St Dunstan's House

dunstans@mayfieldgirls.org

St Dunstan’s Boarding House is an oasis of happiness and relaxation for Year 12 and 13 boarders amid their busy lives at School. We are a Sixth Form Boarding House for 65 girls, who benefit from bedrooms with spectacular views of the School site and fields. We have a mix of double and single rooms for the Year 12 boarders, and individual rooms for Year 13.

The girls can also cook and eat in the main House kitchen and Common Room, or use any of the other three available kitchens for tea, coffee and snacks.

St Dunstan’s is located above Becket Hall in the main school building - a central position which enjoys easy access to classrooms, the Textiles Department, the Chaplaincy, the Dance Studio, Computer Science facilities and the Dining Hall. Our enthusiastic House staff and Prefect team make St Dunstan’s House ‘a real home away from home’ for the girls.

Miss Josefina Ruival (Housemistress), Miss Leah Orchin and our day matron, run the House with the support from the Resident Tutors, who are in the House two evenings a week and some weekends. The girls have access to at least one member of staff sleeping in the House during the night if they are unwell or for any other reason that warrants support.   

During the week, our boarders benefit from following a routine which allows considerable opportunities and freedom before and after School to pursue their own interests. These may include an early morning run, swim, or session in the Fitness Room, after school music practice, riding, and other activities like art and ceramics.  The evenings include a routine of registration, prayers and study.  Students receive help from Boarding staff with study and university applications, as well as substantial pastoral support. In the evenings, students and House staff come together in the Common Room for conversation, refreshments and snacks before retiring to bed.

The weekend provides opportunities for students to make use of School facilities such as the Ceramics and Art Departments, Library, and the Music Department, to help with their A Level studies. In addition, the girls can cook independently, making cakes and preparing dinner for their peers if they wish. Most planned activities are optional, although we have one compulsory outing per term, and students can decide whether to visit friends or go out for the day. Sunday mornings revolve around Mass followed by a special Sunday lunch. Most girls choose to study on Sunday afternoons, socialise with their friends or go walking into the village. They also enjoy baking for their tutor groups, birthdays, and for Charity Days.  

St Dunstan’s boarders integrate fully with and lead many whole School initiatives. They are passionate about global and environmental issues. They lead MESSy, MUN and regularly participate in debating events, as well as helping lead Competitive House events for the whole School. Furthermore, they participate in many sports teams, drama and dance productions, as well as running Live Crib every year.

Any questions?
Please email us at dunstans@mayfieldgirls.org and we will endeavour to promptly reply.