St Mary’s Calne – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
St Mary’s Calne is one of the UK’s leading independent boarding and day schools for girls aged 11 to 18, located in the picturesque town of Calne, Wiltshire. With a history of over 145 years, the school is celebrated for its academic excellence, exceptional pastoral care, and a deep commitment to developing confident, curious, and compassionate young women.
🏛️ History of the School
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Founded: 1873
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Established by Canon John Duncan, Vicar of Calne, with the vision of providing an outstanding education for girls rooted in Anglican values
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Originally began with just a few pupils and has since grown into one of the most respected girls’ boarding schools in the country
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Maintains close links with the Church of England, though welcomes pupils of all faiths or none
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Set within 26 acres of beautiful grounds, combining historic buildings with modern, purpose-built facilities
👩🎓 Pupil Numbers
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Total pupils: Approx. 365 girls
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Boarders: Around 85–90% of the student body
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Day pupils: ~10–15%
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Small class sizes (typically 10–16 pupils) ensure personalised attention and support
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Sixth Form (Years 12–13): Around 110 students
🎓 Academic Reputation
St Mary’s Calne is consistently ranked among the top-performing girls’ schools in the UK, especially in STEM, humanities, and the creative arts. The school balances academic ambition with a supportive and nurturing ethos, enabling each girl to flourish in her own way.
📈 Recent Academic Results:
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GCSE:
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~86% of grades were 9–7 (A–A*)
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A-Levels:
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~85% of grades were A–B*
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Particularly strong subjects: Maths, Biology, Chemistry, History, Latin, English Literature, and Art
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🎓 University Destinations:
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High success rate for entry into:
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Russell Group universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Bristol, Durham, Edinburgh
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Oxbridge offers: Usually 8–12 per year
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Students also go on to study at:
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US universities, including Ivy League schools
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Art & Design colleges, drama schools, and medical schools
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Offers extensive careers and university preparation, including for Oxbridge, Medicine, Law, and international applications
💰 Scholarships & Bursaries
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Scholarships available in:
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Academic, Art, Music, Drama, Sport, and All-Rounder
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Offered at 11+, 13+, and Sixth Form entry
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Means-tested bursaries are available and can be awarded alongside scholarships, with the aim of widening access
🏆 Awards & Recognition
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ISI Inspection:
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Rated “Excellent” in both academic achievement and personal development
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Ranked among the Top 10 UK girls’ boarding schools for academic results
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Winner of Tatler Schools Awards and featured regularly in:
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Tatler Schools Guide
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The Good Schools Guide
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Sunday Times Parent Power
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🏫 St Mary’s Calne – Contact Information
School Name: St Mary’s Calne
Type: Independent Boarding and Day School for Girls (Ages 11–18)
Location: Calne, Wiltshire
📍 Address:
St Mary’s Calne
63 Curzon Street
Calne
Wiltshire
SN11 0DF
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)1249 857200
📧 Email:
admissions@stmaryscalne.org (For admissions)
reception@stmaryscalne.org (General enquiries)
🌐 Website:
📱 Social Media:
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Instagram: @stmaryscalne
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Twitter/X: @StMarysCalne
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Facebook: St Mary’s Calne
📝 Exam Board: CEM Select
You can view the school’s location on the map below:
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for St. Mary’s Calne, in the 11+ Entrance Exam
St. Mary’s Calne uses its CEM Select 11+ entrance test for admission to Year 7. To secure a place, students must perform well in the exam, which assesses English, Mathematics, and Reasoning skills.
Why Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations?
✔ Designed for Independent School Entrance Exams – Covers question types that may appear in the St. Mary’s Calne entrance test.
✔ Video Explanations for Every Question – Helps students understand mistakes and improve problem-solving skills.
✔ Identifies Strengths & Weaknesses – Tailored practice to improve weaker areas.
✔ Boosts Confidence & Exam Performance – Familiarisation with exam-style questions reduces anxiety.
How to Use ExamTutor for St. Mary’s Calne 11+ Exam Preparation
1. Understand the Exam Format
📌 The St. Mary’s Calne 11+ entrance test typically includes:
- English – Reading comprehension, creative writing, and grammar.
- Mathematics – Problem-solving, arithmetic, and numerical reasoning.
- Reasoning (Verbal & Non-Verbal) – Logical thinking, pattern recognition, and spatial awareness.
✔ Start by introducing your child to each section and understanding what is tested.
2. Create a Structured Study Plan
✔ Allocate dedicated study time for each subject every week.
✔ Use ExamTutor practice papers to track progress.
✔ Practice under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations
Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence
How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:
✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.
4. Develop Exam Strategies & Time Management
✔ Teach skimming and scanning techniques for comprehension questions.
✔ Use mental maths tricks to speed up calculations.
✔ Practice logical reasoning techniques to improve accuracy in reasoning questions.
5. Take Practice Exams & Review Performance
✔ Schedule practice exams close to the real test date.
✔ Analyse results and focus on weak areas.
✔ Use ExamTutor’s tutor-led video explanations for targeted revision.
6. Boost Confidence & Reduce Exam Stress
✔ Maintain a positive and encouraging learning environment.
✔ Encourage regular breaks and revision balance.
✔ Use mindfulness techniques to stay calm before the exam.
Final Tips for Success
✔ Start preparation early – At least 6-12 months before the exam.
✔ Use ExamTutor’s practice tests regularly – Build confidence with real exam-style questions.
✔ Practice writing skills – Creative writing is often a key component in independent school exams.
✔ Stay consistent – Small daily practice sessions are more effective than last-minute cramming.
✔ Attend an open day or taster session at St. Mary’s Calne – Familiarity with the school environment can boost confidence.
By using ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations, your child will gain strong exam skills, improve accuracy, and build confidence—increasing their chances of success in the St. Mary’s Calne 11+ Entrance Exam.
📌 Start practicing today to help your child achieve a top score and secure a place at St. Mary’s Calne! 🚀
St Mary’s Calne – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
Independent Girls’ Day and Boarding School | Calne, Wiltshire | Ages 11–18
St Mary’s Calne is a leading independent day and boarding school for girls, situated in the Wiltshire countryside. The school is well known for its outstanding academic results, strong pastoral care, and a vibrant co-curricular life, particularly in music, drama, sport, and STEM. It consistently ranks among the top girls’ schools in the UK for GCSE and A-Level performance.
Year 7 is a key entry point into the Lower School, and entry is selective.
✅ Year 7 Admissions Criteria
Entry into Year 7 is based on the following:
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Entrance Assessments
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Interview
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Reference from the current school
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(Optional) Scholarship or bursary application
St Mary’s looks for bright, enthusiastic girls who show academic promise, curiosity, and a willingness to contribute to school life.
🔹 1. Entrance Assessments
Girls sit entrance assessments in January of Year 6.
✍️ The assessment includes:
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English – Comprehension and creative writing
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Mathematics – Based on Key Stage 2 curriculum
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Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning – Usually standardised tests
The entrance papers are designed to assess potential, not just current attainment.
🔹 2. Interview
All applicants are invited to a friendly, informal interview with senior staff.
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Discusses interests, hobbies, and academic likes/dislikes
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Gives staff a sense of the girl’s personality, enthusiasm, and readiness for boarding/day life
🔹 3. School Reference
St Mary’s requests a confidential reference from the applicant’s current school, which includes:
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Academic performance
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Behaviour and maturity
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Engagement with learning and school life
🎓 Scholarships & Bursaries
⭐ Scholarships at 11+
Available in the following areas:
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Academic
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Music (audition required)
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Sport (assessment day)
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Art and Design (portfolio + practical task)
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All-Rounder (strong performance across subjects and co-curricular)
Awards typically carry fee reductions of up to 20%, though some may be honorary.
💰 Bursaries
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Means-tested bursaries are available for UK families
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Can cover up to 100% of the fees, depending on need
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Requires a full financial assessment
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Can be awarded alongside a scholarship
St Mary’s is committed to broadening access through its bursary programme.
📝 How to Apply for Year 7 at St Mary’s Calne
✅ Step 1: Visit the School
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Attend an Open Morning, taster day, or book a private tour
🔗 Visit St Mary’s
✅ Step 2: Register
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Complete the registration form
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Pay the registration fee: £150 (non-refundable)
🔗 Registration Info
🗓 Deadline to register for entry: Likely October/November
✅ Step 3: Entrance Assessments & Interview
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Held in January
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Scholarship assessments may be conducted at the same time or separately
✅ Step 4: Offer & Acceptance
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Offers are made in February
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Acceptance deadline follows shortly after, with a deposit to confirm the place
