Worth versus St Leonards-Mayfield for Y9 (aged 12/13) entry.

[4tensmum6]

We are stuggling to choose between St Leonards - Mayfield (E. Sussex) and Worth School (W.Sussex) for a girl. Worth is now mixed but how mixed? Which will cater best for a girl who is capable academically, keen on art but less so on sport? And Worth will have a new head in Sept 2015. What about ethos? Both are Catholic schools but how do they compare? Any comments from parents of girls who are at Worth/Mayfield would be particularly welcome thanks.

Sorry, that should read aged 13/14 of course!

I've made a couple of visits to SLM, though we're not sure whether we'd be going for Y7 or Y9 entry. I don't know anything about Worth. SLM seems to me to have a very distinct ethos compared to other Catholic schools - and one that I quite like. Cornelia Connelly is a really important figure for them - to the point at which the girls themselves mentioned her when showing me round. Beyond the usual round of school masses, the Catholicism's implicit not explicit - think 'actions not words' type spirituality.

Loved the art studios (and ceramics and textiles). My dd not very sporty, so we like it because she'll have quite a lot of choice. Academically, I think they have a widespread intake. My impression (having visited at exam time and again this term) is that the girls get the individual help they need, depending on ability level.

Not sure if that helps - hope it does!

Thanks. Interesting to hear about the catholic ethos. I wonder what proportion of the school are Catholic. And do they push you if you're up for it academically?

Bump!

I am an Mayfield og so get regular updates. It many ways it seems to be a hidden gem. I found the Headmistress very impressive, and the school seems to excel in a number of areas (horse riding, pottery, singing etc) despite being nurturing and not particularly selective. Academic achievements are on the website, but by any measure getting six girls into STEM subjects at Cambridge this year must surely reassure anyone concerned about whether they stretch the more academic.

www.mayfieldgirls.org/NetCommunity/response-to-nicky-morgan

Mayfield seems to offer so much more than in my day. It won't suit every girl. A bit too "nurturing" for some, but if it appeals to your DD, it has a lot to offer.

Thanks Needmoresleep. That's really helpful. Anyone got any experience of how Worth and Mayfield compare. Type of school/ethos etc?

Bump!