Joining St Mary’s
International applications
International families are drawn to St Mary’s Calne for the depth of our heritage as one of the UK’s oldest schools for girls, our outstanding academic results, the life-changing opportunities and quality of care and support for every pupil.
Welcoming ambitious girls from across the globe to the very best in British boarding education
international applications
A British education with worldwide impact
A St Mary’s Calne education opens doors far beyond our Wiltshire campus.
International pupils gain the full British boarding school experience, where 80% of our pupils are full boarders, while developing the confidence, independence and academic strength that prepares them for leading universities in the UK and around the world.
international applications
Guiding families with clarity and care
For international families, the admissions process begins with the UKiset test, taken independently and sent directly to our Admissions Team for those who are not native English speakers. Strong results allow girls to proceed with registration, after which they follow the same selective route as UK applicants.
Every girl is interviewed, either in person at St Mary’s Calne or online, so we can understand her character, abilities and ambitions. Offers are made to candidates who meet our entry standards and we believe will succeed academically and personally. If we are full, we may offer a place on our waiting list. An additional deposit is required for international applicants. Please refer to our Fees page for details.
internATIONAL applications
Life at St Mary’s Calne
Girls who join us from overseas are immersed in the traditions and excellence of a British boarding school. They live and learn in a safe, supportive environment where each pupil is known personally, challenged academically and inspired to explore her passions.
Parents value the assurance of exceptional teaching alongside dedicated pastoral care. Beyond the classroom, pupils discover opportunities in sport, music, art, drama and leadership – experiences that build resilience, confidence and friendships to last a lifetime. We offer a world-class education opening doors to exciting careers and leading universities.
international applications
English as an additional language
To ensure pupils can successfully access the St Mary’s Calne curriculum, many of our international pupils take one-to-one English as an additional language (EAL) lessons during their first term.
Progress is carefully reviewed, and lessons continue only as needed. There is an additional charge for EAL lessons.
international applications
Visas and guardianship
St Mary’s Calne is a licensed student sponsor and provides the documentation families need to support visa applications.
All overseas boarders must appoint a UK-based guardian, who plays an important role in ensuring both practical arrangements and pastoral care are in place throughout the year.
Fees
Our boarding fees reflect the outstanding teaching, pastoral care and opportunities offered at St Mary’s Calne – an exceptional investment in a girl’s future.
Entrance points
Most pupils join aged 11 or 13 or into the Sixth Form aged 16 years. Contact us about joining in other years. We also have a small number of boarding places for girls aged 9-11 years. Our early year boarders live in our Lower School, taking lessons at St Margaret’s our prep school which shares our campus.
Visit us
Visiting our Wiltshire campus is the best way to experience life at St Mary’s Calne, meet our community and see our school in action.
ST MARY’S CALNE BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL
Start your journey
At St Mary’s Calne, one of the UK’s leading schools for girls, every pupil is known, supported and inspired to achieve her best academically and personally. We would be delighted to welcome you to our community and show you how your daughter can grow, learn and flourish with us.