WHO WE ARE
YEAR 5 & 6 BOARDING
Early start boarding is a thoughtful and nurturing introduction to boarding for girls in Years 5 and 6, blending outstanding teaching, excellent facilities and the comfort of a warm, close-knit community. Pupils live in our safe and supportive Lower School Boarding House, where friendships flourish and independence grows, with lessons at St Margaret’s, all on on our 27-acre campus.
Kind and supportive introduction to boarding life for girls aged 9 to 11 years old
YEAR 5 and 6 boarding
Early start boarding programme
Our early start boarding programme is designed for girls in Years 5 and 6, offering a kind and supportive introduction to boarding life.
It’s an ideal choice for families considering a boarding senior school, giving children valuable experience of living away from home within a nurturing community that helps them thrive.
Our boarding fosters strong friendships, growing independence and everyday confidence within a safe and encouraging environment. For parents, it offers peace of mind through wrap-around care and the reassurance that their daughter is being supported academically, socially and emotionally by an experienced and caring pastoral team.
YEAR 5 and 6 boarding
Boarding life
Our Year 5 and 6 boarders attend St Margaret’s Prep for lessons and live in our Lower School boarding house sharing with girls in Years 7 and 8 at St Mary’s Calne. Here, dedicated boarding staff provide exceptional care in a warm environment where girls feel safe, supported and happy.
Boarders follow the same academic curriculum as day pupils, with the added benefit of extended enrichment opportunities. These can include instrumental and drama tuition, English language support where needed and access to a wide range of after-school clubs and sports.
To ensure a healthy balance between school and home life, there are two Exeat weekends each term, along with additional weekends at home depending on the season. Most of our Year 5 and 6 boarders are full boarders but we also offer weekly boarding too for these two year groups.
YEAR 5 and 6 boarding
Who is it for?
Our Early Start Boarding Programme is ideal for Year 5 and 6 girls planning on joining our senior school, St Mary’s Calne in Year 7.
It’s suitable for girls from overseas and the UK as well as military families whose families appreciate the stability, continuity and warm community at Calne.
YEAR 5 and 6 boarding
Weekends full of fun
Weekends are an exciting part of boarding life. Pupils enjoy a bespoke programme of activities, from exciting trips and outdoor adventures to baking, arts and crafts and creative downtime. There’s always time to relax too, whether it’s playing games with friends, exploring the Kiln Garden or simply enjoying the space and freedom of our beautiful campus.
Every weekend is thoughtfully designed to build confidence, strengthen friendships and encourage girls to try new things. Above all, they are full of laughter, shared experiences and the kind of happy memories that make boarding in Years 5 and 6 so special.
YEAR 5 and 6 boarding
Pathway to St Mary’s
Girls in Year 5 at St Margaret’s can apply to join St Mary’s, our senior school which shares our campus, in the year before before external applicants and without the need to take additional assessments.
St Mary’s Calne is one of the UK’s leading boarding and day schools for girls and through our pathway programme, girls at St Margaret’s can be offered and accept a place in Year 5, meaning they can fully throw themselves into life in Year 6 knowing they have an exciting time in St Mary’s ahead.
ST MARGARET’S CO-EDUCATIONAL PREP SCHOOL
Start your journey
Discover a nurturing, forward-thinking community where every child is known, supported and inspired to thrive.
Join us at St Margaret’s Prep and be part of our exciting journey.