Joining St mary’s
Year 5 and 6 boarding
Boarding in Years 5 and 6 offers pupils aged 9-11 a unique opportunity to begin their St Mary’s Calne boarding journey while attending St Margaret’s, our prep which shares our 27-acre campus. Our Year 5 and 6 boarders live in our Lower School boarding House, St Prisca’s.
A nurturing introduction to boarding, blending outstanding teaching, excellent facilities and warm, close-knit community
year 5 and 6 boarding
Who is it for?
Our early start boarding programme is designed for girls in Years 5 and 6, offering a gentle and supportive introduction to boarding life.
It’s an ideal choice for families from UK, including military families, and those from overseas considering a boarding senior school. It provides children with a valuable experience of living away from home within a nurturing community that helps them thrive.
year 5 and 6 boarding
Safe, supported and happy
Girls attend St Margaret’s Prep for their lessons while living in St Prisca’s, our Lower School boarding house at St Mary’s Calne. Here, dedicated boarding staff provide exceptional care in a warm community where girls feel safe, supported and happy.
Boarders follow the same academic curriculum as day pupils, with the added benefit of extended enrichment opportunities. These include instrumental and drama tuition, English language support where needed and access to a wide range of after-school clubs and sports.
To ensure a healthy balance between school and home life, there are two Exeat weekends each term, along with additional weekends at home depending on the season.
year 5 and 6 boarding
Fostering independence and friendship
Boarding fosters strong friendships, growing independence and everyday confidence. Pupils develop key life skills such as organisation, self-reliance and resilience, all within a safe and encouraging environment. For parents, it offers peace of mind through wrap-around care and the reassurance that their daughter is being supported academically, socially and emotionally by an experienced and caring pastoral team.
year 5 and 6 boarding
Weekends full of fun
Weekends are an exciting part of boarding life at Calne. Pupils enjoy a bespoke programme of activities, from exciting trips and outdoor adventures to baking, arts and crafts and creative downtime. There’s always time to relax too, whether it’s playing games with friends, exploring the Lime Kiln Garden or simply enjoying the space and freedom of our beautiful campus.
Every weekend is thoughtfully designed to build confidence, strengthen friendships and encourage girls to try new things. Above all, they are full of laughter, shared experiences and the kind of happy memories that make boarding in Years 5 and 6 so special.
Bespoke pathway programme
The pathway to St Mary’s
Girls in Year 5 at St Margaret’s – both day and boarding – can apply to join St Mary’s, through our bespoke pathway programme.
Through this programme, girls at St Margaret’s Prep can apply to join St Mary’s Calne in Year 5, the year before pupils from other schools. Securing and accepting a place in Year 5 means the girls can throw themselves into life in Year 6 knowing they have an exciting time at St Mary’s ahead.
‘The school communicates very effectively – as parents, we are kept up to speed with how our children are progressing. The excitement demonstrated by our children both before and after school is testament to their enjoyment of the environment,’ current parent.
year 5 and 6 boarding
Wellbeing
The happiness, health and wellbeing of every member of our community sits at the heart of school life. We believe in the power of strong partnerships between pupils, parents and staff, working together to create a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, supported and confident to thrive.
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.