Mayfield School
Mayfield School
Mayfield, England
Set between ancient woodland and within easy reach of London, this girls’ school has stood since 1872 for a thoughtful blend of tradition, vision and warmth. While rooted in a Catholic foundation, it is open to all. Under the leadership of Headmistress Deborah Bligh, whose expertise in student wellbeing is widely recognised, girls are encouraged to take responsibility, challenge themselves in sport and pursue STEM subjects with confidence. The equestrian programme is particularly outstanding, with pupils even able to bring their own horses if they wish.
The Details
The Academics
Academically, the school impresses with strong results without creating excessive pressure: 50% of pupils achieve grades 9–8 at GCSE, and 81% attain A* to B at A Level. Particularly notable is the school’s strong science profile, with subjects such as Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology proving exceptionally popular.
Equally exciting is the new Sixth Form enrichment programme, which ranges from Global Perspectives and Farming and Land Management to Culinary Skills and Effective Communication.
Languages Taught
Spanish, French, Latin, Ancient Greek
The Boarding
The boarding accommodation is warm and welcoming, recently refurbished and in excellent overall condition. Around 50% of pupils are boarders, distributed across four houses. The Sixth Form boarding house is located in the historic St Dunstan’s building, and in total more than 60 Sixth Form boarders live on campus.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Here, equestrian sport is experienced at an exceptional level, with excellent coaches and facilities, including stables as well as indoor and outdoor arenas. Sport is offered in a wide variety, even though Mayfield is not a specialist sports college (with the exception of equestrian). Tennis is played outdoors all year round. Across the campus, artwork and ceramics highlight the school’s strong creative identity. Particularly impressive is the new Wellbeing Centre, which feels more like a spa than a school facility.
Weaknesses
Aside from equestrian sport, Mayfield is not a sporting powerhouse and is therefore less suited to pupils seeking a highly performance-driven sports programme.
Location
The Mayfield School is located in the heart of East Sussex, in one of the region’s most beautiful villages. Surrounded by rolling countryside and greenery, it offers an ideal setting for those who value a calm and secure environment. At the same time, London is easily accessible, and both the coast and the South Downs National Park are within easy reach.
Turnbridge Wells - 20 min by car
Eastbourne - 40 min by car
An excellent choice for creative girls, keen equestrians, academically ambitious pupils, and families seeking a particularly safe and supportive environment for a shorter period of time.
Every two years (in even-numbered years), the Mayfield Festival transforms the historic village of Mayfield in East Sussex into a vibrant cultural hub, offering a distinctive celebration of music and the arts each spring.
Take a look at similar schools
Badminton School
Cheltenham Ladies College
Wycombe Abbey
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