The Maynard School
Denmark Road, Exeter, EX1 1SJ
Pupils
470
Ages
4 - 18
Gender
Girls
Type
Primary & Secondary
Head Teacher
Mrs Liz Gregory
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£2,352 to £5,106
ISC Associations
GSA, AGBIS, ISBA, HMC
Religion
Non-denominational
Bursaries
Available
About The Maynard School
The Maynard School, located in Exeter, is a distinguished academically selective school that offers a nurturing environment for girls aged four to 18. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence and personal development, the school ensures that each girl is given the opportunity to thrive from the prep stage through to the sixth form. The school’s approach to admissions is rigorous, with assessments and interviews designed to identify students who will benefit from and contribute to the school community.
Entry into the pre-prep is based on behavioural assessments during a taster day, while junior school admissions require a 7+ assessment. All junior school pupils sit the 11+ exam for senior school entry, ensuring a consistent standard across the board. For senior school entry, students undergo a taster day, an interview with the head, and either an 11+ or 13+ exam, which includes reasoning, English, and maths, with an additional science paper for the 13+ exam. The school draws pupils from a variety of local primary schools, including St Peter’s Prep and Exeter Cathedral School.
The transition to the sixth form is contingent upon interviews with senior staff and achieving at least six grade 7 GCSEs, with specific requirements for English, maths, and chosen A-level subjects. The sixth form is bolstered by an influx of 15-20 new students each year, maintaining a vibrant and dynamic learning environment.
The school boasts an impressive retention rate, with 95% of year 6 pupils progressing to the senior school. Post-GCSE, 80-85% of students remain for the sixth form, with those leaving often opting for Exeter College due to its broader tertiary pathways or financial considerations. Post A-levels, a significant 85% of students advance to Russell Group universities, with popular destinations including UCL, Imperial, and Bristol.
The Maynard School’s academic performance is commendable, with 74% of GCSE results in 2023 achieving grades 9-7, and 51% of A-level results at A*/A. The school ranks comfortably within the top five of the county league tables for both GCSEs and A-levels. The learning environment is characterised by small class sizes, fostering warm and respectful pupil-teacher relationships. The school’s commitment to a balanced curriculum is evident in the flexibility of A-level choices, allowing students to pursue diverse interests.
The school’s approach to teaching is inclusive and supportive, with a focus on individual attention. Pupils are set in maths from the beginning of the senior school, but the small class sizes allow for tailored learning approaches across other subjects. The school discourages taking an excessive number of GCSEs to ensure students have time for enriching extra-curricular activities and to maintain their wellbeing.
The arts and extra-curricular offerings at the school are extensive, with a strong emphasis on music, drama, and fashion. The school’s music department is particularly noteworthy, with numerous orchestras, choirs, and ensembles. Drama productions are highly regarded, providing students with ample opportunities to shine both on stage and behind the scenes. The school’s extra-curricular programme is managed through a ‘baccalaureate’ approach, rewarding students for their commitment to a broad range of activities.
Sport is an integral part of life at the school, with partnerships with local sports clubs ensuring high-quality coaching and facilities. The school offers a wide range of sports, from traditional team sports to dance and martial arts, fostering an enjoyment of physical activity for all students.
The Maynard School’s ethos is one of inclusivity and support, with exemplary pastoral care. The school community is characterised by a culture of kindness and mutual respect, allowing students to feel safe and valued. The school is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all students feel part of the school’s tapestry.
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ISI Review
The Maynard School, an independent day school for girls located in Exeter, Devon, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1658. The school serves students from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to the sixth form, with a current enrollment of 468 pupils. The school aims to provide educational excellence in a nurturing environment, fostering a lifelong love of learning and the confidence to excel academically, socially, and morally. The diverse student body includes pupils from various backgrounds, with a significant number identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities.
The recent focused compliance and educational quality inspection conducted in October 2022 revealed that the school meets all regulatory standards set forth by the Independent School Standards Regulations. The inspection assessed various aspects of the school's operations, including the quality of education, spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils, welfare, health and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality.
In terms of educational quality, the school demonstrated a strong commitment to academic achievement. The teaching framework in both the junior and senior schools enables pupils to make good progress, as evidenced by the school's GCSE and A-level results from 2019 to 2022. The curriculum is well-documented and covers a broad range of subjects, ensuring that pupils receive a comprehensive education. The school also provides relationships education and sex education, adhering to statutory guidance and involving parental consultation.
The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, with principles and values that encourage responsible citizenship. The school fosters an environment where pupils can develop their moral awareness and social understanding, contributing to a respectful and inclusive community.
Welfare, health, and safety measures are robust, with effective arrangements in place to safeguard pupils. The school promotes good behavior, prevents bullying, and meets health and safety requirements, including fire safety and first aid provisions. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils and keeps accurate attendance records.
The inspection also confirmed the suitability of staff, with appropriate checks conducted to ensure that all individuals in contact with pupils are fit for their roles. The school maintains a register of staff suitability as required by regulations.
The premises and accommodation at the school are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, as well as adequate outdoor space for physical education and play. The school meets all standards related to premises and accommodation.
Information provision to parents and stakeholders is comprehensive, covering essential details about the school's ethos, curriculum, admissions, behavior policies, and complaints procedures. The school effectively communicates its academic performance and provides parents with reports on their children's progress.
Complaints are handled through a structured three-stage process, ensuring that parental concerns are addressed effectively and in a timely manner. The school keeps appropriate records of complaints and actions taken.
Leadership and management at The Maynard School demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling responsibilities effectively to ensure that all standards are consistently met. The leadership actively promotes the well-being of pupils, fostering a positive school culture.
The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils, with strong examination results relative to their abilities. Pupils exhibit outstanding communication skills, actively engaging in discussions and expressing their opinions articulately. Their study skills are well-developed, enabling them to approach learning with confidence and curiosity.
Pupils' personal development is also excellent, with a strong sense of self-confidence and resilience. They demonstrate empathy and social awareness, contributing positively to the school community. The school encourages pupils to take on leadership roles and engage in various co-curricular activities, fostering a sense of teamwork and collaboration.
Overall, The Maynard School provides a high-quality educational experience, characterized by strong academic performance, a supportive and inclusive environment, and a commitment to the personal development of each pupil. The school's ethos promotes a culture of respect, kindness, and responsibility, preparing pupils to thrive in their future endeavors. The inspection findings affirm the school's dedication to maintaining high standards and continuously improving the educational experience for all students.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024