St Mary’s Calne: Exceptional All-Girls Boarding School in the UK

23 March 2025

A big thank you to Anne Wakefield, Head, and Meghan Davis, Head of Admissions, for the warm welcome at St Mary’s Calne. Our Lower Sixth tour guide was delightful, and it was immediately clear why this exceptional all-girls’ boarding school in Wiltshire stands out.

With around 350 pupils aged 11-18, including 120 in the Sixth Form, St Mary’s fosters a strong sense of community. Around 80% of students board, with 15% coming from overseas. The school combines excellent academic results with a nurturing environment, offering a wide range of subjects, including Mandarin and Classical Greek, and an extensive enrichment programme. Impressive results include a 100% pass rate, with 24% achieving A*, 59% A-A*, 88% A*-B, and 95% A-C, along with outstanding GCSE outcomes.

The facilities are exceptional, featuring a beautiful library, modern sports centre, and vibrant arts departments. Sport, particularly lacrosse and tennis, is central to school life, with over 50% of students playing tennis. The supportive boarding system ensures a balanced lifestyle, blending academics, extracurricular activities, and social events.

Set around the scenic Lime Kiln Garden, Calne feels like a small university campus with a close-knit, homely atmosphere. While the facilities are outstanding, the focus is on personalised care, small class sizes, and dedicated tutor support. The full-time boarding experience includes weekend activities, ensuring a well-rounded lifestyle. With a 100% A-level pass rate and a strong record of sending students to top universities, St Mary’s Calne is a dynamic environment where girls thrive both academically and personally.

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