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13 August 2020
While the preparation for and build up to A Levels this year may have been unlike any other, when it comes to results, Mayfield girls are consistently high achievers and, yet again, this is reflected in the School’s performance across the board. Despite significant media speculation about A Level results this year, there is much to celebrate as Mayfield is able to confirm another set of outstanding grades. Of course some girls would have further excelled under exam conditions, but we are proud of this year’s 66% A*/A and 100% pass rate, which rewards the industry and diligence of the girls during their time at Mayfield and reflects the quality of teaching and support they have received.
Mayfield students have secured places at leading universities around the world to study a wide range of academic disciplines encompassing Medicine, Veterinary Science, Biochemistry, Languages, Law, Engineering, and History of Art. The most popular university choices this year are Exeter, Bristol, UCL, Durham, Edinburgh, LSE, Oxford and Cambridge; with other girls progressing to a number of prestigious universities globally, including the USA, Hong Kong and Europe.
Annalise, a local boarder, is delighted to be going to Queen’s College, Oxford to study Law, having achieved 2A* and an A in English, Economics and Politics. She said: “I am so happy that all my hard work has paid off and I’m really looking forward to beginning the next chapter of my life in Oxford. I will forever be grateful to all teachers at Mayfield for guiding me and encouraging me to have faith in myself.” Annalise will be joined at Oxford by Emily, who received an A* and two As, and is going on to read Biochemistry at Merton College.
Genevieve, a boarder since Year 7, who achieved three A*s (English, Spanish and Drama), has a place at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge to study Languages. As a playwright and a performer (one of her plays was due to be produced at the School last term), she is keen to take advantage of the cultural as well as academic opportunities that Cambridge will offer.
Head Girl, Mary, a talented artist and stalwart of Mayfield’s ‘Schola Cantorum’ Choir, achieved 2A* and a D1 in her Pre U, and is going to St Andrew’s University to study History of Art in the autumn. Mary, whose mother and grandmother also went to Mayfield, is delighted with her results. She said: “I have loved my time at Mayfield and the friendships and opportunities that it has given me. The support we have received from our teachers during lockdown has been absolutely brilliant, and I will miss the School very much.”
Caroline, another with strong family links to the School, is a good all-rounder and a keen sportswoman. She was awarded 3A* and 1A in Physics, Ceramics, Maths and Further Maths, and is going on to read Engineering at Bristol University. Caroline said: “I am so happy that I was encouraged to take an eclectic combination of subjects as it allowed me to pursue all of my interests and keep my options open. People are often surprised to discover that many of the skills needed to succeed in both the Sciences and Creative Arts are transferable, and that universities are increasingly keen to take students who have received the kind of broad education that I have had at Mayfield. I am very excited to be heading off to Bristol!”
Headmistress Miss Antonia Beary commented:
“This year has been one of unprecedented disruption, but I have been immensely impressed, particularly over the last few months, by the way in which our Upper Sixth girls have responded to the challenges they have faced. Remaining cheerful and positive, they have supported each other (albeit at a distance), through revision and the inevitable uncertainties the wait for results has brought. The girls have also been able to use lockdown to reach out to others and support their local communities, wherever they are in the world. I am pleased that so many have been rewarded with the grades they have earned. Inevitably the Exam Board standardisation process left some girls disappointed, but we will continue to support them in engaging with universities and appealing to the Exam Boards to help ensure that they achieve the grades they deserve.
I am proud of them all and, as each girl takes the next steps on her educational journey, I hope that the skills learnt and the friendships made at Mayfield will support and sustain each of them through what continue to be challenging times. University life may be unusual, but I am sure that the teaching and support the girls received during lockdown will help to ensure that they are able to make a seamless transition to degree level (whatever that involves!). As ever, I am grateful for the commitment and the expertise of the staff who contributed to their success. This has been an unforgettable year group, for many reasons, and they have made a powerful impact on the life of the School. I look forward to hearing of them continuing and extending this positive influence on the new communities in which they find themselves.”
Mayfield offers an extensive Sixth Form curriculum, spanning the range of traditional academic subjects and a wide selection of creative and performing arts disciplines. Girls follow a tailored programme of study and, reflecting the rounded nature of a Mayfield education, many will balance a combination of arts and sciences. Mayfield has a tradition of cultivating academic excellence due, not least, to the equal value placed on every subject and the breadth of curriculum offered. Class sizes are small and inspirational teaching, from highly-qualified and dedicated staff, enables girls to flourish and excel. This commitment to the value of a broad education was highlighted during the lockdown period.
Sixth Form students also benefit from a specialist Enrichment Programme, which promotes critical and independent thought, and intellectual enquiry beyond the curriculum, as well as a Life Skills course, which prepares girls for the future through the development of key employment and practical skills. Personalised higher education and careers advice and guidance is provided by specialist advisors to support girls in making excellent informed choices. We are particularly proud of the progress and achievements of girls joining us in the Sixth Form.
