Named The Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year 2025 for the South West.
Leading independent girls' day school in Exeter, Devon
Why this school
Named The Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year 2025 for the South West.
The school orchestra was the only South West school ensemble at the 2015 Rugby World Cup opening.
Founded in 1658, one of the oldest continuously operating girls' schools in England.
The Maynard School is one of the oldest independent schools for girls in England, with origins dating to 1658. It sits in central Exeter, Devon, and takes girls from age 4 through to 18. Membership of the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) places it within a network of academically selective independent schools, and ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) inspection provides external quality oversight. In 2025, The Sunday Times named it Independent Secondary School of the Year for the South West. The school operates exclusively as a day school; international pupils are accommodated through homestay arrangements with local families.
Pupils follow the national curriculum framework through to GCSE, with A-levels in the sixth form. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is also available in the sixth form, giving pupils the chance to pursue independent, university-style research on a topic of their choosing. It is well regarded by selective universities. Up to 80% of leavers progress to Russell Group universities, and the school holds recognition as the top independent girls’ day school in the South West. Senior school fees for 2025/26 stand at £21,561 per year for Years 6–13, with wraparound care from 08:00 to 17:30 included; meals are charged separately at £5.10 per day.
The sixth form offers A-levels alongside the EPQ. Independent research and extended writing are embedded into the programme, supporting applications to competitive universities.
The Maynard’s pastoral structure is built around the school day. Wraparound care runs from 08:00 to 17:30, giving families flexibility around working patterns. International pupils placed through homestay arrangements have a structured home environment outside school hours, with local host families providing accommodation and meals. The school’s central Exeter location gives pupils straightforward access to the city’s amenities and transport links.
The co-curricular programme covers music, drama, sport, and community involvement. The Maynard School Orchestra performed at the opening of the 2015 Rugby World Cup — it was the only school ensemble from the South West to take part. Sport is delivered on-site and through local facilities in Exeter. Drama and music productions run throughout the academic year, with rehearsals integrated into the school timetable. Community service forms part of the broader programme for older pupils.
The school occupies a central Exeter site with specialist provision for science, music, and drama. Wraparound care facilities support the extended day from 08:00 to 17:30. All facilities are shared across year groups during the school day; there are no residential buildings on site. Sports provision draws on both on-site space and local facilities across the Exeter area.
Exeter, Devon, South West England. Exeter Airport is approximately 5 miles from the school and offers domestic connections to several UK hubs. Exeter St Davids railway station provides direct services to London Paddington.
Annual tuition
£22,425 per year · day · Senior · Years 6-13
Other tier breakdowns shown below.
| Stage | Year groups | Type | Audience | Fee / year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior | Years 6-13 | Day | UK / EEA | £22,425 |
| Junior | Years 3-5 | Day | UK / EEA | £18,762 |
| Pre-Prep | Years 1-2 | Day | UK / EEA | £12,372 |
| Pre-Prep | Reception | Day | UK / EEA | £10,743 |
Additional fees
Deposit
£200
Registration
£180
Exeter Airport, approximately 5 miles from the school
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Senior school fees (Years 6–13) are £21,561 per year for 2025/26, charged termly at £7,475 per term including VAT. Junior school fees (Years 3–5) are £18,762 per year, and Pre-Prep fees range from £10,743 (Reception) to £12,372 (Years 1–2). All fees include wraparound care from 08:00 to 17:30. Meals are charged separately at £5.10 per day.
No. The Maynard is a day school only and does not offer on-site boarding. International pupils are typically placed in homestay arrangements with local families in the Exeter area, providing a structured home environment outside school hours.
The school offers GCSEs and A-levels. Sixth-formers can also take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their A-levels, supporting independent research and university preparation. The IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma and BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) qualifications are not offered.
The Maynard admits girls from age 4 (Reception) through to age 18 (Year 13), operating as a through school from early years to sixth form. Entry points include Reception, Year 3, Year 6, and the sixth form.
Up to 80% of leavers progress to Russell Group universities. The school has been recognised as the top independent girls’ day school in the South West, and its academic record contributed to its Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year 2025 award for the region.
The school is in central Exeter, Devon. Exeter Airport is approximately 5 miles away and offers domestic connections. Exeter St Davids station provides direct rail services to London Paddington, making the school accessible from multiple parts of the UK.
There is a registration fee of £180 and a deposit of £200 upon accepting a place, in addition to the termly tuition fees. No specific EAL (English as an Additional Language) or exam fee surcharges are published for international pupils.
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