Lower school - St Mary's Calne
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school life
Lower school
Our Lower School, for pupils in Years 7 and 8, is a nurturing and inspiring environment. With a focus on personal growth and academic excellence, pupils in the Lower School build strong foundations across a wide breadth of subjects providing stimulation and opportunity making the most of Calne’s specialist teaching, outstanding facilities and co-curricular programme.
Where curiosity meets academic excellence
and exceptional co-curricular programme
Section
Lower School Curriculum
Futures Programme
Co-Curricular Activities
Boarding Options
Lower School Life
lower school
Lower school curriculum
Our bespoke Lower School curriculum is thoughtfully designed for girls aged 11-13, combining academic excellence with individual care. Every subject is taught by a specialist teacher bringing deep knowledge, infectious enthusiasm and a strong understanding of how girls learn best.
The curriculum is broad, balanced and highly effective. With GCSEs ahead, the strong foundations laid here make a measurable difference. On average, our pupils go on to achieve 1.5 grades higher per subject at GCSE than predicted on entry.
Lower school curriculum
lower school
Boarding in the Lower School
Lower School boarding is inclusive and enriching with a fantastic evening and weekend programme specifically designed for girls ages 11 to 13 ensuring each of our pupils has sense of belonging and joy in daily school life.
As a boarding school, where more than 80 per cent of our pupils are full boarders, our weekends are busy with Saturday morning lessons followed by afternoon sports fixtures. Popular Saturday evening and Sunday activities include cozy night in watching movies and playing games and trips out to go bowling, ice skating or to a theme park. There is so much going on, most pupils stay at school at weekends but we have a flexible approach if girls want to go home after Saturday commitments.
lower school
Boarding and Day options
From September 2026, we are offering a wider range of day and boarding options just for pupils in Year 7 and Year 8.
As a full boarding school with a busy weekend programme, we expect most pupils will continue to choose full boarding. For families who live locally who want a progressive introduction to boarding or attend as day pupil, while enjoying the benefits of being part of our full boarding school, our wide range of Lower School options provides flexibility and choice.
Full boarding
– pupils live at school throughout the week, including weekend, during term time
Day boarding
– pupils stay up to three nights per week. Additional nights can be arranged in advance for a fee.
Day
– pupils are fully involved in school life and integrated into the Lower School House, going home every night after school commitments. Day girls can board up to one night per week for an additional fee.
lower school
Futures Fridays
Future Fridays introduces Lower School pupils to the breadth of possibilities that lie ahead, from university pathways to exciting career opportunities. Through workshops, activities and talks, pupils begin to explore the skills and experiences that will shape their future.
Held every Friday, we ensure every pupil has the chance to start building the foundations for her personal ambition. This bespoke programme keeps doors open, sparks inspiration and nurtures future potential.
Our six strands are: Leadership and team building, business and entrepreneurship, digital literacy, public speaking/debating, service and outdoor skills.
lower school
Co-curricular
Co-curricular life is central to the St Mary’s Calne experience. With more than 100 clubs, activities and seasonal sports programme, every pupil is encouraged to discover new passions and deepen existing interests.
Whether it is drama in our professional-standard theatre, art in dedicated light-filled studios or competing in sport, there’s something to inspire every pupil. In our all-girls environment, pupils are given the freedom to explore, create and express themselves, whether trying something new or building on talents they already love.
ST MARY’S CALNE BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL
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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.
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Lower school