First Girl In 233 Years: Shivani Leads The Way As Kozhikode's St. Joseph Boys' School Goes Co-ed
Kozhikode, Kerala: St Joseph’s Boys Higher Secondary School, founded in 1793 under the leadership of Fr Gabriel Gonsalves on the Mother of God Church premises in Kozhikode, is all set to open its classrooms to girls. The school known ends 233-year history of being an exclusively boys’ institution.
Shivani, a plus one student, took the stride by taking admission after school manager Fr Pious Vachaparambil S J’s decision to embrace the transition toward a mixed-gender institution. As Shivani spearheaded the change, more than 50 other female students followed her, taking admission to Plus-I classes from the 2026-27 academic year and to Class V from the 2027-28 academic year in a phased manner.
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The school management has reportedly started making the necessary infrastructural arrangements, including separate washrooms and restrooms for girl students.
Talking about Shivani, Principal Fr Sooraj Dominic S J said Shivani scripted history by taking courage to join the institution as it turned into a gender-mixed school. “We are all shocked at the courage Shivani showed to join the institution,” the principal said. The boys are excited to welcome the first girl breaking the 233-year-old history. When asked if she was nervous, she replied, “Never,” drawing cheers from students.
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After its foundation in 1793, St Joseph’s began as a European school for the children of employees of the British East India Company. The school is recognised as the oldest public school in Kerala, according to a report by The New Indian Express, citing education department records.
