who we are
Academic life
Academic life is dynamic, innovative and forward-thinking at Calne. With staff who are passionate about their subjects and experts in teaching girls, every pupil is challenged and inspired in a stimulating and purposeful environment, developing the skills they need to succeed in our ever-changing world.
Well known for stellar academic results, Calne pupils flourish academically and personally
Academic Life
Empowering every pupil to ‘Win Your Own Race’
Academic ambition is an integral part of our culture at Calne. Pupils are encouraged to question assumptions, weigh evidence and present arguments with clarity and confidence. Critical thinking is at the heart of our approach to academic life.
Pupils develop strong research, coursework and study skills, preparing them thoroughly for the demands of exams both at school and at university afterwards. With enquiring minds and growing independence of thought, pupils achieve outstanding results year after year – with many securing places at leading universities in the UK and overseas.
academic life
Inspiring pupils to reach their goals and full potential
High aspirations, dedication and creativity run through every year group, supported by teachers, House staff and personal tutors committed to helping each pupil to achieve her very best.
Our value add is excellent, meaning that pupils outperform their projected results, compared to their entry point, each year at GCSE and A Level.
We have a reputation for academic excellence and we are proud of the academic achievements of our girls. But at Calne there is much more than grades in public exams. We empower every girl to ‘Win Your Own Race’, celebrating success in all its forms nurturing a love of learning that lasts well beyond school.
academic life
Outstanding exam results
We are immensely proud of each of our pupils who achieve exceptional results in GCSE and A Level exams each year, opening doors to leading universities and diverse career opportunities.
Learning at St Mary’s is not just about passing exams. It’s about learning to love their subjects, stretch themselves as well as learning to think, analyse and be creative.
Academic life
Personal tutors
Every pupil is unique, with her own strengths, needs and ambitions. Our tutor system pairs each pupil with a dedicated personal tutor, who meets with them individually every week. These one-to-one sessions provide tailored guidance and support across all areas of school life, helping each pupil grow with confidence and reach her full potential academically and personally. This helps ensure each pupil is stretched without stress.
academic life
Tailored learning support
Our dedicated Learning Support Department ensures pupils with learning needs have tailored programmes and support enabling them to flourish. An inclusive school, we work closely with pupils who join with an existing diagnosis or specific need, as well as those which emerge during their time at school. Our goal is for each pupil to reach her full potential, enhance her self-esteem and stimulate her curiosity and enjoyment in her own learning.
We offer EAL (English as an additional language) support for pupils who join from overseas.
Academic life
Spaces to inspire minds
Our award-winning library is the heartbeat of learning, creativity and stimulation at St Mary’s Calne. It provides calm, modern and inspirational spaces for curious minds. Whether pupils visit to study, read, collaborate or prepare for exams, they enjoy an immersive and dynamic environment where ideas are sparked and thinking is stretched.
academic life
Creativity and critical thinking
Original thinking matters. Pupils are encouraged to combine creativity with sharp analysis, developing the confidence to question, imagine, challenge assumptions and develop their own perspectives. Creative approaches to problem-solving – whether through debating, design projects, independent research or the arts – help pupils connect knowledge across disciplines and think in original and innovative ways.
These skills are honed right from the start and developed further through lessons in critical thinking. By combining creativity with rigorous analysis, pupils gain the independence of thought, resilience and adaptability that prepare them not just for exams, but for the challenges of a fast-moving, dynamic world.
Academic Departments
Excellence across every discipline
Every academic department is led by passionate subject specialists who are experts in teaching girls, and who inspire every pupil to think deeply, question boldly and achieve their very best. Our teachers bring both expertise and enthusiasm, creating stimulating classrooms where curiosity thrives.
While each department has its own distinct identity, we place strong emphasis on collaboration, encouraging pupils to make connections across disciplines and see knowledge in new ways. From joint projects to cross-curricular workshops, this spirit of teamwork broadens perspectives and deepens understanding. Together, our departments form a vibrant and dynamic academic community that supports ambition and achievement.
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.