The Maynard School in Exeter is celebrating an outstanding endorsement from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), which has recognised the school with a Significant Strength – an accolade awarded only to a very small number of independent schools nationwide.
The ISI report commended The Maynard’s “positive sense of community amongst pupils and staff”, highlighting how “leaders make sure that pupils are fully involved in school life, taking on many leadership and organisational roles. The sense of mutual purpose and clear direction encourages pupils to commit to the common good and achieve success both inside and outside the classroom.”
A Significant Strength represents the highest possible recognition under ISI’s current inspection framework and must be verified by senior inspectors, making this achievement particularly exceptional.
This prestigious recognition comes at the end of a landmark year for The Maynard, which has also been:
- Named The Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year South West
- Finalist – Independent Schools of the Year Awards
- Finalist – Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Awards 2025 (‘Passionate About Sport’)
- Highly Commended – Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Awards 2025 (‘Excellence in STEM’)
- The Wellbeing Award for Schools – achieved for a third consecutive time
The Maynard is also consistently ranked as the number one independent school in Devon for A-level and GCSE results, reflecting its long-standing commitment to academic excellence and a nurturing environment where happy girls thrive.
Headmistress Liz Gregory said:
“To receive a Significant Strength from ISI is an extraordinary honour and a true reflection of the values, ambition and community that define The Maynard. Our pupils achieve outstanding results not only because of their academic ability, but because they are supported to be confident, curious and kind – qualities that set them up for lifelong success. This recognition, alongside our national awards, makes this a truly exceptional year for our school.”
Read the full report here.
