ALMOST five hundred years of single-sex education outside the sixth form at an East Lancashire grammar school are set to end - because governors believe boys do better if they study alongside girls.

Girls aged from seven upwards will be accepted at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, from September 2001, it was announced today.

The school has operated a mixed-sex sixth form since 1979 and is one of the north west's leading independent schools for A-Level results. At present there are 30 girls in the sixth form.

The headmaster and governors have been encouraged by the progress of other independent schools which have moved to full co-education.

Headmaster Dr David Hempsall said: "Independent schools which have changed to full co-education have found that the academic performance of their boys, as well as the girls joining the school, typically improves.

"This change does not disregard the great tradition on which QEGS is built. Rather it recognises that co-education is the best preparation for our young people's future success."

Identical entrance requirements will be applied to boys and girls at QEGS. which charges £1,818 per term in its main school and £400 less for junior school pupils.

Parents who need help paying the fees will be able to apply for bursaries.

The school is set to celebrate its 500th anniversary in 2009.

Chairman of governors Christopher Haworth said the timing of the decision reflected the school's strengthened academic and financial situation.

He said: "Now is the ideal time to strengthen the academic and social education QEGS provides by offering it to boys and girls."