Mayfield girls - advice please!

[Schoolchoiceburnout]

In need of advice as I’m just going round in circles with my thoughts about this….

I have a highly sensitive, sweet natured, disorganised but reasonably bright and creative daughter and we’re considering mayfield.

She hates sport and possibly has dyspraxia so would need some support there.

We’re hoping the small class sizes and nurturing nature would help her transition to secondary.

Please let me know if you have any experience or knowledge of how flexible Mayfield is for those needing mild levels of support. (Sensitive/shy girls).

We don’t mind the religious aspect so long as someone could just help her organise her homework and build her confidence.

She would be a day girl - not a boarder.

We have a daughter who is very happy at Mayfield. If your daughter has been offered a place there, it will be because they know they can support her well. It isn’t the type of school that would issue a detention for forgetting a book. Everyone seems to be very kind - when I have occasionally checked my daughter’s Whatsapp messages, the girls all seem supportive of each other. The school day is long (8.20 -6) but our daughter has not found it too tiring and rarely has homework to do outside of this. We feel we could not have chosen a better school for our daughter and she has so much fun there. The only thing we don’t like is the cost!

Thanks @Lowerschoolmum - that's really reassuring. I did get that impression too, so it's good to have it reaffirmed from someone with a daughter there.

I've made a few mistakes with schools before so I'm really hoping she'll be happy there!

I have a DD there, although in senior year. Have you been offered a place? It is a fab, and quite gentle school, however it is also very busy.

On the busy point I would say you're daughter may need some additional learning support which is paid, to help with her needs e.g dyspraxia.

Thanks @Gough20 very helpful info. And yes she has an offer for Year 7. I'd love her to have some extra support and have factored in the extra cost. Right now, I'd sell my kidney to see her smile again...

Re: the busy point. Are there more 'chilled out' options for extra-curricular? Such as relax in the library with a book at lunchtime or do an art club. And are girls expected to participate in team sports fixtures/anything else at the weekend, or could she keep her weekends free at home as down time?

She's very happy to get involved in activities during school time that aren't too tiring and that she loves, but too much pressure on team sports or rushing around the school to and from many different locations throughout the day having to remember what to take where might leave her overwhelmed.

Any advice welcomed - many thanks in advance!

Absolutely chilled out options available e.g book club, crafts, that sort of thing.
There are sports fixtures on Saturdays if you are selected to play in a team. And the occasional sports workshop on a Saturday, although optional.

So her weekends as a day girl could be entirely free! My dd is a boarder so slightly different.

In Years 7 and 8 there is lots of time to find your own pace. The staff are lovely. As are the parents, who are from all walks of life. If I think of anything else I'll add it.

@Schoolchoiceburnout did your DD start at Mayfield? Can I ask how she is getting on? We have been offered a place for next September and very close to accepting as we've loved every visit/open day and the taster sessions. How is your DD coping with the long days? Does she use the minibus? We would be reliant on it as both my DH and I are working. Any feedback of your experience so far would be much appreciated. Thanks!

@Burntsausages yes she started in year 7 and settled really quickly! She’s very happy there and the support has been fantastic. There’s flexibility for downtime if girls need it. Her sister started this year too and is also already very settled and well supported.

We don’t use the school transport but many do and the drivers all seem really friendly and the girls happy. It’s a really lovely school! Good luck with your decision.

Thank you @Schoolchoiceburnout , that’s so great to hear your DD has settled and is enjoying Mayfield. My DD has mild-moderate dyslexia so it’s good to hear the girls are well supported. Thanks for taking the time to reply.