GIRLS could be admitted to a boys' school's sixth form for the first time in more than half a century.

Parents of pupils at Dr Challoner's Grammar School are to be asked for their views on allowing girls to study at the school's sixth form after governors announced a consultation.

If the proposals are given parents' backing, female students will be allowed to take places at the Amersham school from September 2016.

The school catered for students of both genders from 1905-1962, when it became a boys only establishment.

A consultation over changing the admissions policy is to be launched on January 23 next year, with a view to offering at least half of the 45 available sixth form places to girls.

The school said the move would give pupils better preparation before heading to university.

Headmaster Dr Mark Fenton said: "We are excited about the prospect of opening up our sixth form to girls. We now have world class sixth form facilities to go with world class teaching and we want girls as well as boys to have the chance to benefit."

Deputy School Captain Ben Reiff said: "I think it's a brilliant idea. It will provide the students with a school culture similar to that of a university, and this will be a great help to those who go on to make that transition. There certainly won't be any complaints from the boys."

Details of how to take part in the consultation can be found on the school’s website at www.challoners.com.