Mayfield School

Mayfield School is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18 set in the beautiful Sussex countryside.

The school was founded 150 years ago by Mother Cornelia Connelly of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. Today it aims to foster a vibrant community for those of the Catholic and other faith traditions 'where worship is integral to the life of the School and each is encouraged to serve God and other people.' The school has a strong tradition of community service through its 'Actions Not Words' programme.

Headmistress Antonia Beary says: 'Mayfield offers amazing opportunities, helping girls to challenge stereotypical views of what they can and should achieve.'

'In joining us you will be welcomed into a community which dates back to 1872, when Cornelia Connelly and her Society of the Holy Child Jesus opened the School, and which reaches as far afield as our sister schools in Africa, America and Europe. Traditionally we have attracted pupils from around the world, as well as locally. Such a cosmopolitan ethos helps the girls to understand and appreciate different cultures and perspectives, and to value diversity. Friendships forged here continue not only through school, but into the future, and we are proud to welcome successive generations back to Mayfield.'

Inspection reports

Inspections provide parents with detailed information from which to assess key aspects of a school. Find out more about why inspections matter.

The school was last inspected in October 2018. Read the inspection reports on the school's website.

The school is a registered charity managed by a board of governors. Read more on the Charity Commission website.

What makes Mayfield different?

Attain asked the school, what makes Mayfield School different – and why should parents consider it?

Mayfield is a happy, positive and vibrant community in which girls, free from stereotyping, are encouraged to challenge themselves in order to fulfil their potential and be the very best they can be.

Maths and the sciences are among our most popular subjects at A level and we also excel in areas traditionally considered to be 'creative': Mayfield produces world-renowned ceramicists, has a dynamic Drama Department and an enviable sporting tradition. The key to success is to encourage and nurture creativity in everything we do, inside and outside the classroom. This leads to girls choosing an eclectic range of option choices: Chemistry and Ceramics, or Physics and History of Art are not unusual A Level combinations.

At Mayfield, we accept every girl for who she is and instil in her the confidence to find her strengths – wherever they may lie – and build on them. Staff, who are experts in their field and passionate about their subjects, help provide the support and inspiration each girl needs to flourish. A Mayfield girl is challenged to set herself demanding targets and helped to find strategies to achieve them. We expect girls to think independently, to question their own and other people’s ideas, and to learn to make informed decisions.