Mayville High School

Since 2014, Rebecca Parkyn (40s) MA French and German (Oxon) MA PGCE MCIL. Mrs Parkyn was a past pupil at Mayville and is now both the head and a parent of a child at the school. She originally left Portsmouth for Oxford University where she studied

Very open to visits by prospective families - some arriving mid year if they are relocating. School reports looked at, children attend a taster day and are tested for reading, spelling, maths and comprehension (via 11+ for year 7). School is

About 85 per cent go to state sixth forms – eg Barton Peveril College, Chichester College, Havant and South Downs (HSDC) College, Peter Symonds College and Portsmouth College; a few move to Portsmouth Grammar School or other independent schools for

In 2024, 19 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 81 per cent 9-4 in both maths and English. In 2022, 41 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 85 per cent 9-4 in both maths and English.

Early years have their own block, with a small playground for outside learning as well as use of the large junior playground for trikes when the juniors are having lunch. There are rooms for more formal learning as well as rooms for crafts and

All children assessed both in junior and senior school both for dyslexia and gifted and talented. Two full-time staff work in the dyslexia unit, as well as four part-time staff. Specialises in dyslexia, but with resources and staff who can also work

Performing arts a very big attraction of the school - drama, dance, singing all expected from pupils who sometimes choose the school specifically for this strength, and who not infrequently go on to perform in the West End. Pupils have joined the

The 20 acres of fields 10 minutes' bus ride away provide space for team sports (hockey, netball, rugby, football, volleyball according to season). Separate boys' and girls' teams, with fixtures against other local independent and state schools.

School's spread over five blocks up and down the street makes timetabling complicated, but allows each house to feel like a small school in its own right. The senior blocks are much like a sixth form college with small outdoor space and kitchenette,

Despite small class sizes, there is some formality and clear rules and regulations. ‘We can’t cross the road between houses to go to lessons without a teacher, and sometimes this makes us all late for lessons.' Pupils said bullying was dealt with

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Children often arrive somewhat bruised from larger schools and find the small class sizes a welcome relief. ‘One pupil comes from Winchester, over an hour’s journey each way,’ we were told by one pupil, ‘though I live two minutes away’. Very wide

Big capital projects often supported by trustees, who have libraries and buildings named after them so clearly involved in more than just termly meetings. Fees reasonable but extras include learning support lessons, lunches, trips, music lessons,

An interesting mix of traditional values and standards alongside plenty of support for the individual pupil in both academic and creative endeavours. Very small class sizes with the opportunities of larger school facilities and specialist teachers