Mayfield School, Sussex

Frankfurt17: It has been a while, how do you feel after going to Open Day?

"A certain age" ... let's just say I have a big birthday coming up next year

Several of my friends go back frequently so it wasn't all bad - I don't think I was an easy child. I'm certain it would be a good choice now and that you would have no regrets if your daughter went there.

Anyone who remembers Harris tweed cloaks has to be a certain age. I have been back a few times recently and, having had DC go through the London day school rat race, genuinely think that the modern Mayfield could represent a good alternative for the right child. Education is more than just grades.

Oh, I don't think I want to read that, Needmoresleep - I've clearly got enough issues as it is! I do genuinely believe it to be a different school now though - my colleague's daughter apparently couldn't be happier and though I've only met her twice, her mother and I are close so I know a lot about her (as does she about my DCs) and I think that though she's not super bright, she's going to do really well at Mayfield as she's so happy. I have a very high IQ but did very badly and I'm sure it's only because I was so unhappy (and young for my year, and immature and unsophisticated with it). What I'm trying to say is that I believe it to be a really happy, nurturing school now and that a happy child who is comfortable in her learning environment will reach her potential. I've seen that from my own DCs.

My posts really aren't intended to put people off, I promise! And I would love to hear what you thought of it after the Open Days because I'm not brave enough to go back myself!

SmartArse, I get what you say entirely. It think it is a different school now. The head is very impressive, and it offers a good alternative to London families who want something gentler and broader for their daughters, than the London day school arms race. Results appear good for what is not a particuarly selective school.

Have you read Karen Armstrong's Through the Narrow Gate, about her time as a postulant/novice there? Now effectively a historical piece, except for those of us who are old enough to haver been educated by nuns who themselves were trained pre-second Vatican Council. I could only read a few pages at a time.

TheReturnoftheSmartArse: Sounds quite rigid back in your days

Frankfurt17 : Thank you so much and wish you have a nice visit!

Sorry about all that - I think I needed to get it of my chest!

Oh, and back in my day we didn't have to go to Church more than once a week, with other services on high days and holidays - it certainly wasn't as "religious" as the boys' equivalent my brother attended. Lots of the Day Girls weren't Catholic.

I think we had to say prayers before maths too, but perhaps that's because that particular teacher was a nun. We didn't have to say Grace before meals or anything (I don't think - not sure I can actually remember that far back!). We did have to "fast" on Fridays, though - don't know if they still do that.

Another Old Girl (literally, actually )here, from back in the days of cloaks and Mr Pont. I never want to set foot in the place again - the most miserable days of my life. HOWEVER, that was undoubtedly partly down to my own character and I also believe it has changed enormously.

I have a colleague whose DD is a Day Girl there now and who loves it. It doesn't sound as though it is frighteningly academic but certainly seems to be a happy place.

One of my peers also has a daughter there, who regularly turns up on my doorstep at exeats because the family live abroad and everyone else has gone home for the weekend. She's sitting 12 GCSEs but is highly intelligent, academic and competitive (which is very much encouraged by her mother ...). I don't think she fits into the school as well as my colleague's daughter, which I think is a positive in favour of the school! She certainly seems to have plenty of friends who board though.

On the one occasion I did venture back as part of a reunion, one of the nuns, our old head of house, asked if I would be sending my DDs there. I said absolutely not. She said, "oh, there are bursaries available for old girls, you know." I had to say it wasn't about the £££ ...

But please don't let my experience put you off - I do genuinely believe it is a completely different place now. I think the head is a lay teacher, for a start, rather than a strange nun of indeterminate age, with a peculiar greasy bun she was always stroking.

If you are not religious then I would really delve into the Catholic element of this school.

I am CofE and did go to church every now and again. I went to a Catholic school and found it VERY intense in terms of the religion side.

Every school is different in terms of religious emphasis but don’t ignore it if you have strong opinions on it.

Hi, I am also looking at Mayfield and would love to hear from you after your visit in April.

Does Mayfield only accept Catholics?

What your thoughts after going to the Open Day?

Probably older...

There is some big reunion of the Mayfield Schola Cantorum in Spring. All tuneful OGs welcome. Unfortunately my singing career was stopped in its tracks when some ancient nun told me I should never sing in church as it would be an insult to God. Those were the days. DC don’t believe tales of my school days. But then modern Mayfield girls would not either.

Needmoresleep - Can't believe Mr Pont is still around - he must be about 85!

semidepondent - that is interesting, is your DD in Yr 7 or 8? It was the Head who told me about the number of GCSEs so not a statistic . I am really hoping it will be reviewed though..
We are going to visit again soon so will press the issue. DD is v keen..

I can't really answer that, other than to say that St Mary's Ascot is where the posh Catholics go. Mayfield was never really a rich girls school, and does not seem to have the same culture of sophisticated weekend parties in London. It is a private school so you won't get a complete mix, but that coupled with the fact that day girls will be from the local area means that the rich bubble should not be a problem. That said we did not send our DD there because she was an academic London co-ed type. I think she would have found Mayfield a bit too sheltered and nurturing. A different bubble!