15th October 2019 — Last Thursday night saw the re-launch of Mayfield School’s prestigious Caedmon Dramatic Society that has nurtured and encouraged the talent of many famous names over the years, including Caroline Goodall (‘Schindler’s List’; ‘Hook’; ‘Cliffhanger’; ‘The Princess Diaries’), Rosie Cavaliero (‘Jane Eyre’, ‘Little Dorrit’ and ‘Jam and Jerusalem’), and Fenella Woolgar (‘Bright Young Things’ and ‘Call the Midwife’), on their journey to success on stage and screen.

Caedmon was originally founded at Mayfield in 1933 when the girls chose and produced the plays themselves, and the greatly-anticipated first play that the newly-formed Caedmon will perform is Jean Anouilh’s adaptation of Sophocles’ tragedy, ‘Antigone’, on the 14th and 15th November at the School.

The re-launch party was attended by Caedmon members past and present including Mayfield’s talented Drama Scholars. Year 13s Olivia, Genevieve, and Megan (the new Head of Caedmon), and Year 12s Samantha and India who have a wealth of experience developed in School performances and external productions. Each girl achieved Distinction in their LAMDA Gold examination, with Samantha and India awarded perfect scores, an impressive accomplishment.

These girls also achieved outstanding marks in their Drama GCSE and are currently studying A Level Drama and Theatre in combination with a broad range of other subjects, including Spanish, Economics, Politics, Maths, English and Psychology.

During the event, the current Mayfield Scholars had the opportunity engage with alumnae and were inspired by their varied experiences.

Mayfield’s long tradition of dramatic excellence extends throughout the School, involving all age groups in staging plays, set design, costumes and make-up. The next whole-school production is Alan Parker’s classic musical ‘Bugsy Malone’, which is being held on the 12th and 13th February, for which rehearsals are already underway.

Girls in Years 7 to 10 are currently auditioning for a promenade production of ‘Alice in Wonderland’, which will see the white rabbit guiding the audience around Mayfield’s historic grounds for different scenes of the play, in what will undoubtedly be a colourful and engaging performance next May.

Head of Drama, Mrs Sally Gerstmeyer, commented: “I am absolutely thrilled to be bringing Caedmon back after all these years and it has a special place in the hearts of Mayfield girls past and present. We are all looking forward to watching the next generation take this prestigious Society forward and making it their own.”

If you would like to visit our Drama Department, you are warmly invited to attend our next Open Morning on Tuesday 5th November. Please contact our Registrar, Mrs Shirley Coppard, on registrar@mayfieldgirls.com to reserve a place.

22nd August 2019 — Adding to the impressive A Level results announced last week, Mayfield girls are today celebrating another exceptional set of GCSE grades. Over 40% of entries were awarded 9-8 or A* equivalent, with almost 70% graded 9-7 or A*/A equivalent. 100% of GCSE entries achieved A*-C equivalent grades.

Over one in five girls were awarded all A*/A equivalent grades in ten or more subjects and 100% of girls gained five or more 9-4 or A*-C equivalent GCSE grades.

The girls have excelled across all academic disciplines, including the compulsory subjects studied at GCSE at Mayfield (English Language and Literature, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Religious Studies and a language).

Particular highlights include 80% of girls awarded 9-7 or A*/A equivalent in Religious Studies, 72% awarded 9-7 in English Literature, 70% 9-7 in Geography and almost 70% 9-7 in the three separate sciences.

As well as developing academic excellence, the School is acclaimed for its Creative and Performing Arts and this is reflected in outstanding GCSE grades: 100% of Music entries were awarded 9-7 with 50% at the top Grade 9, recognising the very best performing students, whilst in Drama two-thirds of girls were awarded Grades 9-7, with over 50% achieving 9s and 8s or A* equivalent. In Ceramics, 56% of entries were awarded Grades 9 and 8, with two girls achieving almost perfect scores.

Against a continuing decline in the study of languages nationally, Mayfield girls continue to excel as linguists. In French, 63% of entries were awarded 9-8 or A* equivalent and 75% 9-7. Across the broad spectrum of global languages offered at the School, almost 80% of entries were awarded 9-7 or A*/A equivalent.

Within these overall results are a number of remarkable individual accomplishments. Samantha achieved an outstanding 10 Grade 9s, one Grade 8 and an A* in Further Maths at IGCSE. An accomplished actor, Samantha balanced her academic studies with a range of school and local theatrical productions and also performed at this year’s distinguished Charleston Festival. In addition, she successfully completed her LAMDA Grade 8 during the year, in which she achieved Distinction with an impressive 100% score, and sang in Rome on the School’s Schola tour, with memorable performances in The Vatican and The Pantheon. Samantha is excited to be embarking on her Sixth Form studies and hopes to progress to Drama School after A Levels.

Eleanor achieved an impressive nine 9s, one 8 and an A* in IGCSE Further Maths. She has also had a busy year: an outstanding sportswoman, she competed at the top level in a wide range of sports for the School and played hockey at county level.

Francesca is delighted with her achievement of four Grade 9s, five Grade 8s and two Grade 7s. A member of the Mayfield Equestrian squad, she also qualified for two NESA national championships during the year. Francesca commented that she is most proud of her GCSE results as they represent a great improvement in her performance over the course of her studies, which she attributes to hard work and the dedication and commitment of her teachers, who have supported and encouraged her.

Monami achieved a remarkable nine Grade 9s, three Grade 8s together with a highly coveted A* with Distinction (A^) in IGCSE Further Maths. She completed her Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award this year and played in the School orchestra. The worthy recipient of the Mayfield Sixth Form All-Rounder Scholarship, Monami will be taking A Levels in Art, Physics, Maths and Further Maths and has her sights set on studying Computer Science at a top university.

The 9-1 grading system, first introduced in 2017, was applied to all GCSE subjects taken this year, reflecting exam reforms which included more demanding content and the elimination of coursework. The girls’ achievements are all the more impressive in this more challenging environment and Mayfield’s broad academic intake.

Headmistress, Antonia Beary, comments:

“It is a pleasure to see so many girls do so well again this year. Although the courses have become more rigorous, we are delighted that Mayfield continues to achieve consistently high results across the board. Of course we are proud of A* and Grade 9s and 8s but no one should be judging individuals simply on examination results and I hope that every girl is proud of what she has achieved as each grade reflects real effort and application. I remain convinced that Mayfield girls are successful because they are able to have fun and balance involvement in a range of activities with their GCSE preparation: this in turn means that they are calm and collected when they enter the examination room. Of course, knowing that they have been taught well also helps calm the nerves and all credit goes to the teachers who have supported and inspired them. Such a balanced, open minded approach reaps rewards not only in the exam room, but more importantly in preparing girls to respond to the challenges of life after School”.

Mayfield will be hosting a Sixth Form Information Evening on Thursday 26th September 2019 at 7pm for 2020 applicants. To reserve a place, please contact Mrs Shirley Coppard, Registrar, at registrar@mayfieldgirls.org.

15th August 2019 — The Mayfield School community is celebrating another set of exceptional A Level results across the full range of disciplines, with the highest level of A* grades achieved in recent years: particularly pleasing given media reports of a fall in the awarding of top grades nationally.

Mayfield girls have secured places at leading universities in the UK, USA and Europe (including Oxford, Imperial, King’s and UCL, Durham, Edinburgh and Exeter among others) to study a wide range of academic disciplines encompassing Aerospace Engineering, Classics, Economics, Graphic Design, Medicine, Modern Languages and Physics.

Outstanding results were achieved across the extensive A Level curriculum offered at Mayfield. Almost a quarter of all entries were awarded A*, with 55% graded A*/A and 75% A*/B. Maths remains the most popular subject at A Level and students achieved continuing success, with an impressive 30% achieving an A* grade. The School’s first-class reputation for creativity is reflected in 100% of students achieving all A*/A grades in Ceramics, with almost two thirds awarded the top A* grade.

Languages are a popular and successful choice at Mayfield, notwithstanding a reduction in their study at national level, with over one third of entries graded A* and 80% A*/A in a wide range of European and Classical languages. Overall almost 80% of students achieved ABB+ or equivalent. The excellent results across all academic disciplines reflects the strength in breadth and depth for which Mayfield is commended.

Almost 10% of the year group achieved at least 3 A* grades and in addition a quarter of all girls achieved all A* and A grades.

Alicia (who took A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Geography) and Charlotte (who studied Biology, Chemistry and Classical Civilisation) have secured their places to study Medicine at Cardiff and Southampton respectively. Both girls achieved all four university offers for Medicine, an exceptional achievement for this highly competitive course.

Immie, who joined the Sixth Form from a local grammar school, achieved an impressive 3 A* grades in French, Maths and Physics and is excited to be taking her place at Edinburgh to study Economics. Ruby achieved 3 A*s and 1 A grade and will read Mathematics at Jesus College Oxford, whilst Fryderyca, who joined the Sixth Form under the British Alumni Society Scholarship Programme, also achieved 3 A*s and 1 A grade and has a place to study Genetics at Edinburgh.

Local girl Mia was awarded 3 A* grades in Maths, Economics and Politics and will study Business Management at King’s, and Deputy Head Girl Amelia also achieved 3 A*s, in Biology, Chemistry and Maths to secure her place at Edinburgh to study Veterinary Medicine. Rachel, from Tunbridge Wells, who is excited to be taking her place at St Anne’s College Oxford to read English, said of her time at Mayfield: “I am absolutely thrilled with my results and to have gained a place at Oxford. Mayfield has encouraged and supported me every step of the way and I’m so grateful to the School for helping me to aim high and achieve my goals.”

Headmistress Antonia Beary comments:

“It is a great joy to see so many girls achieve such impressive results again this year. It is particularly pleasing to see girls who joined us lacking in confidence but went on to thrive and flourish at Mayfield, today being rewarded by outstanding grades which reflect their ability and confirm their potential.

“These results are a great credit to Mayfield’s inspirational and dedicated staff, as well as the girls themselves, who have all worked hard. I am confident that another cohort of Mayfield girls are leaving us ready and prepared to respond positively to the opportunities and challenges the future holds for them.”

Mayfield offers an extensive Sixth Form curriculum, spanning the range of traditional academic subjects and a wide selection of creative and performing arts disciplines. Girls follow a tailored programme of study and, reflecting the rounded nature of a Mayfield education, many will balance a combination of arts and sciences. Mayfield has a tradition of cultivating academic excellence. Class sizes are small and 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.

Sixth Form students also benefit from a specialist Enrichment Programme, which promotes critical and independent thought and intellectual enquiry beyond the curriculum, as well as a Life Skills course, which prepares girls for the future through the development of key employability and practical skills. Personalised higher education and careers advice and guidance is provided by specialist advisors to support girls in making excellent informed choices.

Mayfield will be hosting a Sixth Form Information Evening on Thursday 26th September 2019 at 7pm for 2020 applicants. To reserve a place, please contact Mrs Shirley Coppard, Registrar, at registrar@mayfieldgirls.org.

23rd August 2018 — New exams, new grades, more impressive results at Mayfield!

Mayfield is celebrating another year of exceptional GCSE results, with almost half of all entries awarded 9-8 or A* equivalent, recognising the very best performing students. 70% of entries were graded 9-7 or A*/A equivalent and 98% 9-4 or A*/C equivalent.

The new 9-1 grading scale, applied to 22 subjects this year, forms part of the government’s GCSE examination reforms, involving more demanding content and the significant reduction or elimination of coursework across all disciplines, making it even more challenging for students to reach the top grades.

Almost 30% of Mayfield girls were awarded 9-7 or A*/A equivalent in all their subjects and over one third achieved 9-7 in ten or more subjects, an outstanding result for a school with a broad academic intake in a more challenging examination environment.

Mayfield excels in unlocking and developing the potential in each of its pupils and the girls have achieved top results across the spectrum of disciplines. In Biology, Chemistry and Physics, 82% of entries were awarded 9-7 (A*/A equivalent); in the creative and performing arts almost 70% achieved a 9-7 grade and in Maths and Further Maths, almost two thirds of entries were graded 9-7. An impressive 35% of pupils achieved the top 9 grade in Religious Studies with over three quarters awarded 9-7.

Against a backdrop of fewer pupils in the UK studying languages, Mayfield girls demonstrated their linguistic talents, with 95% of all French entries and 94% of all Spanish entries awarded 9-7. The School provides a wide range of language options to pupils at GCSE, with Latin, Greek, German, Chinese and Japanese also represented in this year’s results.

Within these overall results are a number of remarkable individual accomplishments. Caroline from Mark Cross, whose mother and two sisters also attended Mayfield, achieved an outstanding nine 9s, two 8s and an A* in Further Maths, with an impressive perfect score in Ceramics. Caroline is looking forward to her A Level studies in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry or Ceramics, with plans to read Engineering at university. Caroline secured a place on two summer courses in Engineering this year, at Lancaster University and the University of Plymouth, attending lectures, from both academics and industry specialists, and completing project work. This has given her a valuable insight into undergraduate study and professional practice and she is excited about what the future holds.

Emily, from Tunbridge Wells, awarded four 9s, five 8s, two 7s and a A* in Further Maths, was thrilled to learn that her Maths result places her in the top 1% of candidates nationally at the higher level. Emily will continue her Maths studies at A Level, alongside Biology, Chemistry and History.

Zoe, from Hong Kong, was awarded eight 9s, two 8s, one A* and one A* with Distinction in Further Maths (indicating outstanding achievement at a level higher than A*), will be studying Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Geography at A Level and is planning on undergraduate study in the sciences.

Mary from Tunbridge Wells, another daughter of a former Mayfield girl, was awarded three 9s, eight 8s and an A grade in Further Maths. Mary has relished the opportunity to develop her considerable creative talents at Mayfield both inside and outside the formal curriculum and is looking forward to her A Level studies in History, English Literature, History of Art and Combined Arts.

Lily, from Crowborough, is delighted with her four 9s, five 8s, one 7 and one A*. An accomplished ballerina, Lily combined her GCSE studies with a promising film career and completed work on her leading role in ‘You Can Tutu’, whilst also attending The Royal Ballet School in London.

Headmistress, Antonia Beary, comments:
“At a time of uncertainty and often unhelpful media speculation about examinations results, it is reassuring to see that at Mayfield it is very much business as usual, with impressive results across the board. Mayfield girls continue to lead the way with their commitment, hard work and enthusiasm and I am extremely proud of their well-deserved achievements.

Each girl should be proud of all she has accomplished, as today is not simply about those with a healthy collection of Grade 9s. Girls should not be defined simply by their examination results, and at Mayfield GCSEs are only part of the all-round holistic provision which ensures that the education girls receive continues to be balanced and useful: providing them not only with certificates but, more importantly, the skills and values that mean they will contribute constructively to society and play a leading role on the global as well as local stage. I am convinced that the importance we place on encouraging girls to look beyond themselves is responsible in no small part for their continued success.

As ever, I am grateful to our inspiring and devoted team of academic and support staff who enthuse, encourage and support the girls, thereby helping them to discover and make the most of their talents.

These girls now look forward to an exciting Sixth Form experience at Mayfield, where they will receive first-class tuition in small classes across an extensive curriculum choice, a comprehensive Enrichment Programme to develop valuable personal and professional skills and expert personalised advice and guidance on future career and higher education opportunities.”

Mayfield will be hosting a Sixth Form Information Evening on Thursday 27 September 2018 at 7pm for 2019 applicants. To reserve a place, please contact Mrs Shirley Coppard, Registrar, at registrar@mayfieldgirls.org.

16th August 2018 — Mayfield School is celebrating another year of exceptional A Level results, among the best in recent years. Girls have successfully secured places on highly selective courses at leading universities in the UK and overseas including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, Durham, Edinburgh, Bristol, NYU and in Europe to study a wide range of academic disciplines encompassing Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Economics, Design, Linguistics and Psychology.

Mayfield’s results are impressive across the extensive A Level academic curriculum offered. 20% of all entries were awarded A*, with almost 60% graded A*/A and 80% A*/B. Almost one-third of all girls were awarded three or more A*/A grades and this year fourteen subjects achieved 100% A*/B grades (up from eleven in 2017). Mathematics remained the most popular subject at A Level, with an impressive 30% securing the top A* grade and 83% A*/A. The School’s equally strong reputation for the creative arts is reflected in almost 100% of students achieving A*/A grades in Art, Ceramics and Textiles and 60% attaining the top A* grade. Particularly remarkable is the perfect score of 100% achieved by Natasja from Crowborough, East Sussex, in A Level Ceramics and she is looking forward to her undergraduate studies at the prestigious Scandanavian Academy of International Fashion and Design in Copenhagen.

There are a number of other outstanding individual performances including:

Former Head Girl Chelsea from London (A*A*AA) is excited to be taking up her place at Bristol to study Medicine. She said of her time at Mayfield, “The School encourages and supports us all to aim high and to work hard to reach our goals and I am very excited about what the future holds! We are given opportunities from an early age to become involved in a broad range of activities and to discover and develop our talents. I have loved my time at Mayfield and the School has prepared me well for the next exciting stage of my life”.

Amanda from Tunbridge Wells (A*AAA), the worthy recipient of a prestigious Cambridge University Choral Scholarship, is looking forward to studying Linguistics at King’s College, Cambridge. Amanda has been immersed in the musical life of Mayfield throughout her seven years, performing with Mayfield’s choir, Schola Cantorum, at special events in Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral and St Paul’s Cathedral. Amanda also achieved the top Distinction award in her ARSM Performance Diploma, taking her exam on the same day as her History A Level.

Beatrice from Hong Kong achieved an outstanding four A* and one A grade and plans to pursue her study of Medicine in Hong Kong, whilst Martyna from Poland, who joined the Sixth Form at Mayfield under the British Alumni Society Scholarship Programme, achieved four A* grades and has been awarded a full scholarship to NYU to study Engineering.

Headmistress Antonia Beary comments:
“I continue to be delighted by our girls’ impressive achievements. Mayfield has a proud tradition of distinction in a wide range of disciplines and this year, once again, our girls have excelled across the board, confirming the strength in breadth and depth for which Mayfield is acclaimed. It is important to note that not only have the straight A* girls achieved the grades they deserved but many girls have exceeded their own expectations, discovering their strengths and passions at Mayfield, and today leave the School with the highest possible grades. The results reflect the girls’ commitment, determination and hard work as well as the inspirational teaching, first-class pastoral care and dedicated support and encouragement of our staff. I am confident that our girls will go on to enjoy the challenge of undergraduate study, as they have the skills to make the most of the opportunities university life and future careers will offer. Mayfield girls graduated this year with First Class degrees from Oxford, Cambridge, Warwick and a host of other outstanding international universities. Proof, were it required, that Mayfield prepares girls to go on to excel in their chosen fields, whatever they may be.”

Mayfield offers an extensive curriculum in the Sixth Form, spanning the range of traditional academic subjects and a wide selection of creative and performing arts disciplines. Girls follow a tailored programme of study and, reflecting the rounded nature of a Mayfield education, many will balance a combination of arts and sciences. Mayfield has a tradition of cultivating academic excellence. The 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. Class sizes are small and 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.

The School also offers a Sixth Form Enrichment Programme, promoting critical and independent thought and intellectual enquiry beyond the curriculum, as well as a Life Skills course, which prepares the girls for the future through the development of key employability and practical skills. Personalised higher education and careers advice and guidance is provided by specialist advisors to support girls in making excellent informed choices.

Mayfield will be hosting a Sixth Form Information Evening on Thursday 27 September 2018 at 7pm for 2019 applicants. To reserve a place, please contact Mrs Shirley Coppard, Registrar, at registrar@mayfieldgirls.org.

31st January 2018 — Monday evening saw over 200 Mayfield pupils from Years 9 to 13 attend the school’s annual careers evening, now into its fifth year. The girls had the opportunity to hear from speakers from over 20 different career areas, including an airline pilot, solicitor, editor, film and TV director, journalist and novelist, accountant, banker, sports therapist, a Westminster civil servant, physiotherapist, psychiatrist, GP, an A&E doctor, nurse, structural engineer, aerospace engineer, chartered surveyor, stage make-up artist and vet.

Many of the speakers were drawn from the School’s alumnae community, and it was extremely empowering for the girls to hear about how they have risen to the top of their professions, in many cases in male dominated professions.  The aim of the evening was to raise the girls’ awareness about the wide range of career opportunities and to learn about the qualities, skills and qualifications each profession needs, so they can make informed choices about their futures. The speakers also highlighted the importance of resilience, flexibility, adaptability and hard work in achieving their goals, qualities Mayfield focuses on developing in their pupils to prepare them for the opportunities and challenges of a competitive and fast-paced 21st century employment market.

The Careers Evening is part of an overarching CEIAG (Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance) programme at Mayfield that includes formal careers lessons as part of the curriculum, 1:1 careers guidance interviews, and other employer-contact events such as the recent ‘People Like Me’ event for Year 8, part of a national programme aimed at encouraging girls to continue with STEM subjects post-GCSE.

Mayfield’s next venture is a Futures Fair, which will be open to students at other schools in the area. Scheduled for March, it will coincide with National Careers Week and National Apprenticeship Week.

Head of Careers, Mrs Amanda Glubb, said: “Careers education is about helping the girls to make informed choices about their future plans. It is important to us to provide an opportunity for girls to find out about a range of different career options. Sometimes they will discover a career they had not been aware of, or hadn’t considered before; sometimes they discover that a career they thought they wanted to pursue is actually not for them. Both discoveries are equally valuable.” 

Mary Whitlock (Year 11), who attended talks on Journalism, Civil Service (Westminster), Publishing and Museums said: “The talks were all very interesting and informative, and I really enjoyed hearing about careers I hadn't previously considered.”