A recent internal memo at The Doon School has unexpectedly sparked a heated debate, with many alumni raising concerns over the possibility of the iconic boys-only boarding school turning co-educational. In response, the school has firmly stated that no such decision has been made.
On March 17, Doon School’s headmaster Dr Jagpreet Singh sent a message to members of the Indian Public Schools' Society (IPSS), which governs the school. Attached to it was a four-page document discussing the reasons why the school could consider allowing girls to enrol. It cited changing times and research that suggests single-gender education may not hold any special academic advantage.
The intention behind the memo was to start a discussion and gather opinions from the school's trustees. But the internal message leaked, causing confusion and concern among many alumni, who feared the school’s traditional identity could change.
For many former students, Doon School is more than just an institution, it's part of their identity. The idea of admitting girls raised alarm about what it could mean for the school's unique character and legacy, which dates back to its founding in 1935.
In response, Anoop Singh Bishnoi, the chairman of the Board of Governors, issued a follow-up note on April 7. He clarified that the memo was not a policy announcement, but simply a way to begin thinking about the future.
“I want to personally assure you that no decision has been taken regarding the school becoming co-ed,” Bishnoi said. He also promised that no changes would be made without majority support from the school’s stakeholders.
The memo discussed various points, from the need for new infrastructure and safety measures for girls, to questions about how such changes would be funded. But as of now, there is no public plan or timeline, and school authorities stress it was only an internal conversation meant to explore possibilities.
While the topic of co-education has come up in quiet conversations over the years, this is the first time such a detailed proposal was shared, even if just for internal discussion.
Inputs from TOI
On March 17, Doon School’s headmaster Dr Jagpreet Singh sent a message to members of the Indian Public Schools' Society (IPSS), which governs the school. Attached to it was a four-page document discussing the reasons why the school could consider allowing girls to enrol. It cited changing times and research that suggests single-gender education may not hold any special academic advantage.
The intention behind the memo was to start a discussion and gather opinions from the school's trustees. But the internal message leaked, causing confusion and concern among many alumni, who feared the school’s traditional identity could change.
For many former students, Doon School is more than just an institution, it's part of their identity. The idea of admitting girls raised alarm about what it could mean for the school's unique character and legacy, which dates back to its founding in 1935.
In response, Anoop Singh Bishnoi, the chairman of the Board of Governors, issued a follow-up note on April 7. He clarified that the memo was not a policy announcement, but simply a way to begin thinking about the future.
“I want to personally assure you that no decision has been taken regarding the school becoming co-ed,” Bishnoi said. He also promised that no changes would be made without majority support from the school’s stakeholders.
The memo discussed various points, from the need for new infrastructure and safety measures for girls, to questions about how such changes would be funded. But as of now, there is no public plan or timeline, and school authorities stress it was only an internal conversation meant to explore possibilities.
While the topic of co-education has come up in quiet conversations over the years, this is the first time such a detailed proposal was shared, even if just for internal discussion.
Inputs from TOI
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