The Maynard School
Updated July 2026
National Curriculum (England)
The Maynard School is a leading independent day school for girls aged 4-18, located in central Exeter, Devon. It combines a rich history dating back to 1658 with a modern, academically selective approach to education.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school is committed to providing an academically stimulating environment that fosters curiosity, confidence, and independence. It emphasizes a nurturing, all-girls setting that encourages students to find their voice, take initiative, and develop leadership skills. The school values pastoral care and aims to equip students with the resilience and ethical conviction to thrive in the wider world.
Programmes
The school offers a continuous educational pathway from Pre-Prep (Reception to Year 2) through Junior School (Years 3-6) to Senior School and Sixth Form (Years 7-13). The curriculum covers a broad range of subjects including Art & Design, Business Studies, Classics, Computing, Drama, Economics, English, Fashion & Textiles, Food & Nutrition, Geography, History, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Physical Education, PSHE, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Science. Sixth Form students may also undertake the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
Outcomes
The school consistently achieves high public examination results, with a strong value-added score. Recent highlights include students securing places at Oxbridge, high percentages of A*/A grades in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), and a significant proportion of top grades at GCSE. Graduates pursue diverse pathways, including university degrees and degree apprenticeships.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for international students. Additionally, the school employs a Thrive Practitioner and maintains a wellbeing team to support student development.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- What curriculum does The Maynard School offer?
- The Maynard School offers National Curriculum (England).
- How much is tuition at The Maynard School?
- Annual tuition at The Maynard School is £10.7K–£22.4K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is The Maynard School co-educational?
- The Maynard School is a girls school.
- Where is The Maynard School located?
- The Maynard School is an international school in Exeter, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Senior School & Sixth Form (Years 6 – 13) | 10–18 | £22.4K |
| Junior School (Years 3-5) | 7–10 | £18.8K |
| Pre-Prep (Years 1-2) | 5–7 | £12.4K |
| Pre-Prep (Reception) | 4–5 | £10.7K |
Other fees(5)
| Registration fee· £240 inclusive of VAT for non-UK residents / BNO applicants. Non-refundable. | £180 |
|---|---|
| Enrolment fee· Acceptance Fee. £1,680 inclusive of VAT for BNO applicants. Non-refundable. | £480 |
| Deposit· Refundable deposit for breakages, lost library books etc. payable with the first term's fees. | £200 |
| Mealsday· Compulsory for Reception to Year 7 (Upper 3), charged in advance on a termly basis. Optional for older girls. | £5.1 |
| EAL· 1 hour of EAL teaching a week is included for international students. Extra lessons are charged separately. | — |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 10%
Admissions
The school is academically selective and welcomes enquiries through its website. The admissions process typically involves an enquiry, a visit, a taster session or day, and a formal assessment. For Pre-Prep, assessments focus on interaction, reading, and drawing, while Junior and Senior School applicants undergo formal assessments in subjects such as English, Mathematics, and reasoning. Scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available for entry at 11+.
Calendar
The school maintains a calendar of events and term dates accessible up to one year in advance. Key events include open mornings, taster days for various year groups, sports days, and seasonal celebrations such as the Autumn Concert and Summer Fair.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the Bradley Sports Hall, a Performing Arts Centre with tiered seating for 160, and a black box drama studio. On-site sports facilities include an AstroTurf, a health and fitness suite, and a gymnasium. The school also utilizes external venues such as the Exeter Arena for athletics, St Sidwell’s Point for swimming, and Haven Banks for watersports. Pre-Prep pupils have access to an on-site Forest School.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a wide range of clubs and societies across all age groups. Junior School activities include a Fair Trade chocolate stall, lunchtime clubs, and leadership roles. Senior and Sixth Form students participate in activities such as Young Enterprise, debating, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Ten Tors, and various sports teams including hockey, netball, and gymnastics. Sixth Formers also engage in academic mentoring and community volunteering.
- Liz GregoryHead
Liz joined The Maynard in September 2022, bringing a passion for evidence-informed education. As a Trustee and Fellow of the Chartered College of Education, she oversees the whole school, ensuring cohesion between the Junior and Senior sections.
- Caroline LeighAssistant Head (Co-Curricular & Pastoral)
Caroline is a dance and PE teacher with over 25 years of experience in state and independent schools. She joined The Maynard in 2018 and is dedicated to holistic education and female leadership.
Matthew LoosemoreAssistant Head & Designated Safeguarding LeadMatt joined the school in 2015 as the first male Head of English and joined the Senior Leadership Team in 2018. He is the Designated Safeguarding Lead and is passionate about pedagogical research and student wellbeing.
Sarah LavisHead of Junior SchoolSarah holds a Bachelor of Education in Drama and Expressive Arts and has extensive experience leading across Key Stages 1 and 2. She is passionate about primary education and ensuring children gain strong foundations while nurturing a love of learning.
Tom HibberdDirector of Sixth FormTom joined the school in 2014 and holds a master’s degree from Cambridge University. He focuses on maintaining a vibrant academic and co-curricular programme while providing bespoke pastoral and university application support.
- Dr Phil RudlingDirector of Studies
Phil trained as a Physics teacher after graduating from Cambridge and has taught Psychology at The Maynard for 25 years. His background in data and computing modelling supports his role in managing timetabling and tracking student progress.
- Lorraine BeechenerSchool Business Manager
Lorraine joined The Maynard in 2021, bringing extensive experience in accountancy, payroll, and business management. She is AAT qualified and holds accreditation with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers.