Exceptional GCSE results at Mayfield School

Mayfield is celebrating some of its best ever GCSE results, an impressive achievement in a year where examination reforms have made it more challenging for students to reach the top grade. Over one-third of all entries were awarded either A* or 9, the newly introduced highest grade in GCSE English and Mathematics, which recognises the very best performing students. Almost three quarters of entries were graded A*/A or 9–7 and 98% A* to C or equivalent.

An outstanding 20% of the year group was awarded A*/A or equivalent grades in all their subjects and almost 20% achieved 9 A* or equivalent. Over three quarters of the year group attained 5 or more A*/A or equivalent. The GCSE results are all the more impressive as the School has a broad academic intake and they highlight Mayfield’s success in unlocking the academic potential of each girl. They are a testament not only to the first-rate teaching and exceptional pastoral support at Mayfield but also to the School’s ethos of commitment, aspiration and challenge and we congratulate the girls on their achievements.

Mayfield has a proud tradition of distinction in a wide range of disciplines and this year students have, once again, excelled across the board, confirming the strength in breadth and depth for which Mayfield is acclaimed. Exceptional results were achieved in Mathematics, with 42% of girls awarded top scores of 9 and 8 under the new GCSE grading system. Our keen mathematicians also studied the challenging Further Maths IGCSE course, with almost all achieving A*/A grades and over 20% awarded A* with Distinction, indicating outstanding achievement at a level higher than A*. Science is also a great strength of Mayfield and this year is no exception, with 90% A*/A grades in Chemistry and 83% in Physics, whilst creative and performing arts subjects continue to inspire outstanding results, with 90% A*/A grades in Art and Design and 87% at this level in Drama.

Within these results are a number of remarkable personal accomplishments. Amelia from Cross In Hand, former Head Girl of Middle School and an Academic Scholar, achieved top grades of A* and 9 in all eleven subjects, an outstanding result, and she is excited to be commencing her A Level studies in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Art. Mia from Burwash achieved an impressive 6A*/9/9/8/2A and is looking forward to her Sixth Form studies in Politics, Economics and Maths.

Ellie from Tunbridge Wells (8A*/9/8/7) and Ruby from Hong Kong (7A* including an A* with Distinction in Further Maths/9/1A) are the worthy recipients of prestigious Top Academic Scholarships, whilst Kizzie from Uckfield (6A*/9/8/8/2A) has been awarded a Ceramics Scholarship in the Sixth Form in addition to her Academic Scholarship.

Ashley from Crowborough (7A*/9/9/8), a competitive sportswoman at school, rows for Bewl Bridge Rowing Club and competed at Women’s Henley during her GCSE exams, whilst Harriet from Tonbridge (4A*/9/8/8/4A), an Academic and Choral Scholar, is a key member of Mayfield’s Schola Cantorum, which regularly sings at St Paul’s and Westminster Abbey and Cathedral.

Rachel from Tunbridge Wells achieved 6A*/9/8/8/2A and will be taking English, Psychology, Religious Studies and Theatre Studies at A Level; Maddy from Crowborough (5A*/2A/8/7/7) was awarded the Sixth Form All-Rounder Scholarship and will study Pre U Art and Design, Biology, English and Psychology and Charlotte from Heathfield, who achieved 5A*/8/8/8/4A is thrilled with her results and looking forward to A Levels in Classical Civilisation, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Head of Middle School, Jodie Stone, commended the commitment of the year group: “I am delighted for the girls, whose hard work and determination has been rewarded with excellent results, with a significant number exceeding expectations. These have been achieved alongside involvement in a range of sporting commitments, drama, music and community service activities, reflecting the benefits of a broad extra-curricular programme to academic study. I wish the girls continued success as they embark on their A Level studies.”

Headmistress, Antonia Beary, comments: “I am immensely proud that Mayfield girls have continued to perform exceptionally well at GCSE, especially at this time of confusion and uncertainty in the education system. These results confirm the importance of inspiring and engaging girls in the classroom, rather than simply teaching them how to pass examinations. We are delighted by the performance of our girls in both the new and more rigorous Maths and Further Maths examinations with a higher than anticipated percentage of 9 and A* with Distinction grades, confirming the School’s excellence in this area. Similarly, a pleasing number of 9s were achieved in English (not least given the public controversy over the marking), which reflects the all-round quality of a Mayfield education.

Girls performed equally well in Science, Humanities and Creative and Performing Arts confirming – were it ever in doubt – the importance of a wide range of subjects to achieve a balanced education. It is unfortunate that financial restrictions in the state sector threaten to deny this breadth to so many pupils, but we remain committed to ensuring that throughout their Mayfield careers the girls are able to enjoy a range of subjects and, in so doing, discover new talents, develop transferable skills and establish lifelong interests. We look forward to them continuing to flourish as they begin their A Level courses.”

Mayfield offers an outstanding Sixth Form experience, combining academic rigour with extensive co-curricular opportunities and Enrichment and Life Skills programmes, which prepare girls for higher education and careers. Scholarships are available. To find out more, reserve a place at our Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday 28th September 2017 at 7pm. Open Mornings for 11+ and 13+ entry take place on Wednesday 20th September and Tuesday 7th November 2017 at 9.45am. Please contact Jennifer Gandy, Registrar at registrar@mayfieldgirls.org to book a place.