Mayville High School
35 St Simon's Road, Southsea, PO5 2PE
Pupils
493
Ages
2 - 16
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary & Secondary
Head Teacher
Mrs Rebecca Parkyn
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£517 to £4,400
ISC Associations
ISA, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Christian
Bursaries
Available
About Mayville High School
Mayville High School, located in Southsea, offers a unique educational experience that combines traditional values with a modern approach to learning. The school is known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to providing a supportive environment for all students. It is particularly open to visits from prospective families, even accommodating those who may be relocating mid-year. This flexibility is a testament to the school’s inclusive ethos, aiming to create a ‘real world and inclusive’ mix in each class.
The school is selective, with a focus on ensuring that it can meet the needs of each child. Prospective students are assessed through a series of tests, including reading, spelling, maths, and comprehension, with the 11+ exam for those entering year 7. While there is often a waiting list for boys, the school strives to maintain a balanced and diverse student body. Although no child on an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan is currently enrolled, the school provides excellent support for students with mild to moderate dyslexia. New classrooms are equipped with induction loops for hearing-impaired children, and some buildings offer disabled access.
In terms of academic performance, the school has shown consistent results. In 2022, 41% of students achieved grades 9-7 at GCSE, with 85% securing grades 9-4 in both Maths and English. The school has a strong track record of supporting students with dyslexia, with 83% achieving grades 9-4 in these core subjects. The majority of students progress to state sixth forms, with a few opting for independent schools for their further education.
Teaching and learning at the school are characterised by small class sizes, with no more than 12 pupils per class. This allows for personalised attention and fosters a supportive learning environment. The early years have their own dedicated block, complete with a small playground for outdoor learning. The curriculum is broad, with French introduced in nursery and continuing through to senior school. Spanish, Latin, and Philosophy for Children are also taught in the junior school.
The school operates a ‘co-education separately’ system, where boys and girls learn core subjects in different classrooms but come together for break times and specialised subjects. This approach recognises different learning styles while promoting shared experiences. The senior school continues with single-sex classes, which become even smaller as students choose their GCSE options. The school offers a range of subjects, including triple science, French, religious education, sociology, and drama.
The school is particularly strong in the arts, with a well-equipped music department and a focus on performing arts. Students have the opportunity to participate in drama, dance, and singing, with some going on to perform in the West End. The art department is led by specialist teachers, and students are encouraged to express their creativity through various mediums.
Extra-curricular activities are diverse, with clubs spanning sports, music, science, and crafts. The school also offers unique opportunities such as the St John Ambulance clubs, which provide first aid training from year 1 upwards. School trips are an integral part of the curriculum, with outings ranging from local museum visits to international trips.
The school’s ethos is one of inclusivity and support, with a strong focus on pastoral care. Small class sizes and a welcoming community help students feel valued and supported. The school maintains clear rules and regulations, ensuring a safe and structured environment for learning.
Overall, Mayville High School offers a well-rounded education that caters to a wide range of abilities and interests. Its commitment to small class sizes, personalised attention, and a broad curriculum make it an attractive choice for families seeking a supportive and inclusive educational environment.
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ISI Review
Mayville High School is an independent co-educational day school located in Southsea, Hampshire, catering for pupils aged 2 to 16 years. Established in 1897, the school transitioned to an educational trust in 1980, governed by a board of trustees. The school is situated in a residential area with four nearby locations, including a nursery, pre-prep department, junior school, and senior school, complemented by playing fields. Since the last inspection, the school has enhanced its facilities, particularly in senior teaching, art, and music.
The school's mission is to foster self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-knowledge among pupils, preparing them to transition to the next stage of their education as talented, confident, and empathetic individuals. The student body comprises pupils from diverse professional and business backgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The school reports that the overall ability of its pupils is broadly average compared to national standards. A significant number of pupils, specifically 194, have been identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities, including conditions such as dyslexia and social, emotional, and mental health issues. The school provides tailored support for these pupils, ensuring that their educational needs are met effectively.
The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate confirmed that Mayville High School meets the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection assessed various aspects, including safeguarding, health and safety, staff suitability, and the provision of information to parents. The findings indicated that the school has established robust arrangements to safeguard pupils, promote good behavior, and prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, and the school maintains appropriate supervision and record-keeping practices.
In terms of educational quality, the school employs its own framework to assess pupil attainment, diverging from the national framework. Performance in GCSE examinations from 2017 to 2019 has consistently exceeded the national average for maintained schools. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by effective teaching strategies that enable pupils to make good progress. The school emphasizes a broad and balanced curriculum, ensuring that pupils receive a comprehensive education that meets their diverse needs.
The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The school encourages pupils to engage in community service and charity work, contributing positively to society. The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with comprehensive measures in place to ensure a safe learning environment. The school has a disability access plan and maintains appropriate facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs.
The inspection also evaluated the suitability of staff, confirming that appropriate checks are conducted to ensure that all staff members are suitable to work with children. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils, including adequate toilet and changing facilities, as well as outdoor spaces for physical education and play.
The school effectively communicates with parents, providing a range of information about its ethos, curriculum, and policies. Complaints are handled through a structured process, ensuring that parental concerns are addressed promptly and effectively. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate strong skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities to maintain high standards of education and pupil welfare.
The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils, who demonstrate strong skills and understanding across various subjects. Pupils engage enthusiastically in their learning, developing excellent communication skills and a positive attitude towards their education. The school provides numerous opportunities for extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to excel in sports, arts, and community service.
Pupils' personal development is also commendable, with a focus on building self-esteem and confidence. They exhibit strong social skills, collaborating effectively with peers and contributing to the school community. The school fosters a sense of belonging, creating a supportive environment where pupils feel valued and respected.
Overall, Mayville High School is committed to providing a high-quality education that meets the diverse needs of its pupils. The school successfully combines academic rigor with personal development, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for their future endeavors. The positive outcomes observed in both academic and personal development reflect the school's dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are equipped to thrive in society.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024