Boarding Life
A home from home – and so much more
Boarding at Mayfield is more than just where you sleep – it’s where you grow, laugh, learn and thrive. Whether you’re a day student, flexiboarder or full boarder, life here is designed to be vibrant, inclusive and full of adventure.
Girls build strong friendships, grow in independence, and gain the confidence to chart their own path – all within the safe, supportive structure of our historic, countryside campus.
Which path will your daughter take?
We understand that every family is different. That’s why we offer flexible options to suit your lifestyle and your daughter’s ambitions:
Day students
A full Mayfield experience, from dawn until dusk: Our extended school day means that day girls enjoy the best of both worlds – a rich and varied programme of academic and co-curricular opportunities, followed by evenings at home with family.
- Access to all after-school activities, clubs and events.
- Time to deepen friendships and discover passions.
- Transport links for easy commuting.
Flexiboarders
Freedom with structure – the best of both: Flexiboarding is ideal for girls who want the experience of boarding without being away every night. Many families use flexiboarding to support busy schedules or help with early starts and late finishes.
- Stay 1–4 nights a week as needed.
- Support during exam periods or rehearsals.
- A gentle step towards full boarding.
Full boarders
Your daughter’s second home and her launchpad: Our boarders form a close-knit community, learning to live independently while supported by expert pastoral care. Evenings and weekends are filled with enrichment, rest and shared experiences that turn friendships into lifelong bonds.
- Weekly activities, trips and time to unwind.
- Dedicated boarding staff and tailored support.
- A truly international community with 25+ nationalities.
- Greater independence for Sixth Form boarders, including extended study time, more personal responsibility and leadership opportunities.
A setting that sparks adventure
Nestled in 75 acres of stunning East Sussex countryside, Mayfield is just over an hour from London by train and an hour’s drive from Gatwick Airport. That makes it easily accessible yet wonderfully removed from the pressures of city life.
Regular transport services and our own minibus routes support both day and boarding pupils from the surrounding counties and further afield.
Our Houses
Every boarder joins one of our welcoming Houses – places of pride, friendship and support. While each House has its own vibe, they all share the same values of fun, kindness and belonging.
Nourishing body and soul
Our commitment to wellbeing extends to the dining table. Mayfield’s chefs provide nutritious, high-quality meals that cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs. Girls enjoy a variety of dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring they are well-fuelled for their busy days.
Complementing our dining hall is the student-led cafe, The Hub, which stocks a variety of drinks, light snacks, chocolates and healthy treats.
Boarders also have opportunities to develop their culinary skills through weekend cooking activities and workshops, fostering independence and a love for healthy eating.
Sixth Form boarders have greater flexibility, with access to small kitchen facilities for occasional self-catering and shared snacks.
Everyday essentials made easy
The school shop, located in our main building, is run by friendly and welcoming staff who help girls find all they need. Open Monday to Friday during term time and holidays, it offers:
- Uniforms and sportswear.
- Toiletries and stationery.
- Mayfield gifts and memorabilia.
The shop operates with sustainability in mind, offering eco-friendly products and a uniform recycling programme. Payments can be made via cash, card, or student accounts, making it convenient for girls to get what they need.
Practical details
Experience Mayfield firsthand
We invite you to visit our beautiful campus, meet our students and staff, and see for yourself what makes Mayfield such a special place to learn and grow.