The decision to admit girls into UCS Hampstead 10 years ago has been described as “ground-breaking”.

Back in 2004 the governors of the Frognal school, which was founded as a boys’ school in 1830, opted to make the sixth-form co-educational, with the first cohort arriving in 2007.

The change in policy was prompted by years of parents enquiring into the possibility of the school admitting girls.

The number of female applicants rises every year and the school is celebrating a decade of co-education in the autumn.

Looking back on the decision, UCS vice master Chris Reynolds said: “The girls made a huge impact from the moment they arrived.

“That year group immediately gelled and the boys and girls together, through their combined spirit, creativity and leadership, produced a truly vibrant atmosphere at the top end of the school.”