When Mother Cornelia Connelly visited the ruins of the Old Palace on a spring picnic in 1863, she envisioned a place where girls could grow strong in faith and develop the confidence to meet the challenges of their age. That vision became reality in 1872, and today Mayfield remains a rare blend: a Catholic independent boarding and day school set in 75 acres of Sussex countryside, where girls from more than 20 nationalities flourish intellectually and personally. With 64% of GCSEs awarded grades 9-7 and 81% of A-levels achieving A*-B, Mayfield ranks 232nd in England in GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it comfortably in the top 5% of schools. Yet academic achievement, while impressive, is only part of the story. What distinguishes this school is the genuine care for each girl's development as a thinking, creative, and compassionate young woman.
The Gothic spires of the Old Palace announce Mayfield's location before you glimpse the 14th-century buildings that once housed the Archbishops of Canterbury. Walk across the grounds at drop-off and the school feels alive with purpose: girls move between lessons with focus, music drifts from the chapel, and the sense of community is palpable. The four boarding houses, Leeds, St Gabriel's, St Michael's, and St Dunstan's, create the heartbeat of school life, with housemistresses and their families living on site, ensuring that boarding is genuinely a home from home rather than institutional accommodation.
The Catholic character permeates daily life without feeling exclusive. Sunday morning Mass draws the boarding community together; a Chaplaincy team led by sisters from the Society of the Holy Child Jesus (SHCJ) facilitates retreats and quiet reflection; yet the school welcomes students of all faiths. The headmistress, Mrs Deborah Bligh, appointed in April 2024, articulates the philosophy clearly: girls are invited to "respond to the needs of the age" through service, integrity, and intellectual curiosity. Her leadership team, including Senior Deputy Head Mrs A R Bunce and Deputy Head Academic Mr J Doy, maintain the academic rigour the school is known for whilst nurturing the pastoral warmth that sets Mayfield apart.
The physical environment reinforces this dual commitment. A brand new Health and Wellbeing Centre opened in autumn 2024, signalling institutional investment in pupil wellbeing. Science laboratories are modern and well-equipped; classrooms are bright and purposeful; the ceramics studio rivals any university art school, with work regularly exhibited and winning national recognition.
Recent results demonstrate consistent strength. In 2024, 64% of GCSE grades were awarded 9-7 (the top two grades), well above the England average of approximately 54%. This places Mayfield at rank 232 in England (FindMySchool ranking), positioning it in the elite tier, well above average. The school's approach is notably non-selective at entry, which makes these outcomes particularly notable, they reflect careful teaching, small class sizes, and genuine attention to each girl's academic profile rather than creaming the brightest candidates.
Mathematics and science are exceptionally strong, with girls regularly achieving top grades in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology taken as separate subjects. The most recent cohort included two students who achieved full marks in GCSE Ceramics with commendations from the exam board, an extraordinary achievement in a creative discipline.
The sixth form tells a similar story of academic consistency. In 2024, 81% of A-level entries were graded A*-B, a figure that compares favourably with selective state schools and many top independent schools. This places Mayfield at rank 207 for A-level results (FindMySchool ranking), in the top 8% in England. With 26 subjects available at A-level, including specialist options like Classical Greek, Russian, and History of Art, girls have genuine breadth of choice alongside depth of study.
Subject breadth reflects the school's philosophy: whilst mathematics and science remain popular, girls equally pursue art history, ceramics, drama, and music at advanced level. The curriculum actively encourages what the school calls "eclectic option choices", physics with history of art, chemistry with ceramics, creating well-rounded learners rather than narrow specialists.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
80.79%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
64.26%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Teaching is characterised by expert subject knowledge and high expectations. Departments are led by specialists with genuine passion for their fields: the Music Department includes a Director of Music, T Frazer, supported by approximately 15 visiting instrumental tutors; the Drama Department comprises four practitioners, several of whom trained at prestigious drama schools (Italia Conti Academy, Central School of Speech and Drama, Bristol Old Vic). Science is taught by specialists including a Head of Science, L Lewis, whose qualifications span biology, pharmacology, and teaching credentials from Cambridge.
The curriculum reflects a commitment to questioning and reflection rather than rote learning. Girls are encouraged to challenge ideas, learn from mistakes, and develop intellectual independence. Supervision of study is built into the day, with tutorials between teachers and small groups ensuring no girl falls behind. For those needing additional support, learning assistance is available; for the exceptionally able, a Scholarship and Gifted and Talented Coordinator oversees masterclasses and extension opportunities.
The Life Skills Programme is distinctive. Running across all years, it equips girls with practical knowledge for adulthood: public speaking, digital literacy, first aid, financial understanding, and navigating mental health. This reflects the school's belief that education extends beyond examinations to prepare young women for actual life.
Pastoral provision is genuinely excellent. The school operates a multi-layered approach: academic tutors provide day-to-day oversight; housemistresses know their boarders intimately; a Head of Pastoral Care and Designated Safeguarding Lead (Mrs J M Stone) oversees systems; and the new Wellbeing Centre, St Raphael's, provides counselling, mental health support, and a physical refuge for girls needing calm.
The boarding houses operate as genuine communities. Boarders eat breakfast together in house, return there after lessons, and spend leisure time within their house community. Weekly boarding is available for families wanting flexibility. Exeats occur roughly every three weeks, allowing time at home without the pressure of full-time day school separation. Weekends are purposefully structured with activities: museum visits, cookery classes, sports fixtures, trips to London cultural venues, and simply time for friendship and relaxation.
Behaviour is calm and purposeful. Discipline reflects Catholic values of respect and responsibility rather than punishment. Pastoral staff build relationships that allow early intervention when a girl is struggling, whether academically or emotionally. Former pupils frequently describe Mayfield as a place where they felt genuinely known and cared for.
Leavers' destinations reflect the school's academic standing. According to 2023-24 data, 71% progress to university; with smaller numbers entering further education, apprenticeships, or employment. Oxbridge represents a modest but solid achievement: one Cambridge place secured from 12 applications across the year (8% acceptance rate). Beyond Oxbridge, girls regularly progress to Russell Group universities including Durham, Bristol, Edinburgh, and Warwick, as well as increasingly to American universities (including Ivy League institutions) and European alternatives.
The school's university guidance is outstanding. A dedicated Oxbridge Coordinator (Dr M S Reijers) supports candidates from Year 10 onwards, with specialist teaching, mock interviews, and one-to-one mentoring. University destinations span diverse disciplines: engineering, medicine, law, architecture, and increasingly STEM subjects where girls excel.
The school provides formal careers guidance from Year 9 onwards, with regular speakers from universities, professions, and alumni. The breadth of alumni success is striking: from Fenella Woolgar (actress, winner of Sunday Times Stage Performance of the Year for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in Handbagged) to Emily Craig (Olympic gold medalist in rowing, who officially opened the new Wellbeing Centre in 2024); from Camilla Le May (award-winning sculptor specialising in wildlife) to Harriet Minter (journalist and broadcaster specialising in female leadership, founder of The Guardian's Women in Leadership section).
This alumni network provides genuine inspiration and mentoring. The school facilitates contact between leavers and current students, creating visible pathways to achievement across disciplines.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 8.3%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
0
Offers
Mayfield's offer is genuinely extensive, with over 80 clubs and activities. Rather than list exhaustively, the standout programmes that define the school's identity are worth detailed attention.
The music programme is one of the school's flagship achievements. Schola Cantorum, the flagship choir, comprises girls from Years 7 to 13 singing art music repertoire. The choir has toured internationally, with recent trips to Rome and Paris, and performs regular concerts in London venues. The school also fields an Orchestra (for musicians of Grade 4 and above), which performs music ranging from Baroque to contemporary film scores; Session Band, an ensemble performing pop music open to all ability levels; and Chapel Choir, formed of singing boarders who lead music at Sunday Mass.
Approximately 15 visiting instrumental tutors offer tuition in keyboard, strings, wind, brass, and percussion. Ensemble concerts occur termly at Christmas, Easter, and Summer. The school regularly produces ambitious musical theatre productions, recent shows include Bugsy Malone, The Addams Family, and The Sound of Music: School Edition. These involve substantial casts, orchestras, and production teams, creating genuine theatre experiences rather than token school productions.
The Drama Department is led by Sally Gerstmeyer (Head of Drama), a former professional actress trained at Italia Conti Academy, supported by practitioners trained at Central School of Speech and Drama and Bristol Old Vic Drama School. This expertise translates into teaching that feels authentic.
Caedmon is the prestigious Drama Society for Years 11-13, running throughout the year with scripted productions and original work. Mayfield Theatre Company serves Years 7-10 and culminates in an annual production. The Year 7 Drama Club, led by sixth form students, also ends with a performance. An annual Inter-House Drama competition gives houses 48 hours to write, direct, and perform an original piece judged by external practitioners. Individual LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) examination preparation is popular.
Professional theatre practitioners visit frequently, and girls are encouraged to attend professional productions and workshops. The department explicitly states that drama graduates have progressed to study at both Russell Group universities and esteemed Drama Schools (RADA, Guildhall, etc.), with others studying Drama alongside entirely different subjects (Anthropology, Business, etc.).
Sport at Mayfield serves all abilities. Competitive sports include hockey (autumn term), netball and cricket (winter/spring), athletics, tennis, and swimming. The school enters local, county, regional, and national competitions with a strong record of achievement. Girls compete at county and national standard in hockey, netball, cricket, rowing, dance, athletics, and riding.
Facilities are outstanding. The on-site swimming pool hosts training squads at three levels (Junior, Inter, Senior) competing against other independent schools. The school's new initiative includes off-site winter nets (November-February) for cricketers, with summer squads training twice weekly on new AstroTurf pitches and outdoor nets. An ambitious plan involves joining a competitive football league for 2025-26.
Additional sporting clubs range from Fencing and Zumba to Badminton, Personal Training, Lifeguarding, and Ballet.
Mayfield's Equestrian Centre is purpose-built and on-site, giving it a distinctive advantage. The school boasts more national titles in equestrian than any other independent school. Girls compete from grassroots to advanced levels, with tailored Individual Development Plans for those with serious talent. The riding master is J Barker (CertEd, BHSII), supported by specialist staff.
STEM provision extends beyond classroom science. Coding clubs, robotics competitions, and designated STEM innovation programmes nurture the next generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. The school deliberately positions STEM as accessible and exciting, not the preserve of stereotypically "gifted" girls.
The school's debate team competes in England and internationally, with girls developing critical thinking and articulate expression on formal platforms. Model United Nations, current affairs clubs, and public speaking opportunities abound, reflecting the school's commitment to developing confident, engaged young women who can argue effectively and listen thoughtfully.
Photography, sculpture, expressive writing, and visual arts feature across multiple clubs and the curriculum. The Ceramics Studio is extraordinary, rated among the best in Europe, with recent students winning top exam board commendations. The Art Department regularly hosts exhibitions showcasing girls' paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and textiles.
Geography expeditions visit Sicily; history trips explore Berlin and the Battlefields; a student exchange programme connects Mayfield girls with Oak Knoll School in New Jersey. These aren't one-off trips; they're embedded into the curriculum and represent genuine cultural immersion rather than superficial tourism.
The "Actions Not Words" Programme, rooted in Cornelia Connelly's original vision, ensures girls engage in service both locally and further afield. This includes mentoring younger students, eco-club initiatives, public speaking for social causes, and charity outreach. The ethos is that social responsibility is integral to being a Mayfield girl.
Day fees are not separately specified in published materials but are believed to approximate the lower tier of independent school fees for the region. Boarding fees range from approximately £8,365 to £9,100 per term based on aggregator sites, suggesting annual costs of approximately £25,000-£27,300 for day places and up to £42,000-£43,800 for boarding (calculated as term × 3).
Bursaries are available, though the school does not publish specific percentages receiving aid. The school emphasises commitment to widening access and ensuring talented girls from all backgrounds can attend. Scholarships are offered for academic excellence, music, art, drama, sport, and riding, typically reducing fees by 10-25%.
Contact the school directly for enquiries.
Fees data coming soon.
Entry points are at 11+, 13+, and 16+. The school describes itself as "gently selective" rather than highly selective. At 11+, entry is based on the ISEB Common Pre-Test; at 13+ and 16+, the school's own entrance assessments are used, alongside interviews.
Approximately 402-425 pupils occupy the school (capacity 425), so places are limited. The school does not publish oversubscription rates or distance data, making it difficult to assess competitiveness at primary level. Day entry is possible at all levels; many girls are day pupils rather than boarders.
Registration for 11+ typically closes in September of Year 6. Contact the school directly for enquiries. Open mornings are held regularly; the school website lists upcoming dates (scheduled for March and June 2026).
Sixth form entry requires GCSE results and individual discussion of A-level subject choices. The school is flexible about accepting girls from other schools at 16+.
School day runs from morning lessons through to late afternoon activities. Boarding girls have study time built in; day girls benefit from supervised study available in school. Breakfast is provided for boarders; lunch is served to all pupils; tea (snack) is included for boarders in the evening.
The campus is located in Mayfield, East Sussex, approximately one hour from central London by train (via East Grinstead or Tunbridge Wells stations), with convenient access to Gatwick and Heathrow airports. This position offers genuine countryside beauty, the school sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, whilst remaining accessible for families with London connections.
Transport is not provided by the school, though a school travel service can advise on options. Families living locally may have reasonable daily commuting; those further afield often use weekly or flexi-boarding.
Catholic identity runs deep, genuinely. Whilst the school welcomes students of all faiths and none, the Catholic character is woven into daily life: Sunday Mass, weekday Chaplaincy, explicit religious education, and values rooted in Cornelia Connelly's vision of educating girls to respond to the needs of their age. Families uncomfortable with this faith foundation should look elsewhere.
Boarding is significant, structurally. Whilst day places exist, the school culture revolves around boarders. Weekends are full of activity for residents; the house system is the social centre; many relationships are forged in boarding houses. Day girls integrate well, but the rhythm of school life is fundamentally shaped by the boarding community.
Fees are substantial. Independent education at this standard costs considerably more than state schools. Whilst bursaries exist, families should not assume affordability without exploring financial aid early.
The school is selective, kindly. It does not cream the highest-achieving primary pupils but does expect genuine engagement, intellectual curiosity, and willingness to participate in the community. Girls who flourish here are those who want more from education than examination results: they're the artists, the debaters, the rowers, the curious thinkers.
Mayfield School represents a genuinely distinctive educational model: a Catholic all-girls boarding and day school that combines rigorous academics (64% grades 9-7 at GCSE, FindMySchool ranking 232 in England) with authentic pastoral care, outstanding creative and sporting opportunities, and a clear mission to educate young women who will think independently, act ethically, and engage with the world beyond school. The school is not for families seeking a utilitarian education or minimal boarding involvement. It is ideal for girls who respond to intellectual challenge, thrive in community, appreciate artistic and physical opportunity, and whose families value character development alongside examination success. For these pupils, Mayfield is genuinely exceptional.
Yes. Mayfield was rated Excellent by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in 2018 and 2023. Academic results place the school in the top 5% in England: 64% of GCSEs were grades 9-7 in 2024, and 81% of A-levels achieved A*-B. One Cambridge place was secured in 2024, and 71% of leavers progressed to university. Beyond metrics, the school's pastoral care, creative opportunities, and community reputation are genuinely strong.
Boarding fees are approximately £8,365-£9,100 per term (roughly £25,000-£27,300 annually). Day fees are lower but not separately published; families should contact admissions for exact figures. The school offers means-tested bursaries and merit scholarships worth 10-25% of fees. Contact the school directly for enquiries.
The school describes itself as "gently selective." Entry at 11+ is based on the ISEB Common Pre-Test and interview; at 13+ and 16+, the school's own entrance assessments apply. The school is not highly selective by ranking; rather, it seeks girls who will engage intellectually and contribute to the community. Academic ability matters, but genuine interest in the school's broader mission (service, creativity, personal growth) is valued equally.
Mathematics and science excel, with consistently high GCSE and A-level results. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are taken as separate subjects and attract strong cohorts. Ceramics and art are in England recognised; students regularly win top exam board marks and pursue art-related degrees. Music, Drama, and English are equally strong, with girls progressing to universities including conservatoires and drama schools.
Over 80 clubs and activities are available. Main sports include hockey, netball, cricket, swimming, athletics, tennis, rowing, and equestrian (with an on-site centre). Other notable programmes include Schola Cantorum (elite choir), Caedmon (drama society), Debate Team, Model United Nations, Coding and Robotics clubs, Photography, Ceramics, Dance, Fencing, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The school's equestrian centre has won more national titles than any other independent school.
No. Day places are available at all entry points. However, the school's culture and weekend social life are structured around boarders. Many day pupils integrate well, but families should understand that boarding shapes the school's rhythm and identity.
The school does not publish this breakdown, but both day and boarding pupils attend. Families should contact admissions to understand the current balance and how day girls are supported within a boarding-focused community.
Get in touch with the school directly
Disclaimer
Information on this page is compiled, analysed, and processed from publicly available sources including the Department for Education (DfE), Ofsted, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and official school websites.
Our rankings, metrics, and assessments are derived from this data using our own methodologies and represent our independent analysis rather than official standings.
While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information is current, complete, or error-free. Data may change without notice, and schools and/or local authorities should be contacted directly to verify any details before making decisions.
FindMySchool does not endorse any particular school, and rankings reflect specific metrics rather than overall quality.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on information provided. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us.
