St Monica’s School for Girls was founded in 1890 in Warminster, Wiltshire, by the Community of St Denys, an Anglican religious order. The order was established in 1879 by Rev. James Erasmus Philipps, the vicar of St Denys' Church in Warminster, as part of a broader movement within the Church of England to provide education and social care through religious institutions.

Origins and Purpose The school was created as a boarding school for girls, aiming to provide high-quality education with a strong moral and religious foundation. It was housed in an 18th-century building on Vicarage Street, near the center of Warminster. The Community of St Denys played an active role in the school's administration, with members of the order serving as teachers and mentors to the students.

School Life and Curriculum St Monica’s School followed a traditional curriculum, focusing on subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and classical studies, along with religious education. There was also an emphasis on music, art, and domestic sciences, reflecting the Victorian-era belief that young women should be well-rounded in both academic and practical skills.

The school gained a strong reputation for its disciplined environment and academic excellence. Pupils were often drawn from religious families and those seeking a well-structured, values-based education.

The Merger with Lord Weymouth’s School By the late 20th century, changes in education policy and social attitudes towards single-sex education led to discussions about the future of St Monica’s School. In 1973, it merged with Lord Weymouth’s Grammar School, a long-established boys’ school founded in 1707. The result was the formation of Warminster School, a co-educational independent school.