A Statement from Mayfield School

It is with great sadness that Mayfield School announces that its Headmistress, Miss Antonia Beary, is retiring on the grounds of ill health with effect from 31 August 2023.

For so many parents, students, staff and Old Cornelians, Miss Beary is the face of Mayfield School and her vision, dedication and exceptional commitment to the Mayfield community both past and present underpin the School’s continuing success. The School is enormously grateful to her for the very real difference she has made during her time here.

Lady Davies of Stamford, Chairman of the Governors said “I would like to thank formally Miss Beary for her 15 years’ service and the key role she has played in making Mayfield School the thriving community that it is.”

Miss Beary sends the following message: “I am very sorry to have to call a premature halt to my time as Headmistress of this fabulous school, which I have come to love, and to say goodbye to many staff and pupils I have known for years.

“However, I’m confident that the future is bright for Mayfield with its unique ethos and characteristics, its strong senior leadership team and dedicated staff, who I know will continue to educate your girls to ‘be prepared for the needs of the age’, as Cornelia Connelly determined back in the 19th century. I look forward to being able to bid you farewell properly in due course.”

Mr Jonathan Forster, an experienced former Head with a wealth of experience in the sector will continue in his role as Interim Headmaster and will support the School throughout the process to recruit a new Head by September 2024. 

The School intends to honour Miss Beary in an appropriate manner at Mayfield in the coming term and will invite parents and students past and present to share their thoughts about her extensive contribution to the School.