What are the benefits of an all-girls’ school? From boosting confidence to academic success
Selecting the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. As a trailblazer in girls’ education since 1873, for more than 150 years St Mary’s Calne has proved that our all-girls’ school offers a unique, tailored approach that has been proven to empower young women to build successful lives and careers.
But what exactly makes an all-girls school so effective compared to a co-ed environment? From academic excellence to the breaking down of gender stereotypes, here are the key benefits of an all-girls school.
Proven better academic results
It’s a well-documented fact that girls often achieve better academic results compared to single-sex environments. A study by the GSA (Girls School Association) shows there is on average a 10% boost in GCSE grades of students from a single-sex school. At St Mary’s Calne, we consistently rank as a top academic school, and in 2025 ranked in the top 10 for ‘Independent Schools for Academic Excellence’ by the Sunday Times.
During teaching, girls are free from the social pressures that can sometimes inhibit them in a mixed-sex classroom, allowing them to participate more freely and take intellectual risks.
Our ‘Win Your Own Race’ ethos ensures that academic life is about more than just grades; it’s about developing a genuine love of learning and growing independence, where their individual strengths are celebrated. With expert teachers who are specialists in how girls learn, we provide a stimulating environment where pupils feel confident to ask questions, challenge assumptions and think independently. This focus leads to outstanding GCSE and A Level results, year after year.
A culture of inclusivity and belonging
One of the most profound benefits of an all-girls school like St Mary’s Calne is the sense of community. Students can choose to attend our day school or our full boarding school simultaneously. This structure, where girls live and learn alongside their peers, creates a close-knit, supportive environment.
Inclusivity is at the heart of the ‘Calne Culture’. Whether a girl is a day pupil or a full boarder, she is fully immersed in a community that celebrates individuality. In this safe space, girls develop strong bonds and a sense of sisterhood that lasts a lifetime. Without the distraction of boy-girl social dynamics, girls can focus on building their self-esteem and supporting one another, fostering an atmosphere where everyone feels seen, valued and respected.
Encouraging confidence in STEM and ‘non-traditional’ subjects
Research shows that girls in single-sex schools are significantly more likely to choose subjects traditionally dominated by boys, such as physics, computing and higher level mathematics. At St Mary’s Calne, there is no such thing as a “girl’s subject” or a “boy’s subject”.
By removing gender stereotypes from the classroom, we empower our pupils to follow their true passions. Whether it’s in our state-of-the-art science labs or through our ‘Lego League’ and ‘Coding Club’, girls are encouraged to lead, innovate and experiment. This builds a succession of confident young women ready to enter STEM careers and leadership roles with the belief that no field is off-limits to them.
Building the next generation of leaders
In a co-ed school, leadership positions can sometimes be unintentionally skewed. In an all-girls school, every single leadership role is filled by a girl. From Head Girl and House Captains to leading the School Parliament or running subject societies, our girls occupy every seat at the table.
At St Mary’s Calne, we nurture ‘fearless leaders’ and ‘thoughtful innovators’. By seeing their peers excel in these roles, younger pupils grow up with a natural expectation that women can and should lead. This provides them with the practical experience and the important life skills such as public speaking, negotiation and team management, which are needed to navigate the modern world with confidence.
Increased motivation to take part in sporting activities
Physical activity is vital for wellbeing, yet many girls drop out of sports during their teenage years in mixed-sex environments due to self-consciousness – this becomes especially apparent from year 7 onwards. In an all-girls school, this trend is reversed. At St Mary’s Calne, we love sport and our outstanding facilities, including a 25m swimming pool, a brand-new fitness suite and more than 20 tennis courts are always buzzing with activity.
Whether it’s representing the school in lacrosse, competing in our own annual show jumping event or enjoying a social game of netball, girls feel empowered to get stuck in without fear of judgment. This “girls-first” approach to athletics fosters a lifelong love of fitness, builds resilience and teaches the value of teamwork and healthy competition.
Tailored holistic wellbeing and pastoral care
The teenage years can be a period of significant emotional growth and challenge. An all-girls school allows for a pastoral care system that is specifically designed to address the pressures young women face today.
Our holistic Personal Development Programme at St Mary’s Calne focuses on emotional health, positive relationships and self-belief. With a dedicated team of personal tutors, wellbeing practitioners and even a school Chaplain, we provide a safety net that allows girls to navigate challenges with maturity.
Benefits that go beyond the classroom
The benefits of an all-girls school extend far beyond the classroom. By providing an environment that prioritises their needs, we enable girls to develop the courage, curiosity and compassion necessary to lead lives of purpose and achievement.
At St Mary’s Calne, we don’t just teach girls; we empower them to become the changemakers of tomorrow.
Ready to see St Mary’s Calne for yourself?
The best way to experience St Mary’s Calne is to join us at one of our upcoming Open Days. Whether you’re interested in full boarding or the day school for your daughter, we invite you to visit our beautiful Wiltshire campus to experience our vibrant community firsthand.
Our independent girls’ school is just over an hour from London, making it a popular choice for London-based families and for international students who fly in and out of Heathrow, as the school is only a short distance from the M4.
Learn more about St Mary’s Calne and how to visit us here, or contact the Admissions Team directly to arrange an individual visit at admissions@stmaryscalne.org.
