WELCOME TO OUR SCHOOL!!!

The Maynard School has been an important part of Exeter’s educational landscape since 1658, and will soon celebrate 350 years of experience and expertise in educating girls. Although the school is proud of its historic tradition, it has always been resolutely forward-looking and has long been recognised as one of the country's leading day schools. Our high-calibre staff work to ensure that all our girls realise their full potential, developing into confident, articulate young women, well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities modern life brings.

As a selective school we have high academic standards and an enviable record in public examinations and university entrance, but there is more to education than simply academic success. Our school is a warmly supportive community where the girls have the confidence to be friendly and relaxed and, at the same time, show the determination to give of their best and embrace challenges in their academic programme and in a whole range of other activities.

We understand that choosing a school for your daughter can be a difficult decision. We encourage parents to visit the school in the first instance, to meet the Headmistress and key staff members. We also offer Taster Days, when your daughter can spend a day in class to experience what the Maynard has to offer. There is no substitute for a personal visit to the school; but on these pages we offer some background that might help you make this important decision.

The Maynard School is the third oldest girls’ school in the UK, founded in 1658 by Sir John Maynard, a man who, unusually for his day, felt that girls as well as boys should receive an education. Thus began the Maynard School’s long history and expertise in teaching girls.

The school has long been recognised as one of the top performing schools in the UK; in 2006 we were placed 55 in the top 100 schools by The Sunday Times, much higher than any other local school.

The Junior Department is very much part of the Maynard family. Housed in its own building within the main school campus, the juniors have ready access to all of the senior school facilities for specialist learning. Each girl receives plenty of individual attention and is encouraged to develop her own skills, talents and interests.

Our Junior Department provides a happy, secure and lively environment where each young girl will flourish. We foster individuality, confidence and an enthusiasm for learning in a warm and supportive atmosphere.

The Junior Department accommodates about 100 seven- to 10-year-old girls and has its own dedicated staff and building within the Senior School grounds. Thus the friendliness and close support of the small Junior Department are combined with access to all the resources of the Senior School.

The Maynard Senior Department offers girls in the South West outstanding opportunities to excel academically in a friendly, caring environment. The girls thrive in the school’s purposeful atmosphere where success comes through a sense of motivation and a determination to do well. Dedicated, talented teachers support and encourage each individual girl to exceed her expectations, in whatever context — from concert platform or playing field to the classroom. Throughout the school there is evidence of the girls' enjoyment, and their enthusiasm for learning is tangible.

Our students pursue a broad and balanced academic curriculum, with strong provision for both arts and science subjects. This programme is underpinned by a wide range of creative and physical activities.

The Sixth Form programme is designed to help our girls develop the new skills needed to cope successfully with work at A-level and in Higher Education. Girls find they have more autonomy, and more space to organise their own studies, interests and activities. They are encouraged to balance their academic work with learning new skills, pursuing an interest or engaging in voluntary work.

Sixth Formers do not wear uniform and formal rules are kept to a minimum, in keeping with the student ethos at this stage of school life. Great emphasis is given to individual pastoral care and academic guidance to help achieve academic excellence and personal maturity.

As a member of the Sixth Form, you will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities outside your study timetable. Tuesday afternoons are timetabled for some of these activities. You can take part in others at lunchtime, after school or at weekends. At school you can run clubs for younger pupils, gain management experience in a Young Enterprise Team, test yourself to the limit as part of a Ten Tors team, train as a peer supporter for younger pupils, edit the Upper Sixth Year Book, take part in drama productions, musical activities, participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and a host of other opportunities. You can join school teams for hockey, indoor hockey, netball, basketball, tennis or swimming. Opportunities also exist for you to get involved in activities outside school, for example, some of our girls are currently involved in a hugely rewarding music project for Alzheimer sufferers. You may well be surprised at how much you enjoy and gain from helping others, passing on your skills, organising or taking responsibility.

Girls who are bright and eager to learn will find the pace of the school a stimulating and enjoyable experience. To ensure that the school will suit your daughter, our selection process involves written tests. We understand that for younger girls this may be their first experience of formal testing so we make the day as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. Our experienced staff look for potential and we advise that coaching is not necessary. The main ages of entry are: at 7+ for entry to Lower 1 (Year 3); 10+ for entry to Lower 3 (Year 6); 11+ for entry to Upper 3 (Year 7); 12+ for entry to Lower 4 (Year 8); 13+ for entry to Upper 4 (Year 9) and 16+ to Sixth Form. Girls can be admitted to other year groups if places become available. Applications to the Maynard should be made on the application form enclosed with the school prospectus. We encourage candidates to visit the school prior to the entrance examinations and they will also have the option of spending a day in class to experience life at the Maynard for themselves.