Mayfield is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18 set in the beautiful, and easily accessible, Sussex countryside less than an hour from central London. Awarded the top grade of ‘excellent’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate and described by Country Life as ‘one of the finest schools in the land’, a Mayfield education combines academic rigour, breadth of opportunity and a strong sense of community. The School has an excellent academic record, exceptional pastoral care and an extensive co-curricular programme. Individuality, independence of thought and intellectual curiosity are nurtured and the School encourages equally the intellectual, creative, physical, emotional and spiritual development of each pupil.
Mayfield is successful in unlocking and developing the unique potential and talent of each girl. Every pupil is accepted for who she is and is instilled with the confidence to find her strengths, wherever they may lie, and develop them in an inspiring and nurturing environment. Mayfield’s ethos reflects its Catholic foundation and encourages integrity, initiative, respect and a commitment to be the best you can be within a vibrant and inclusive community, which welcomes all. Mayfield is a lively, happy and successful School and Mayfield girls develop a lifelong love of learning, a range of transferable skills that will prepare them for their future, and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Founded in 1872 by Cornelia Connelly and her Society of the Holy Child Jesus, the School continues to fulfil its Founder’s vision to educate young women to respond to the needs of the age. This is achieved through an innovative and stimulating curriculum, an extensive range of co-curricular opportunities and a strong and supportive pastoral foundation.
Curriculum. Mayfield’s curriculum, both within taught lessons and beyond them, is designed to create an environment in which questioning, reflection, risk-taking and the freedom to learn from mistakes are all encouraged. Inspirational teaching, from highly qualified and dedicated staff, enables girls to flourish and excel, reflecting the equal value placed on every subject and the breadth of curriculum offered. In Years 7, 8 and 9 pupils enjoy a broad curriculum with core subjects – English, Maths, the sciences, Religious Studies, Geography, History, Physical Education and Computer Science – complemented with a choice of languages, from Latin, French and Spanish and lessons in Art, Music, Drama, Textiles (to Year 9), Ceramics and Food and Nutrition. In Lower School (Years 7 and 8) the curriculum is structured within a Lower School Diploma programme. This provides the opportunity for girls in Years 7 and 8 to develop soft skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving and resilience, alongside their academic education. Time each week is also specifically dedicated to the spiritual and pastoral education of the girls in the form of assemblies, liturgies and Mayfield’s innovative Life Skills Programme.
To ensure an excellent basis for further study and a wide variety of career options, all pupils in Years 10 and 11 follow a compulsory common core, comprising English Language and English Literature, Mathematics, Religious Studies and at least two Sciences or Trilogy Science. Most pupils study 9 subjects at GCSE, selecting three choices from a wide range of optional subjects including Art & Design, Classical Civilisation, Computer Science, Drama, Food and Nutrition, French, Geography, History, Greek, Latin, Music, PE, Spanish, or a third science.
Sport is also an integral part of the timetable. Options range from traditional sports including Athletics, Cricket, Football, Hockey, Netball, Swimming and Tennis to other activities such as Badminton, Circuit Training, Volleyball and Water Polo.
The guiding principles of Sixth Form study (Years 12 and 13) at Mayfield continue to be breadth and depth and it is not unusual for girls to combine Mathematics and Science subjects (consistently the most popular choices at A level) with Ceramics, Art or a language. Pupils choose up to four A Levels from a wide selection of over 25 options. In addition, the Sixth Form benefits from the School’s Enrichment Programme, enabling girls to develop valuable life and critical thinking skills from a wide variety of options, including Sport’s Leadership; Photography and Photoshop; Farming and Land Management; Certificate in Culinary Skills and Event Management. Pupils also have the opportunity to complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) on a topic of their choice, which is excellent preparation for higher education. The School’s state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre is an inspirational learning space, with a variety of study areas, dedicated group work and social spaces, providing a first-rate transition to university.
Mayfield has an excellent record of outstanding examination results and girls invariably perform well above expectation, however, the School’s focus is not exclusively to this end and it encourages a balanced approach to academic studies and the development of the whole person.
Mayfield girls receive excellent careers advice and guidance throughout their school career as an integral part of the curriculum and this prepares them very well to make excellent, informed choices. Almost all pupils progress to higher education, the vast majority to Russell Group universities including Oxbridge and, increasingly, to overseas universities particularly in the USA and Europe. They study a wide variety of subjects, from Architecture to Zoology, with a regular stream of engineers, medics and vets, lawyers and economists. The School has a highly engaged alumnae community throughout the world, which is a valued support network for advice on further study and career options.
Co-curricular activities. An extensive co-curricular provision at Mayfield accompanies learning in the classroom and girls are positively encouraged to try new activities, ranging from Riding (in the School’s first class equestrian centre), Yoga and Kick Boxing to Textiles, Debating, Astronomy and Dance. The School’s ‘Actions Not Words’ Programme, reflecting Mayfield’s motto and incorporating the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, provides opportunities to be involved in service in both the local community and overseas, ensuring that faith in action continues to be an important part of Mayfield life.
There are significant opportunities to become involved in the creative and performing arts. Mayfield has outstanding Arts, Ceramics and Textiles facilities and teaching and has produced award-winning artists. Pupils benefit from a variety of exhibitions and workshops throughout the year.
Mayfield has an impressive reputation for music and, with a significant number of girls learning a musical instrument, there are opportunities to perform in the School Orchestra and in the many ensembles. In addition, Mayfield’s acclaimed school choir, Schola Cantorum, has performed in prestigious venues in the UK and internationally, including the Vatican, St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.
Pupils also have the opportunity to develop their drama skills performing in the wide variety of drama productions throughout the year, together with Drama Club, LAMDA and theatre workshops.
Admissions. The main entry points are at 11+, 13+ and 16+, with applications considered for occasional places in other years. Entry at 11+, 13+ and 16+ is based on the School’s own Entrance Assessments.
Registration fee: £150.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Full Boarders: £14,975, Day girls: £8,635–£9,750.
Scholarships and bursaries. Academic Scholarships and Creative Arts, Drama, Dance, Music, Sport and Riding Scholarships are available for entry at 11+, 13+ and 16+. Scholars are identified through a programme of examination and assessment and are expected to show a high degree of aptitude in their chosen discipline. Scholarships are offered on merit.
Means-tested bursaries up to 100% of the cost of a day or boarding place are available.
Charitable status. Mayfield School is a Registered Charity, number 1047503. It exists to provide education for girls in keeping with its Catholic foundation.
Governors & Staff:
Governors:
Chair: Lady Davies of Stamford, MA Oxon, MBA1
Deputy Chair and Chair of Finance and General Purposes Committee: Mr Chris Buxton, BA, ACA1
Chair of Education Committee: Mrs Marion McGovern, BA, Cert Ed2
Chair of Ethos Committee: Dr Rhona Lewis, MA, PhD24
Mrs Angela Drew, BA, PGCE, MBA2
Mr Andrew Larsson, MA Cantab, MEng, MCISI1
Mr Tim Reid, LLB13
Mrs Caroline Wood, BSc1
Dr Veronica Cloke Browne, FEI, CEng, MIChemE2
Dr Luminata Henshaw (Safeguarding Governor)
Miss Deidre Rowe BA Hons, MA, PGCE, CCRS, NPQH
Mr John McConnell BSocSc1
Fr. John Dickson4
1 Finance and General Purposes Committee
2 Education Committee
3 Governance Committee
4 Ethos Committee
Headmistress: Mrs D Bligh, BA Dunelm, MA, PGCE Cantab
Senior Deputy Head: Mrs A R Bunce, MA, BSc, PGCE
Senior Managers:
Deputy Head, Academic: Mr J Doy, BA, PGCE
Bursar: Mr R Gordon, MA, MBA
Head of Sixth Form: Mrs E Aherne, BA, MA
Head of Middle School: Mrs C Baker, BSc, PGCE
Head of Lower School: Mr D Smith, BA, PGCE