Mayfield School vs. Queenswood

[trudylady12]

Which school will be better in terms of academic, boarding and sports facilities? Any parent who can share your views? Thank you so much!

I don’t know Mayfield, but I am familiar with Queenswood. Queenswood is academic but not everyone there is hugely academic. It does very well with bright girls and ambition is high.

Sport is serious there. They have about 25 plus tennis courts and offer tennis scholarships. Sports scholarships are available. Hockey is the main winter sport but many sports are played. A new sports hall is on its way so expect better badminton and indoor sports. They have had talented gymnasts and girls who are excellent at a variety of sports, including athletics. Jodie Williams the GB sprinter went there. The swimming pool is about 13 years old and well used.

Boarding is available from y7. By 6th form, the majority board. There has always been a strong boarding ethos with day girls expected to take part in weekend events from time to time to strengthen house affiliation. As with most schools, there is plenty to do but it’s a Friday collection and Sunday night return and many flexi board these days. My DDs said the food was excellent. As a parent, the school encourages boarding parents to join in with school events and it’s very friendly. A few boarding parents don’t appear, but many go to house supper and competitions and drama productions in the excellent theatre. Drama is a huge strength and girls are confident. Do go and have a look round.

Thank you BubblesBuddy!
Queenswood sounds positive in all aspects. As I plan to send my DD for full boarding, are most boarders international students? Are there any weekend activities at nearby areas such as shop for errands, going to movies or eat out with friends etc.? As I haven't visited Queenswood before, not sure how far is the school to town (Hatfield)?

Thanks again!

It’s much nearer to Potters Bar.

You will find many full boarders are overseas but I suggest you visit and check that out. It does not have nearby shops as it’s not a town school. There are things to do though and trips out. They did have theatre and cinema outings. Girls will often go home with other girls for the weekend. I would visit and have a chat about your DDs needs and see if it fits the bill.

Full boarding is hard to find in girls schools and many have become flexible in order to survive. Heathfield at Ascot is still full boarding (although now has day girls) but has a different ethos to Queenswood. It’s much smaller but a very close knit school. It has upped its academics considerably.