1st December 2020 — Mayfield School has been named as one of the UK’s best cricket schools. It features in the Top 20 all girls schools in The Cricketer Schools Guide 2021, announced earlier today.

The award follows an exhaustive process which saw a record number of schools submit entries to be included in the guide, despite the ongoing pandemic. All entries were judged against an extensive set of criteria, which included a compelling commitment to cricket in the curriculum, facilities, fixture programmes and coaching.

Emily Starr, Mayfield’s Head of Cricket, who has represented England (Indoor) at U19 level and Northamptonshire County Cricket, said, "We’re delighted that the School has been recognised as one of the top 20 all-girls schools for cricket. Cricket was introduced as a major sport just 3 years ago and in that time we have established a comprehensive programme, supported by a significant investment in our facilities and infrastructure, and we have exciting plans to develop these even further. The girls have responded positively, with dedication and determination, and in the 3 years we have reached regional finals at U13 and U15 age groups and have had girls in the Sussex set up. This year we had planned our first international tour to Barbados, but due to the pandemic we had to postpone the trip – we’re now hoping to go in 2021/22 once guidelines allow this.”

1st December 2020 — To achieve one Arkwright Engineering Scholarship is impressive, but Mayfield School is celebrating the double achievement of identical twins Valeria and Victoria, who have each been awarded one of the prestigious scholarships.

Arkwright scholarships are awarded to inspire potential future leaders in engineering. The girls had to go through a rigorous selection process involving submitting a detailed proposal for their project, aimed at detecting the presence of ionising particles.

Mayfield's Head of Physics, Dr. Darragh Corvan, said: “We are delighted Valeria and Victoria have been recognised for their outstanding work. The Arkwright Engineering Programme is the most prestigious scholarship of its type in the UK. At Mayfield, we encourage all our students to pursue their passions and I look forward to watching the girls' project progress. I cannot wait to see what they come up with next!”

As part of the scholarship the girls are being sponsored by Rolls Royce and the ERA Foundation. Support is offered in various different ways, through valuable hands-on work experience, support for their project and a personal mentor who can help them with their studies as well as career planning.

The girls’ interest in applying for a scholarship was sparked by attendance at the School’s STEM club. Darragh went on to say, “We are actively encouraging the girls to explore the dynamic field of electronics and coding. In our STEM club, the girls get the opportunity to use Raspberry Pi microcomputers and Arduino microcontrollers to develop their projects. The practical applications of this technology range from mounting sensors onto a radio-controlled car, to designing baby clothes that can monitor the health of the infant that wears them.”

Valeria and Victoria said: “We are very excited to have been awarded Arkwright scholarships. We're really looking forward to developing our project and can't wait to begin working with our sponsors, Rolls Royce and the ERA Foundation."

Antonia Beary, Headmistress at Mayfield, said: “Valeria and Victoria are continuing Mayfield’s tradition of combining academic and creative excellence. We are all delighted by their achievement, which I am sure will inspire younger girls.”

20th August 2020 — Mayfield girls have continued the tradition of academic excellence this year with impressive GCSE results. Headmistress, Miss Antonia Beary, was full of admiration for the girls and the way in which they have met the challenges of this unprecedented year:

“This has been a difficult time for all pupils preparing for GCSEs and my heart goes out to them as they, and their parents, have had to cope with the prolonged uncertainty regarding public examinations this year. We are, therefore, immensely proud of all our girls, who have coped so well with the challenges of continued learning under lockdown, and who worked hard to achieve grades which reflect their ability and application. Most importantly, and independently of grades, we are confident that they are well-prepared for the academic and practical challenges of A Level study, and will continue to thrive in the supportive and aspirational Mayfield community.

"While our return to School in September will not be as conventional as usual, I am looking forward to the girls throwing themselves into the Sixth Form, and taking advantage of the many and varied opportunities available to them. As senior pupils, I know that they will prove strong role models to the younger girls, and continue to contribute generously to our wider community, both at home and overseas. I am also immensely grateful to all of our staff, who have provided exceptional support and encouragement to the girls throughout this period. Teachers’ expertise and dedication ensured the girls continued to apply themselves to their studies during lockdown, as the School community embraced a new way of learning with enthusiasm and positivity.”

Amongst the results, there are a number of wonderful personal accomplishments including for Arkwright Scholars, identical twins Victoria and Valeria, who are stalwarts of STEM Club. Each received the highest grade (9) in all 12 subjects. Victoria, who will be studying Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics at A Level, is delighted with her results and said: “I am grateful to all of my teachers for preparing me so well for GCSEs, even though we didn’t end up taking the exams. Looking to the future, I am very excited to be returning to School to study for my A Levels!”

Valeria, who will also be studying Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics added: “I am delighted to have received these grades and very thankful for all the guidance from my teachers. I look forward to focussing on my chosen A Level subjects, where I hope to continue to work hard and enjoy my time at Mayfield.”

Jemima, who also achieved 12 grade 9s and who will be taking A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Ceramics, said: “It has not been an easy year and I am glad that we received our results in the end today. I want to say ‘thank you’ to all of my teachers for their support, both in the classroom and during lockdown. I am really pleased with my grades and am hoping to go on to study Veterinary Medicine after my A Levels.”

Tatum, who received all 8s and 9s in her ten GCSE subjects, having joined Mayfield from South Africa in Year 10, is very much looking forward to studying Maths, Physics, Classical Civilisation and History next term: “Mayfield has provided me with an incredible opportunity and has been an amazing personal experience. I am reminded of a quote by Nelson Mandela – ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ A huge ‘thank you’ to Mayfield!”

Tabitha, who will be studying Latin, Classical Civilisation, History and Art for A Level, said: “I am so relieved that the results are finally through and I am over the moon with my 9s and 8s. I can’t wait to start my Sixth Form Studies at Mayfield and to seeing my teachers and friends in September. I am so happy!”

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 due, not least, to the equal value placed on every subject and the breadth of curriculum offered. Class sizes are small and inspirational teaching, from highly-qualified and dedicated staff, enables girls to flourish and excel. This commitment to the value of a broad education was highlighted during the lockdown period.

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 employment and practical skills. Personalised higher education and careers advice and guidance is provided by specialist advisors to support girls in making excellent informed choices. We are particularly proud of the progress and achievements of girls joining us in the Sixth Form.

If you are interested in your daughter joining us to be part of this outstanding community, Mayfield has a limited number of places available for September 2020. Please contact our Registrar, Mrs Shirley Coppard, for further details on registrar@mayfieldgirls.org.

13th August 2020 — While the preparation for and build up to A Levels this year may have been unlike any other, when it comes to results, Mayfield girls are consistently high achievers and, yet again, this is reflected in the School’s performance across the board. Despite significant media speculation about A Level results this year, there is much to celebrate as Mayfield is able to confirm another set of outstanding grades. Of course some girls would have further excelled under exam conditions, but we are proud of this year’s 66% A*/A and 100% pass rate, which rewards the industry and diligence of the girls during their time at Mayfield and reflects the quality of teaching and support they have received.

Mayfield students have secured places at leading universities around the world to study a wide range of academic disciplines encompassing Medicine, Veterinary Science, Biochemistry, Languages, Law, Engineering, and History of Art. The most popular university choices this year are Exeter, Bristol, UCL, Durham, Edinburgh, LSE, Oxford and Cambridge; with other girls progressing to a number of prestigious universities globally, including the USA, Hong Kong and Europe.

Annalise, a local boarder, is delighted to be going to Queen’s College, Oxford to study Law, having achieved 2A* and an A in English, Economics and Politics. She said: “I am so happy that all my hard work has paid off and I’m really looking forward to beginning the next chapter of my life in Oxford. I will forever be grateful to all teachers at Mayfield for guiding me and encouraging me to have faith in myself.” Annalise will be joined at Oxford by Emily, who received an A* and two As, and is going on to read Biochemistry at Merton College.

Genevieve, a boarder since Year 7, who achieved three A*s (English, Spanish and Drama), has a place at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge to study Languages. As a playwright and a performer (one of her plays was due to be produced at the School last term), she is keen to take advantage of the cultural as well as academic opportunities that Cambridge will offer.

Head Girl, Mary, a talented artist and stalwart of Mayfield’s ‘Schola Cantorum’ Choir, achieved 2A* and a D1 in her Pre U, and is going to St Andrew’s University to study History of Art in the autumn. Mary, whose mother and grandmother also went to Mayfield, is delighted with her results. She said: “I have loved my time at Mayfield and the friendships and opportunities that it has given me. The support we have received from our teachers during lockdown has been absolutely brilliant, and I will miss the School very much.”

Caroline, another with strong family links to the School, is a good all-rounder and a keen sportswoman. She was awarded 3A* and 1A in Physics, Ceramics, Maths and Further Maths, and is going on to read Engineering at Bristol University. Caroline said: “I am so happy that I was encouraged to take an eclectic combination of subjects as it allowed me to pursue all of my interests and keep my options open. People are often surprised to discover that many of the skills needed to succeed in both the Sciences and Creative Arts are transferable, and that universities are increasingly keen to take students who have received the kind of broad education that I have had at Mayfield. I am very excited to be heading off to Bristol!”

Headmistress Miss Antonia Beary commented:

“This year has been one of unprecedented disruption, but I have been immensely impressed, particularly over the last few months, by the way in which our Upper Sixth girls have responded to the challenges they have faced. Remaining cheerful and positive, they have supported each other (albeit at a distance), through revision and the inevitable uncertainties the wait for results has brought. The girls have also been able to use lockdown to reach out to others and support their local communities, wherever they are in the world. I am pleased that so many have been rewarded with the grades they have earned. Inevitably the Exam Board standardisation process left some girls disappointed, but we will continue to support them in engaging with universities and appealing to the Exam Boards to help ensure that they achieve the grades they deserve.

I am proud of them all and, as each girl takes the next steps on her educational journey, I hope that the skills learnt and the friendships made at Mayfield will support and sustain each of them through what continue to be challenging times. University life may be unusual, but I am sure that the teaching and support the girls received during lockdown will help to ensure that they are able to make a seamless transition to degree level (whatever that involves!). As ever, I am grateful for the commitment and the expertise of the staff who contributed to their success. This has been an unforgettable year group, for many reasons, and they have made a powerful impact on the life of the School. I look forward to hearing of them continuing and extending this positive influence on the new communities in which they find themselves.”

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 due, not least, to the equal value placed on every subject and the breadth of curriculum offered. Class sizes are small and inspirational teaching, from highly-qualified and dedicated staff, enables girls to flourish and excel. This commitment to the value of a broad education was highlighted during the lockdown period.

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 employment and practical skills. Personalised higher education and careers advice and guidance is provided by specialist advisors to support girls in making excellent informed choices. We are particularly proud of the progress and achievements of girls joining us in the Sixth Form.

If you are interested in your daughter joining us to be part of this outstanding community, Mayfield has a limited number of places available for September 2020. Please contact our Registrar, Mrs Shirley Coppard, for further details on registrar@mayfieldgirls.org.

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.