St Leonards-Mayfield School is a Roman Catholic boarding and day school, which reflects the independence and breadth of vision of Cornelia Connelly, the foundress of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, who was invited, in 1846, to create in England schools for the education of Catholic girls. Her American background and broad European cultural experience underpinned an amazingly forward looking and challenging concept of education.
The school of today continues to seek to prepare girls to 'meet the wants of the age', to bring a thoughtful and Christian perspective to all areas of life, and to develop their gifts to the fullest possible extent. It seeks to establish a supportive and compassionate community, in which each girl is encouraged to grow into a true acceptance of herself, with the inner security which comes from a knowledge of the love of God.
Learning to make choices, working seriously to secure essential qualifications for the future, acquiring study skills and the ability to motivate herself are all part of a girl's education. To this end, too, girls learn to work as members of a team, to discuss and weigh evidence, to further scientific, musical, artistic and dramatic interests, sporting and practical skills, and to enjoy a range of leisure pursuits.
Virtually all girls proceed to higher education (1996: 90%+ to degree courses).
Vital communication with parents is maintained through regular meetings with academic staff, and contact, formal and informal, with housemistresses and headmistress.
Girls attain high academic standards across all disciplines. Creativity in English, the arts, music and drama is fostered by a first-class professional staff. Traditionally strong mathematics and science have led girls into medical, engineering and scientific careers. Communication skills are enhanced by the study of French, German, Spanish, Italian and Russian, underpinned by Latin and Classical Greek, with Japanese available. In a variety of sports, teams and individuals reach regional and national finals; equestrian talents are served by a new sand school and cross-country course. Pastoral care is supportive and unfussy; boarding accommodation is comfortable, and the food is excellent.
