Welcome from the Headmistress
"There is something different about a Mayfield Girl"
This is an expression I hear time and time again to describe the wonderful students who come to learn, grow and develop into exceptional women of character and substance at this very special day and boarding school.
Mayfield School, established in 1872 by Cornelia Connelly and her Society of the Holy Child Jesus, stands as a testament to a visionary educational philosophy. Cornelia's commitment to preparing young women to meet the needs of the age remains the cornerstone of our mission. We believe in the transformative power of an all-female educational environment, a belief substantiated by extensive research over the years.
Central to our ethos is our Catholic Identity, fostering an environment where every girl is valued for her unique individuality. At Mayfield we welcome girls of all faiths and none in a spirit of love and friendship, ensuring each is nurtured to be the best version of herself, celebrated for who they are and encouraged to reach their full potential in a joyful, aspirational and supportive environment.
Whilst we describe ourselves as “gently selective” academically, our GCSE and A-level results rival the most selective of schools. This shows the great emphasis we place upon understanding each student’s academic profile and tailoring our teaching approach to enable every girl to excel.
Mayfield is a centre of excellence in so many areas, boasting a magnificent equestrian centre, a stunning ceramics department and outstanding music, drama and science facilities and expert teaching across all subjects. A brand new, state-of-the-art wellness centre is an indication of the high priority we place on student wellbeing and happiness. Our picturesque campus and historic buildings contribute to the wonderful atmosphere that makes Mayfield a truly magical place to learn and thrive.
Our mission extends beyond academic success; we are dedicated to equipping our students with the skills and resilience needed to navigate an ever-changing world. We embrace adaptability, resilience, and self-discovery as fundamental pillars of our educational philosophy, ensuring our graduates are prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
I invite you to explore our website to gain a deeper understanding of life at Mayfield, but I urge you to visit us in person. I would be proud to introduce you to our talented, inspirational and expert staff and most importantly our greatest ambassadors, our students. Our students are truly wonderful – they are proud to be themselves – ambitious, interesting, lively, determined and kind. Daily I observe with pride as they work together, build each other up and celebrate each other's successes.
As Headmistress, I am privileged to lead and support the nurturing of these remarkable young women. I am confident that a visit to our school will quickly reveal what sets a Mayfield Girl apart.
I look forward to welcoming you to our campus and sharing the Mayfield experience with you.
Deborah Bligh, Headmistress, Mayfield School
Deborah Bligh
Deborah joined Mayfield as Senior Deputy Head in September 2023 from St Richard’s Catholic College, where she was part of the senior management team for 18 years, helping the school to rank in the top 2% of all state schools in the country for value added.
She studied Theology at the University of Durham and completed a Postgraduate in Education at Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge. She has an MA (Distinction) in Educational Leadership, a professional Headship qualification (NPQH), and as a lifelong learner, recently completed a Certificate in Advanced Mental Health School Leadership (Level 4).