What are the benefits of an all-girls school?

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.

In a modern educational landscape, single-sex schooling continues to deliver exceptional outcomes. St Mary's Calne, recently ranked in the top 10 for 'Independent Schools for Academic Excellence' by The Sunday Times (2025), outlines several key areas where an all-girls environment excels:

• Proven Academic Success: Free from the social pressures of mixed-sex classrooms, girls participate more openly and take intellectual risks. Studies show an average 10% boost in GCSE grades for students in single-sex schools.
• Thriving in STEM: By dismantling gender stereotypes, girls are significantly more likely to pursue traditionally male-dominated subjects. Through state-of-the-art labs and initiatives like the 'Lego League' and 'Coding Club', fields like physics and computing remain entirely open to them.
• 100% of Leadership Roles: In an all-girls school, every leadership position—from Head Girl to School Parliament leaders—is filled by a girl, nurturing a natural expectation that women can and should lead.
• Increased Sports Participation: Free from self-consciousness, students actively engage in athletics. Supported by world-class facilities, including a 25m swimming pool and a new fitness suite, the "girls-first" approach encourages a lifelong love for physical fitness.
• A Culture of Belonging & Bespoke Wellbeing: The school’s inclusive 'Calne Culture' fosters lifelong sisterhood between day and boarding pupils, backed by a holistic Personal Development Programme designed specifically for the emotional growth of young women.
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"At St Mary's Calne, we don't just teach girls; we empower them to become the changemakers of tomorrow," the school stated. By prioritizing their specific needs, the school fosters the courage, curiosity, and compassion required to lead lives of purpose.

Parents are invited to experience this vibrant community first-hand at upcoming Open Days. Located in beautiful Wiltshire, just over an hour from London, the school is highly accessible for London-based and international families.

To book a visit or learn more, contact the Admissions Team at [email protected] or visit stmaryscalne.org.