‘We want to be accessible’

Headmistress at Exeter’s leading all girls’ school talks about the moral obligation to provide opportunities

Stephanie Broad

Following the recent launch of 19 new Maynard Awards, offering significantly reduced fees for families who couldn’t otherwise afford it, the Headmistress of the Maynard School in Exeter has spoken about the importance of making the best education accessible for all.

“This isn’t any response to the very topical educational arguments that are ongoing in Parliament at this time. It is a subject I have always felt very strongly about,” said Sarah Dunn. “It is our moral obligation to provide opportunities to bright, talented and ambitious children in our area, regardless of their financial background.

“We should be inclusive by celebrating individual excellence in every field whether it is academia, sport, art, drama or music. I would say to anyone reading this, don’t be put off by the word ‘fee’ until you have had a chat with us about how we are able to offer very significant support. Our extensive scholarships, bursaries and new Maynard Awards can make a huge financial difference. I am proud to be able to deliver such a community initiative here in Devon.”

The application deadline for any of the awards and scholarships is Friday 9 December 2016 and the Assessment Days will take place in January 2017. “We would urge parents to apply on behalf of their daughters for these very significant awards. You just never know what the outcome will be – filling in our entry form may yet be the greatest opportunity you will ever provide for your daughter.

“As a single-sex school, we are not just experts in girls’ education but experts in all their needs, every step of the way. Our students love their school and are enormously proud to be a part of such a warm and supportive community. The Maynard lives by the ethos that happy girls are successful girls and to expand our horizons to a wider community is very important to me. Through these amazing new awards, on top of all the other means-tested bursaries and scholarships already on offer, I hope to prove our desire to be more accessible!” added Miss Dunn.

The Maynard Awards will run in conjunction with the other 26 scholarships already on offer for entry from 11+ (Year 7 entry) up to the Sixth Form. Interested applicants should contact the Admissions Office (admissions@maynard.co.uk or 01392 355998) for further information on how to apply