The Maynard School becomes first in Devon to receive elite ISI ‘Significant Strength’ Award

The Maynard School in Exeter has achieved a rare national distinction after being awarded a coveted Significant Strength by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) — making it the first school in Devon to receive the elite accolade.

The recognition, granted only to a very small number of independent schools across the country, highlights provision judged to be exceptional and must be verified by senior inspectors before being approved.

In its report, the ISI praised The Maynard’s “positive sense of community amongst pupils and staff”, noting that “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. This is a significant strength of the school".

The endorsement caps an extraordinary year for The Maynard, the oldest girls’ school in the UK, which has earned multiple national accolades, including:

• 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 school also continues to top county rankings for A-level and GCSE performance, reinforcing its reputation for academic excellence combined with strong pastoral care.

Liz Gregory, Head at The Maynard, said: “To receive a Significant Strength from the 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.”

The school celebrates the award as a validation of its ethos: a nurturing, high-achieving environment where girls are supported to thrive both academically and personally.