GirlsIndependent

The Maynard School

Exeter, Devon, South West · EX1 1SJ

Founded in 1656, The Maynard School is among the oldest girls' schools in the country and remains a small, close-knit community of around 411 pupils in Exeter. It educates girls from age 4 through to 18, with a sixth form of 88. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent for both education and personal development, with all compliance requirements met. Its scale lends it an intimate character, and the breadth of subjects on offer is notable for a school of this size.

411

Pupils

excellent

ISI

£21,561

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender: Girls
Type: independent (fee-paying) school
Age range: 4-18
Pupils: 411
Location: Exeter, Devon, South West
Website: http://www.maynard.co.uk/
Telephone: 01392 273417

Entrance & admissions

Entry age: 11

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Headteacher

Head Mrs Liz Gregory

Latest results

Attainment 8

60.5

National average 46.9

GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)

85%

National average 47%

GCSE grade 9-7

76%

A-level A*-A

60%

A-level A*-B

86%

Teaching & academics

Results sit comfortably above national benchmarks: an Attainment 8 score of 60.5 against a national average of 46.9, and 85% of pupils achieving grade 5 or above in English and Maths, compared with 47% nationally. More than three-quarters of GCSE grades fall in the 9-7 range, and at A-level 60% reach A*-A with 86% at A*-B. The sciences and mathematics feature strongly among popular choices, alongside English Literature and a thriving Textiles Technology strand, and the EPQ is offered to extend independent study. Around a quarter of pupils receive SEN support, suggesting a school used to working with a range of learning needs.

Sixth form

Sixth-form pupils: 88

Popular A-level subjects

MathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyEnglish LiteratureDesign and Technology (Textiles Technology)Further MathematicsBusiness Studies

Qualifications offered

GCSEA-levelEPQ

Learning support & SEN

SEN support: 25.18%
EHC plans: 0.47%

Arts & extracurricular

Scholarships

10% fee reduction scholarshipsMaynard Awards (combined scholarship and bursary)

Languages

FrenchSpanish

Popular GCSE subjects

MathematicsEnglish LiteratureBiologyChemistryPhysicsHistoryGeographyDrama & Theatre StudiesArt & Design (Fine Art)Physical Education/Sports StudiesMusicFrenchSpanishLatinReligious StudiesComputer Studies/ComputingD&T Food Technology

Beyond the classroom

Subject choice is unusually wide for a small school, taking in Latin, Drama & Theatre Studies, Music, Art and several modern languages. The combination of creative and technical options, from Fine Art to Food Technology, points to a rounded curriculum beyond the academic core.

Ethos & heritage

Founded: 1656
Boarding: No

Mobile phone policy

Year 7: no smartphones permitted unless non-smart phone. Years 8-11: smartphone allowed but must be turned off and in locker during day. Years 12-13: smartphone allowed but cannot be used around site except in sixth form centre or with teacher permission in lessons.

Money matters

Day fees (per year): £10,329 - £21,561

Inspection reports

ISI rating: excellent
ISI personal development: excellent
Last inspected: 16 September 2025

Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

A historic girls' school where small numbers meet strong results and a broad curriculum. Day fees range from £10,329 to £21,561, with scholarships and combined Maynard Awards to ease the cost.

The Passmate verdict