It is with profound sorrow that we announce the death of Miss Antonia Beary yesterday after a long illness.

Antonia – Miss Beary to generations of Mayfield girls – was a person of remarkable fortitude. She began her Mayfield journey in 2006, initially as Deputy Head before she was appointed Headmistress in 2008. Antonia lived her life following the Cornelian Principles, none so powerful as the courage and integrity she showed in the last weeks of her life. Her determination to face her illness head on and to continue to live her life to the full was sustained by her faith, founded in her upbringing and rooted in her education. She devoted the last seventeen years of her life to Mayfield and the School community is profoundly grateful for all that she did during her tenure as Headmistress.

We ask that you keep Antonia’s family, friends and the Mayfield community in your prayers at this time of sorrow.

We will share further information about funeral arrangements when they are available.

May her legacy of fortitude and dedication to education continue to inspire those who knew her and those who will learn of her life's work. May her soul and the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen.

Lady Davies of Stamford, Chairman of Governors