The Maynard School, Exeter “is a happy school, in which pupils are encouraged to become successful and confident independent young women” according to Independent Schools Inspectors.

The Maynard was inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) last month, under a new inspection framework, and has been judged as ‘Excellent’ in the quality of pupils’ achievements and learning, their personal development and the leadership of the school. The inspectors recognised confident, enthusiastic and highly motivated girls: “Pupils enjoy their learning and are able to work effectively both independently and with others. Girls of all ages aim high and work hard to achieve their goals. They act on advice and are keen to succeed.” Teaching was described as having some “outstanding features” with the report going on to say that “The good teaching encourages pupils to behave responsibly and enjoy their learning”.

The Sixth Form was praised, with the report acknowledging that “A very high percentage of pupils are successful in gaining places to their first choice universities, including Oxbridge”, while the school’s excellent public examination results were also recognised; “Results in GCSE examinations over the last three years have been excellent when compared with the average for girls in maintained selective schools. The pupils’ performance in A-level examinations has been high when compared with the average for girls in maintained selective schools”.

The ISI inspects schools according to a standard framework for inspection which it has laid down for the purposes of ensuring that standards are maintained and that the school complies with relevant legal requirements. The framework has been agreed with the DCSF and they have recognised the ISI as the body responsible for the regular inspection of Independent schools in England.

Headmistress Bee Hughes said ‘We are thrilled and delighted to be judged as ‘Excellent’ in so many of the findings. The new inspection framework is rigorous, burdensome and certainly challenging. In the light of The Maynard being one of only 22 schools in the country undergoing the inspection under the new framework, we are particularly pleased with the outcomes. The Maynard has outstanding staff who enable young women to meet challenges with confidence and reach their full potential. We shall continue to offer an excellent experience in every respect for all our students.’

The full report is available to download from The Maynard School website www.maynard.co.uk or from the ISI website www.isi.net.