ Boys’ School. A co-educational start gives children the social confidence to thrive in any setting.
Personal Development
Above all, co-education supports the whole child. Our pupils leave The Lyceum happy, curious and confident, with a strong sense of who they are and how they can make a positive contribution to the world.
Why Choose The Lyceum School?
Founded in 1997 and now housed in a bright five-storey building on Worship Street, The Lyceum is a small school with big ambitions. It is part of the Dukes Education family. What sets our co-educational Prep School apart?
- Co-educational learning that builds collaboration, respect and confidence. Boys and girls learn, play and grow together in a warm, family atmosphere.
- Small class sizes and personalised teaching. Every child is known as an individual by every member of staff, so teaching can be tailored to their strengths and next steps.
- A broad and balanced curriculum. Our topic-based Prep School curriculum combines rigorous English and maths with History, Geography, Science, STEAM, Computing, Spanish and Latin, as well as specialist music, art and games.
- Strong pastoral care and an inclusive community. Our House system, Wellbeing Council and daily wellbeing initiatives mean that every pupil feels safe, happy and supported. Read more about our aims and ethos.
- Excellent extracurricular opportunities. Pupils can choose from a wide range of clubs before and after school, from fencing and judo to drama and coding.
- Successful transition to senior school. In 2025–26, our Year 6 pupils received 47 offers from 24 senior schools, and 93% secured a place at their first-choice school.
To see co-education in action, book an Open Day or explore our admissions process.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Co-education at The Lyceum extends well beyond lessons. On the sports field, everyone competes together in inter-House fixtures and at our annual Sports Day at Mile End Stadium. In music, pupils sing together in our three choirs, play in our Big Band and Orchestra, and take to the stage each summer for our musical extravaganza at St Giles Cripplegate in the Barbican.
Our central London location opens the door to museums, galleries, theatres and Royal Parks, and our trips and residential visits help friendships grow outside school. Our extracurricular clubs, from Street Dance to Chess, bring children of different ages and interests together. These shared experiences build the teamwork, confidence and friendships that make our community so special.
Preparing Children for the Future
Our aim is for every child to leave The Lyceum ready for the next stage of their education, both academically and personally. As an independent co-ed prep school in London, we combine academic excellence with the skills that matter just as much: independent learning, collaboration, resilience and the confidence to speak up.
We work closely with each family to find the right senior school, whether that is co-educational or single-sex, day or boarding. Our pupils consistently gain places at highly selective schools, and many win academic, music and sports scholarships. In the words of our most recent ISI inspection feedback, “teachers understand their pupils very well and there are strong, respectful relationships across the school.”
To start your child’s journey, explore our admissions process, which begins with entry into Reception, or contact us with any questions.
