The Secret to Success: Separating Sides in Education?

Tintern Grammar, a private school in Australia, has achieved impressive VCE exam results by separating students along gender lines until year 9. In this two-stream system, boys and girls attend separate classes before coming together for co-educational learning.

According to Brad Fry, the principal at Tintern Grammar, separating the sexes is a deliberate design choice that helps students thrive in their individual ways. “Girls and boys learn differently,” he notes, drawing on his experience as a science and maths teacher. By teaching them separately until a certain age, the school aims to create an environment where each sex can focus on developing its unique strengths.

The results are impressive: Tintern Grammar has seen a steady increase in median study scores over the past decade, culminating in its best-ever median of 34 in both 2024 and 2025. The percentage of students achieving study scores of 40 or above has also risen – from 11.1% in 2016 to an impressive 18.6% last year.

Tintern Grammar’s success raises questions about the effectiveness of co-education. Is it possible that we’re getting too caught up in the idea of co-education as the only way forward? By acknowledging and embracing the differences between boys and girls, educators might create a more inclusive education system that caters to individual needs.

Some critics argue that separating students along gender lines creates a self-perpetuating cycle of stereotypes. However, Fry argues that his school’s model allows for “positive attitudes and dispositions” to be instilled in students from an early age. Students like Olivia Cardamone and Sebastian Humphrys credit the parallel learning model with helping them build confidence and develop leadership skills.

Tintern Grammar’s approach highlights the importance of flexibility and adaptability in education. By recognizing that boys and girls might benefit from separate learning environments at certain stages, educators can create a more inclusive teaching experience. Collaboration between staff and students is also crucial – as Fry notes, his school’s careers program has given students invaluable work experience.

As Tintern Grammar celebrates its 150th anniversary next year, it’s clear that this private school is bucking trends with its innovative approach to education. Whether or not its two-stream system becomes the norm remains to be seen – but one thing’s for sure: this secret to success has earned a place in the spotlight.

Fry observes wryly, “You don’t run onto the football field thinking about what the score will be at the end.” By focusing on providing students with an education that caters to their individual needs and fosters a love of learning, perhaps we’ll see more schools taking cues from Tintern Grammar’s playbook.