The Maynard School
School summary
Founded in 1656, The Maynard School is among the oldest girls' schools in the country, and it has worn its age well. This small Exeter independent educates just over 400 girls from age four through to eighteen, with around 88 in the sixth form. The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded it its top grade of 'excellent' for both education and personal development, and found it fully compliant on regulatory matters. Around a quarter of pupils receive SEN support, suggesting a school accustomed to working with a range of learning needs within a deliberately intimate setting.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
Free month · No payment needed
Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
76%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
60%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
86%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 16 September 2025
Teaching & academics
Results sit well above national benchmarks: 76% of GCSE grades fall in the 9-7 range against a national average of 23%, while at A-level 60% reach A*-A and 86% reach A*-B (national averages 28% and 55%). The sciences and mathematics are clearly a strength, with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Further Mathematics among the most popular A-level choices alongside English Literature and Textiles Technology. GCSE breadth is generous, spanning Latin, the humanities, three sciences and a wide creative offer, and an EPQ is available for those wanting to stretch independent research.
Languages
GCSE subjects
Head · Mrs Liz Gregory
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 88
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Creative and practical subjects feature prominently in the curriculum, with Drama, Fine Art, Music and both Food and Textiles Technology offered, signalling more than a narrowly academic focus.
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1656
- Religious character
- None
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 25.18%
- EHC plans
- 0.47%
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.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £10,329 - £21,561
Schools nearby
Exeter Cathedral School
Exeter, South West
Magdalen Court School
Exeter, South West
Exeter School
Exeter, South West
St Wilfrid's School
Exeter, South West
INTO Exeter
Exeter, South West
Belong School Devon
Exeter, South West
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A small, historic girls' school where strong science and maths results meet an unusually broad curriculum. Best suited to families wanting an intimate, high-achieving environment in Exeter.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
Free month · No payment needed
The Maynard School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.