The Maynard School in Exeter is proud to be the oldest girls’ school in the UK and is still to this day the South-West’s leading independent school for girls aged 4–18 years (Reception–Year 13).
IT’S ALL GIRLS – Designed and geared solely to allow girls to flourish.
UNLEASHING BRILLIANCE – In 2024, we achieved the best A level results in the South-West and our latest ISI Inspection deemed us as ‘excellent’ in all five main categories.
A SAFE HAVEN – Stereotypes and sexism don’t exist here. Our students flourish in a safe, nurturing and mutually collaborative environment – another luxury of a girls-only education.
OUR VERY SMALL CLASS SIZES – We’re proud to have some of the smallest class sizes of any school in the region. And we pledge to keep them small to retain the best possible learning environment.
A DOUBLE AWARD-WINNING WELLBEING PROVISION – We are the out-and-out pioneers when it comes to wellbeing, as testified by being the only school in Devon to have achieved the Wellbeing Award for Schools twice.
AFFORDABILITY – Comparatively, we represent great value. It’s no surprise we have featured so regularly in the Daily Telegraph’s Top Ten Best Value Private Schools in the UK.
LOCATION – Our city centre location makes us easy to get to with plenty of public transport options and a fleet of buses to pick up and drop off daily.
OPPORTUNITY ABOUNDS – There’s masses to do with an extensive extracurricular offering that caters for all tastes and interests. Busy girls are happy girls!
OUR FUTURE LEADERS ARE HERE – It’s cool to be ambitious here and our empowering environment enables every girl to be, and do, whatever she aspires to... as proven by our remarkable alumnae!
‘THIS IS HANDS DOWN THE BEST OPTION FOR GIRLS IN DEVON.’ SARAH BOWEN, CURRENT PARENT
Numbers. There are approximately 430 day girls in the School, of whom 120 are in the Pre-Prep and Junior School and 75 in the Sixth Form.
School buildings. The school is set in a leafy area of central Exeter in Devon, five minutes from the centre of the city. The extensive buildings include a separate newly renovated Sixth Form Centre; a purpose-built block for Science, Mathematics, and Computing; well-equipped Food & Nutrition and Textiles Rooms; Music and Art Rooms and a Performing Arts Theatre which also serves as a gym, and an impressive Sports Hall which provides full-scale indoor facilities. The Junior School and Pre-Prep are situated within the grounds and are fully equipped for the education of girls aged 4–11 years.
Curriculum. The curriculum is academically rigorous and maintains a good balance between Arts and Science subjects. English, Mathematics, the Sciences and Sport are particular strengths; full scope is given to creative and practical activities, as well as ICT skills. The school prepares all girls for University, including Oxford and Cambridge. A carefully developed programme of careers advice, begun at 11+ and continuing through to the Sixth Form, ensures that all pupils are individually guided in subject options with their long-term career interests at heart.
Examinations. Candidates normally take 9 subjects at GCSE and 3 at A level. Students are fully prepared for Oxford and Cambridge University Entrance.
Physical Education. Hockey, Netball, Badminton, Basketball, Volleyball, Rugby, Squash, Dance and Gymnastics are offered in the winter terms; Tennis and Cricket are played in the summer term. Training is given in Athletics, and Swimming is part of the normal timetable for all girls during the Summer Term. Kickboxing, kayaking, the extensive gym and more are on offer all year round. Besides its excellent indoor facilities, and two hard courts and an Astro court in its own grounds, the school has access to a playing field a short walk away and is close to three swimming pools. The school has an extensive fixture programme in Netball, Hockey, Badminton, Basketball, Tennis, Swimming, Athletics and Cricket. Teams have regularly reached national standard. In addition, The Maynard has a strong extracurricular programme of outdoor pursuits including the Ten Tors, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Exmoor Challenge.
Admission. All admissions, except Pre-Prep, are subject to an Entrance Assessment graduated according to age and held in January each year for entry in the following September. Pre-Prep admissions attend a Taster Day where they are informally assessed. Entry into the Sixth Form is by interview. If space becomes available, it is possible to join mid-year.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Pre-Prep: Reception £2,827 (including lunch), Years 1–2 £3,256; Junior School: Years 3–5 £4,937; Senior School: Years 6–13 £5,900. Fees include wraparound care from 8.00 am to 5.30 pm. There is also a generous Sibling Discount Scheme.
Scholarships and the Maynard Award Programme. A range of Academic, Sport, Music and Creative Arts Scholarships are available for Senior School entry at 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form. The Maynard Award Programme also offers opportunities to girls from all sectors of the community. Two 100% scholarships are available for entry into our Sixth Form as part of the Programme.
Further information. The Prospectus, Scholarship and The Maynard Award information are available from the Admissions Office. Visitors are very welcome by appointment, and tours and taster days can be arranged for girls considering the school. Email: admissions@maynard.co.uk; Tel: 01392 355998.
Charitable status. The Maynard School is a Registered Charity, number 1099027. It exists to provide quality education for girls.