Move to convert one of the oldest boys’ schools kicks up a row

Key points

• The Education department’s decision to throw open the doors of one of the oldest boys’ schools in the State to girl students has kicked up a row.
• While a section of former students from the 233-year-old St. Joseph’s Boys’ Higher Secondary School in Kozhikode city have objected to the decision, the school management and staff claimed on Thursday (June 4, 2026) that the proposal for the purpose was given to the government following demands from parents and students.
• At present, the school has over 2,400 students from Classes V to XII.
• Pious Vachaparambil told the media that the change was part of the government’s co-education policy.
• Girl students would be admitted to Plus One classes in the current academic year.