EXCLUSIVE: An independent boys' school is to admit girls for the first time in its 105-year history.

The owners of Mowden School in Hove, which has been run by the Snell family since 1896, have decided to entrust its management to Lancing College.

From September 2002 the college will take over management of the school in The Droveway when headmaster Christopher Snell retires.

As Lancing is now fully co-educational, Mowden is also expected to accept girls from next September.

The Snell family has run Mowden since its foundation and has steadily developed the school on its spacious site since 1913.

Parents today received a letter from the headmaster explaining the decision.

Mr Snell said it had always been the family's intention that his son Mark, a maths teacher at Westminster Under School, should join him in 2002.

He said: "Sadly, however, Mark has recently separated from his wife and he has decided to pursue his teaching career in London.

"His appointment as head of mathematics at KCS Junior School in Wimbledon will enable him to maintain close contact with his son, Harry, a decision which we not only respect but totally support."

Mr Snell added: "Having always enjoyed a long and happy association with Lancing College, I am delighted that our ties with this fine school are to be strengthened in this way.

"Although I am sad to be leaving, I am very excited about the future of both schools."

Peter Tinniswood, headmaster of Lancing College, said: "I believe that this is a marvellous opportunity for both schools. We can now offer parents continuity from pre-prep through to sixth form.

"Mowden's fine tradition complements our own and we look forward to working even more closely with its teachers, pupils and parents."

Mowden will keep its historic name and a new head will be appointed in the next few months.