Chatham Grammar School for Boys is set to embark on a new era saying it has won parents’ support for its plan to admit girls.

The change will also involve a new name to incorporate “Holcombe” – recognising that many former pupil call themselves “Old Holks”.

School bosses say the move will not damage the number of grammar school places for boys in the area and they will ensure this through their admission arrangements.

Denise Shepherd, chief executive of Thinking Schools Academy Trust (TSAT), said: “The trust were pleased to note the support expressed for this proposal especially by those who would like the choice of sending their sons and daughters to a co-ed grammar school in the local area.

“The school has responded to concerns about the potential number of selective places for boys by committing to there being no detriment to boys’ selective places and reflecting this in our admissions arrangements.

"The trust believes that this is an exciting proposition that will help serve the needs of all students in the local area.”

But the plans have not received universal approval. Chatham MP Tracey Crouch said: “I’m extremely disappointed that TSAT have ignored concerns from myself, the council and parents. I will be writing to the Department for Education to seek further advice.”

A Medway Council spokesman said: “The council objected due to concerns about the reduction in the availability of boys’ grammar places, which would have a negative impact on the council’s ability to meet our statutory duty to provide sufficient school places, and would reduce the grammar school choices available to boys in Medway.

“In addition, we had concerns about the potential negative impact of the proposed changes on local girls’ grammar schools.

“The proposal for the school to become co-educational has now been submitted by the trust to the EFA for consideration by ministers, who will make the final decision.”

A final decision will be made by the Regional Schools Commissioner and the Education Funding Agency.

A spokesman from the Department of Education said a decision had not yet been made.

If agreed, the first girls would be admitted in 2017.