FREE Download: St Mary's School 2026 11+ Exam & Year 7 Entry 11 Plus Guide

St Mary's School is a selective independent school for girls in Calne, Wiltshire. Established in 1873, it educates girls aged 11-18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).

St Mary's is among the best independent schools in UK, achieving stellar academic results. Its ISI rating is 'Excellent', reflecting high standards.

St Mary's School is consistently recognised as a Sunday Times Parent Power 2025 top academic ranking school. It achieves sector-leading 'added value' in GCSE and A Level results, demonstrating exceptional pupil progress. Furthermore, confirmed Year 7 pupils benefit from unique Themed Experience Days, fostering confidence and belonging before entry.

This guide, drawing on my 6+ year education consultancy, simplifies St Mary's School 2026 11+ Exam admissions for parents.

School Details

• Type of School: Independent
• Boarding Type: Full Boarding and Day
• Gender Type: Girls
• Religion: Church of England (Anglican)
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Number of Pupils: Approx. 350
• GCSE Results (2025): 71% of all grades were 9–7
• A-Level Results (2025): 83% of A Levels were graded A*-B

Admissions Details

• Admissions Policy: Selective
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): NA
• Exam Board: ISEB Pretest
• Number of Stages: 1 (Online Exam)
• School Catchment Area: No
• Sibling Policy: No
• Pass Mark guidance: Aim for 90%

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and St Mary's School Official Website.

Navigating the admissions process for St Mary's School can feel like a significant undertaking for parents. To assist you in planning, I have compiled the essential St Mary's School 11 plus exam dates and other key milestones for prospective pupils.

Understanding these dates, including the St Mary's School open day and the crucial 11+ Exam date, is vital for a smooth application journey. Please note that while these 11 plus exam dates are accurate at the time of writing, it is always best to verify directly with the school's admissions team for the most current information.

For September 2026 entry to St Mary's School, the 11+ Exam application process typically begins in Year 5. As per the St Mary's School Admissions Policy, their team guides families. St Mary's is a leading choice among independent schools in Wiltshire.

How to register for 11+ exam

• Visit the school (open event or private tour).
• Complete the online registration form and pay the £300 fee by Year 5's Autumn Term end. This is how to register for 11+ exam.
• Your daughter will be invited to a Taster Day in Summer Term of Year 5.
• The Entrance Day includes an adaptive online assessment (aptitude tests) and an informal interview. This is the 11 plus exam process.

As an independent boarding and day school, St Mary's School, Calne, does not operate a formal catchment area. Admissions are highly selective and based on individual merit, rather than geographical proximity. Girls join St Mary's from across Wiltshire, the wider UK, and internationally, reflecting the school's diverse community.

Entry to St Mary's is determined through a comprehensive admissions process. This includes registration, school visits, and participation in Taster Days. Prospective pupils undertake Entrance Assessments, which typically involve an adaptive online assessment covering Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, alongside a creative writing task and an informal interview with a senior member of staff. 

For Year 7 (11+) entry, parents are encouraged to register their daughter by the end of the Autumn Term of Year 5. This ensures an invitation to the Summer Term Taster Days, which are an integral part of the admissions journey and help girls prepare for the subsequent Entrance Assessments.

Applying to a highly sought-after independent school like St Mary's Calne means navigating a competitive admissions landscape. While St Mary's offers an exceptional education, it's always a wise strategy for parents to consider a range of alternative schools.

This not only provides peace of mind but also ensures your daughter has options that align with her unique strengths and your family's preferences, should the first choice prove oversubscribed or not quite the right fit. Exploring a mix of strong independent girls' schools, and even considering grammar schools if applicable to your region and preferences, can broaden opportunities significantly.

Key decision points often include commute, specific exam board styles, the overall stage of the admissions process, and the school's academic outcomes.

Comparison of Top Independent Girls' School Alternatives

• Cheltenham Ladies' College: A globally renowned school, offering a broad curriculum and exceptional facilities. Its academic rigour and strong boarding ethos make it a direct competitor to St Mary's, appealing to parents seeking top-tier all-girls education.
• Badminton School: Located near Bristol, Badminton is known for its nurturing environment alongside strong academics. It provides a slightly different geographical option while maintaining the high standards expected by parents considering St Mary's.
• Headington School: Situated in Oxford, Headington offers a vibrant academic and co-curricular programme. It provides excellent day and boarding options, making it an attractive alternative for families looking for a prestigious girls' school within reach of a major city.

St Mary's School, Calne does not publicly disclose the exact number of applications it receives for Year 7 (11+) entry each year.

While specific application figures are not published, St Mary's Calne is a highly regarded independent boarding and day school for girls, and is described as "extremely popular" by educational resources. 

The presence of a waiting list, as mentioned on the school's admissions page, indicates that demand for places can exceed availability. For the most current information regarding admissions and the competitiveness of entry, it is always best to contact the St Mary's Calne Admissions Team directly.

As an experienced UK Education Consultant, I understand that navigating the 11+ admissions process for schools like St Mary's School can feel daunting. This guide provides a clear overview of the St Mary's School 11 Plus Test format for Year 7 entry, based on the latest information available.

As stated in the St Mary's School admissions information, the Entrance Day for 11+ entry is designed to be enjoyable and accessible for all applicants.

For Year 7 entry, candidates participate in an Entrance Day, typically held in the Autumn Term of Year 6. This day comprises several key assessments:

• Adaptive Online Assessment: This test covers core academic areas and is designed to adapt to the candidate's ability. It includes sections on:
  • 11+ English: Assessing comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar skills.
  • 11+ Mathematics: Evaluating numerical reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
  • Verbal Reasoning: Testing logical thinking and problem-solving with words.
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning: Assessing problem-solving using shapes, patterns, and diagrams.
• Creative Writing Task: A short written exercise designed to assess imagination, creativity, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure.

Following these assessments, each applicant will also have an informal interview with a senior member of staff. This is an opportunity for St Mary's to get to know each applicant as an individual beyond their academic performance. Preparing for 11+ interview questions can help your daughter feel more confident on the day.

To help your daughter prepare for the St Mary's School 11 Plus Test, familiarisation with the adaptive online format and regular practice in all subject areas is crucial. Focusing on developing strong foundational skills in 11+ English and 11+ Mathematics, alongside verbal and non-verbal reasoning, will be highly beneficial.

Practical Tip: Encourage your daughter to practice timed creative writing tasks regularly. This will help her develop her ideas quickly and structure her thoughts effectively under pressure, which is a key skill for the St Mary's 11 plus exam questions.

Parent’s Top 2 Queries

• What exam board does St Mary's follow? St Mary's School uses an adaptive online assessment, identified by external sources as the ISEB Pretest, alongside their own creative writing task.
• How long is the 11+ Exam for St Mary's? The school's Entrance Day, which includes the adaptive online assessment, creative writing task, and an interview, takes place "during the day". Specific timings for each individual test component are not publicly disclosed by the school.

St Mary's School does not publish an official 11 Plus pass mark or specific cut-off scores for its entrance assessments. Given the competitive nature of entry, children aiming for 95%+ in PiAcademy’s 11+ Practice Papers are better positioned. To achieve strong eleven plus exam results, students should maximise their scores across all tested subjects.

For Year 7 entry at St Mary's School, Calne, prospective pupils undertake a comprehensive assessment designed to identify academic potential and suitability for the school's vibrant learning environment. The admissions process for this leading independent girls' school includes an adaptive online assessment, a creative writing task, and an informal interview.

English and Creative Writing

The English assessment for St Mary's Calne 11+ entry evaluates a candidate's reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation skills through the ISEB Pretest. Additionally, a separate creative writing task is a crucial component, allowing girls to demonstrate their imaginative flair, ability to structure narratives, and command of written expression. Strong performance in both areas is essential for the St Mary's 11+ exam.

Mathematics

The Mathematics section assesses a candidate's understanding of the National Curriculum up to the end of Year 6. This includes foundational arithmetic, problem-solving, and basic algebraic concepts. Familiarity with various mathematical topics and the ability to apply them under timed conditions are key for this independent school entry.

Verbal Reasoning

Verbal Reasoning evaluates a pupil's ability to think logically and solve problems using words. This section tests a broad range of skills, including identifying patterns, understanding word relationships, and decoding information. Regular practice with diverse question types is highly beneficial for this 11+ exam component.

Non-Verbal Reasoning

The Non-Verbal Reasoning section of St Mary's School 11+ Exam challenges candidates to solve problems using shapes, patterns, and diagrams. This assesses spatial awareness and logical deduction without relying on language skills. Developing a systematic approach to identifying patterns and transformations is crucial for success in this part of the 11+ assessment.

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Best Resources for St Mary's School 11+ Preparation

Preparing for the St Mary's Calne 11+ exam requires targeted practice, especially given the adaptive nature of the ISEB Pretest and the specific creative writing component. PiAcademy offers a range of resources tailored to help your daughter excel in her 11+ exam papers.

For comprehensive preparation, exploring various 11 plus exam papers is highly recommended.

St Mary's School, a highly competitive independent girls' school in Wiltshire, requires thorough preparation for its 11+ entry. Mock tests are crucial for familiarising your daughter with the exam format, managing time effectively, and building confidence.

St Mary's uses the ISEB Common Pretest, assessing Maths, English, Verbal, and Non-Verbal Reasoning, alongside a creative writing task. Practising with board-matching mock exams is essential to understand the specific demands of this assessment. You can also get a free diagnostic assessment to pinpoint areas for improvement.

• Autumn Half Term 1: Wednesday 2nd September 2026 – Friday 16th October 2026
• Autumn Half Term 2: Sunday 1st November 2026 – Friday 11th December 2026
• Spring Half Term 1: Tuesday 5th January 2027 – Friday 12th February 2027
• Spring Half Term 2: Sunday 21st February 2027 – Thursday 25th March 2027
• Summer Half Term 1: Monday 19th April 2027 – Friday 28th May 2027
• Summer Half Term 2: Sunday 6th June 2027 – Saturday 3rd July 2027

Independent school admissions involve direct applications, distinct registration deadlines, and bespoke pre-testing. Review these official inspection reports and testing guidelines to prepare your child for St Mary's School.

• ISEB Common Pre-Tests Familiarisation Materials
• UK Govt. - Get Information on St Mary's School Page
• St Mary's School ISI Report
• St Mary's School Admissions Policy
• UK Govt. - Schools, pupils and their characteristics data
• St Mary's School - Charity Commission

Understanding the fees for St Mary's School is a key consideration for prospective parents. As a leading independent boarding and day school in Wiltshire, St Mary's offers an exceptional education.

For the 2026-2027 academic year, termly fees for Day Pupils - Lower School (Years 7 and 8) is £11,598, while fees for Day Pupils - Years UIV (Year 9) to Upper Sixth is £15,102.

It is always advisable to contact the school directly for the most current and precise fee structure. St Mary's also provides various scholarships, including Academic, Art, Drama, Music, Sport, and Choral, to recognise and support talented pupils.

Furthermore, means-tested Foundation places are available, potentially reducing fees by up to 100%, ensuring accessibility for deserving candidates. For insights into other top independent schools, explore the most expensive Private Schools UK.