Sussex


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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<p>Mayfield occupies a deceptively spacious and sprawling campus in the centre of the pretty East Sussex village of the same name. With some 425 girls on roll, it’s small enough to be cosy and pastoral, but also has a definite grown-up vibe which is testimony to the palpable respect with which the girls are treated. This is no bubble-wrapped all-girls haven, it’s a genuinely forward-thinking institution as proud of its academic excellence as it is for equipping girls with the skills, confidence and relationships they need to succeed in whatever they do next. That said, the onsite 25-stable equestrian centre complete with huge menage and cross-country course certainly adds a bit of that Malory Towers feel, in the best possible way.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Founded in 1872 by Mother Cornelia Connelly, the school lives and breathes its Cornelian values of joy, compassion, integrity, generosity, gratitude, respect and courage and her presence remains a driving force to this very day.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities">FACILITIES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/SCHOOL-PANAROMA.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62749" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/SCHOOL-PANAROMA.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/SCHOOL-PANAROMA-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/SCHOOL-PANAROMA-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/SCHOOL-PANAROMA-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Mayfield has occupied The Old Palace for 150 years and the site is pure olde English charm, sumptuous ecclesiastical-looking buildings that have been built up from 14<sup>th</sup> Century ruins, with sympathetically-designed additions fit for a modern age. Inside the feel is a mix of luxe office and cosy study, with soft carpet, stone flooring and classrooms with just the right amount of wood, books and textile to feel like spaces you’d genuinely want to spend time in. None of the buildings are brand spanking new, although the music and drama block was extended just two years ago and still smells of new paint, but they all feel classy and welcoming.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>There are ceramics on display everywhere, all spectacular and all the work of the pupils, and fittingly the art facilities are outstanding. Think huge spacious airy studios, room after room packed with textiles, a photography suite and darkroom, a series of rooms devoted to ceramics complete with kiln, a beautiful semi-outdoor space covered with a marquee-esque roof (planning permission forbade a permanent cover) that acts as an art gallery for the annual exhibition of students’ work, and tactile loose parts absolutely everywhere – in short, it’s creative heaven and it’s no surprise creativity is a big strength of the school.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Science is just as well catered-for, with its own three-floor block with a floor full of labs for each of the three disciplines, biology, chemistry and physics. Less usual is the dedicated food and nutrition block, complete with Bake Off style benches and a pantry full of ingredients for GCSE and A Level work as well as boarders weekend activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/SCIENCE-LABS-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62757" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/SCIENCE-LABS-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/SCIENCE-LABS-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/SCIENCE-LABS-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/SCIENCE-LABS-1-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Behind the main buildings lie an indoor swimming pool, acres of sports facilities, the fabulously kitted-out equestrian centre and spectacular views of the High Weald countryside.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>The centrally-located chapel is beautiful and atmospheric, and there’s also a similarly laid-out concert hall for lessons and performances. Mayfield is Catholic and observes weekly services and Mass, but it welcomes girls of all faiths.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The site has a really well-organised and intuitive feel to it. Younger boarders are housed in friendly, cosy dorms opposite the lower school building, and older boarders have dorms near the upper school. Within the main building lies a big library packed with books, and the lower school have their own smaller library to utilise on top of this. Sixth formers have their own centre, with classrooms for subjects offered exclusively at A Level.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>The grounds are impeccably maintained, and the girls enthuse about how beautiful they become during spring and summer with blossom falling from trees and flowers aplenty. On a damp January day, the benches dotted around the place are empty, but when the weather warms up they are well-used by pupils for studying as well as hanging out with friends. In the summer of this year (2023) a space behind the school, in front of the sports fields, will be occupied by a new wellbeing centre for all pupils, housing medical and pastoral care teams.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport">SPORT</h2>



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<p>Sports pitches stretch out enticingly behind the school and comprise of a cricket pitch, a huge Astroturf for hockey and football, and courts for tennis and netball. On top of these sports girls also do swimming in the 25-metre pool, athletics and dance, and additional and after-school clubs cover fencing, Zumba, badminton, personal training and plenty more besides. There are opportunities aplenty for sporty girls, with pupils competing at regional and national level in netball, hockey, cricket, dance, athletics, swimming&nbsp; and horse riding.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>The fully-staffed equestrian centre is filled with pupils’ own horses and school horses for girls to loan. Pupils can ride at lunch, after school and weekends and sixth formers, during free periods – although as a sign on the science block denotes, they have to change out of their riding boots before going to lessons. Perhaps unsurprisingly Mayfield has a strong record of producing elite level riders, winning more national titles than any other school, but girls can ride to a level that suits them, and total beginners can learn at a nearby riding school until they are ready to tackle the school’s horses.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creative-arts">CREATIVE ARTS</h2>



<p>Whether you have a budding star in drama, dance, music or art, they’ll be happy at Mayfield. Two drama spaces allow for rehearsals and performances, not to mention the concert hall itself. Girls can study instruments and work through LAMDA examinations, and take part in the numerous performances throughout the year. The drama department also welcomes regular speakers, guests and workshop events and the walls are covered with photographs of performances along with artwork of a sensational quality. We’ve already covered the ceramics studio, but it’s worth noting it’s one of the best in Europe.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ACADEMICS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/LIBRARY-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62753" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/LIBRARY-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/LIBRARY-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/LIBRARY-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/LIBRARY-1-786x525.jpg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Academic excellence is possibly one of the biggest lures of single-sex education for parents of girls, and Mayfield is true to form. Last year 99% of GCSE grades were at 9-4, with 72% getting the top marks of 9-7. At A Level, 84% were grades A*-B, 61% A-A* and 39% A*. Phew. Girls go on to top universities including Oxbridge and the equestrian centre preps many to study veterinary science.</p>



<p>Classroom learning is complemented by a range of extracurricular options from dance and debating to astronomy and robotics. There&#8217;s also a fully resourced learning enhancement centre with specialist teaching staff.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boarding-and-pastoral-care">BOARDING AND PASTORAL CARE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/BOARDING-HOUSES-INTERIOR-LEEDS-HOUSE.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62754" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/BOARDING-HOUSES-INTERIOR-LEEDS-HOUSE.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/BOARDING-HOUSES-INTERIOR-LEEDS-HOUSE-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/BOARDING-HOUSES-INTERIOR-LEEDS-HOUSE-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/BOARDING-HOUSES-INTERIOR-LEEDS-HOUSE-786x525.jpg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There’s a good ratio of international boarders along with UK boarders and day pupils, which makes for a more diverse mix than perhaps you’d expect in this very un-diverse part of East Sussex. The overall day to boarding split is an even 50-50. Boarding houses are split into years 7-8, years 9-10, year 11 and sixth form boarding and are all cosy and homely spaces, complete with common rooms, kitchens and lots of support staff. Weekends are busy and active and there are plenty of trips on offer, with girls also allowed to visit the village of Mayfield. There is no obligation for girls to stay at weekends however, which makes life easier when life events aren’t timed around exeats. Flexi-boarding and occasional boarding is available for day pupils if they need it.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>An onsite health centre staffed by nurses provides care for boarders and day girls, and the new health and wellbeing centre will enhance the services on offer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head">THE HEAD</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/05/3-3-1000x667.jpg" alt="Mayfield school head" class="wp-image-68478" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/05/3-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/05/3-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/05/3-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/05/3-3.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Long-standing head Antonia Beary passed away last year, leaving an exceptional legacy of leadership and embodiment of the school’s values. Deborah Bligh, who joined as Senior Deputy Head last year, has taken on the top job. She joined Mayfield from St Richard’s Catholic College, where she was part of the senior management team for nearly two decades and instrumental in its ranking within the top 2% of state schools nationwide for value added. She’s thrilled to take on the headship and says her top priority is to listen to the voices of pupils and parents as she builds upon the school’s rich tradition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks">QUIRKS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/LIVE-CRIB.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62756" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/LIVE-CRIB.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/LIVE-CRIB-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/LIVE-CRIB-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/LIVE-CRIB-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The annual Nativity performance at Mayfield features a live donkey and a live baby Jesus. The girls tell me sourcing a suitable infant for the role each year is less of an effort than it may seem, as frequently old girls who have recently given birth will eagerly offer up their offspring for the honour. Never work with animals or young children? Not at Mayfield.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



<p>At their best, all-girls schools are basically schools full of BFF’s. And that sounds like Mayfield. Pupils from year 7 to year 13 raved about the friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and one youngster shared that having arrived being anxious about boarding, the boarding was now her favourite thing about the school.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FEES</h2>



<p>Day fees start at £7,950 a term for years 7 and 8, and rise to £8,375 a term for years 9-13. Full boarding is £12,975 a term for all ages. Flexi boarding options are £950 a term for one night a week, £1,850 a term for two nights, and £2,640 a term for three nights. Occasional boarding is £90 per night. For those in need of the occasional evening’s wraparound care, girls can stay on after 6pm and for supper for £30 per evening.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MOBILE PHONE POLICY</h2>



<p>No phones for Years 7-9 during the school day &#8211; day girls and boarders have to hand them in. Years 10-13 can have their phones, but are only allowed to use them during breaks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transport">TRANSPORT</h2>



<p>Smart minibuses operate across Sussex and Kent, picking up girls from destinations around both counties. There’s also a weekly London minibus service both for boarders and day girls.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Whatever your views on single-sex education, Mayfield seems to encompass the absolute best of it. Arty, sporty, academic, all-rounder – all will thrive here. Pony-mad girls, form an orderly queue.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Boys, obviously, and those who don’t hold with single-sex schools. I wouldn’t hold your breath for Mayfield going co-ed any time soon.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Dare to disagree?</strong> The next <a href="https://www.mayfieldgirls.org/admissions/open-mornings">open morning</a> is Wednesday 4 December, 10am-12.30pm, or you can <a href="https://www.mayfieldgirls.org/admissions/open-mornings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">book a private visit</a>. </p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.mayfieldgirls.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mayfield School</a>, The Old Palace, Mayfield, East Sussex, TN20 6PH, 01435 874600</em></p>


Mayfield School, Mayfield

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