MALE students will be admitted to a school in Darlington in September for the first time in its 150-year history.

Polam Hall, an independent fee-paying school, said the decision to allow boys into its sixth form would help female pupils ease into university life.

Headteacher Marie Green said she believed Polam Hall, which has about 500 pupils aged two to 18, was the first girls' school in the region to accept boys on to its roll.

She said: "While we remain absolutely convinced a single sex environment is the right thing for up to the age of 16, we recognise the 16-19 stage has very different needs and everybody gains from mixing at that age."

The school already has a link with Hurworth House, a fee-paying school near Darlington, which teaches boys up to the age of 16.

A handful of boys from there study A-levels at Polam Hall, but remain Hurworth House pupils.

Now they will be added to Polam Hall's register, and boys from other schools will be encouraged to enrol, though none will be allowed to board.

Miss Green said that the reaction from parents, pupils and teachers had been very positive.

Polam Hall will hold an open day tomorrow for girls and boys from 10am-1pm.