Happy Birthday St Mary's!

This year we celebrate 150 years of St Mary’s Calne, and in turn, the beginning of our establishment and the education of young people here in Calne. 

The school began with just six day girls and three boarders, and was founded by Canon John Duncan, the Vicar of Calne, who wanted to deliver an excellent education based on Anglican principles.  Over time, St Mary’s has evolved into the school it is today – one of our country’s leading boarding schools, renowned for the education of girls.

Indeed, it was the birth of St Mary’s which led to the start of our own story here at
St Margaret’s.  In 1915, Miss Mathews, the Headmistress at that time employed Miss Abdy, a Freoebel - trained teacher, to look after the juniors.  When she left seven years later, it was said: ‘She has made the Kindergarten one of the happiest and best parts of the School.’  Something we believe still to be true! 

We are fortunate to share St Mary’s outstanding facilities and have a number of staff who work across both sites and we work together as one community.  Both schools are fulfilling the aims that Canon Duncan aspired to 150 years ago – albeit now with a healthy community of boys – to provide the highest quality education to all in our care. 

Happy 150 years to our ‘big sister,’ St Mary’s Calne!