Mayfield and St Leonards School

Mayfield is a perfect example of a delightful English village community. Local shops and houses, together with the traditional English pub, all built in typical Sussex style, make up the charming High Street. The local villagers are warm and welcoming and it is the perfect place for younger students to follow a course.

St Leonards School is a delightfully traditional English school, built largely in stone, and enjoying the most wonderful location and facilities. The school itself is based on the medieval palace of the Archbishops of Canterbury and dates back to the thirteenth century. On one side you look out over the rolling hills of the Sussex countryside, and on the other you walk through the main gate into the busy village high street.

The school facilities are quite superb. Well-equipped classrooms are light and spacious, and the magnificent dining hall with its high ceiling and wooden beams is more like a banqueting hall than a school dining room. The sports facilities are some of the best you will find, with a modern indoor heated swimming pool, newly built sports hall and extensive grass and all-weather playing surfaces for all kinds of activities and sports.

Accommodation at St Leonards School

Connolly house has larger dormitory style rooms with individual sleeping areas, and is ideal for the lower end of the age range.

All meals are served in the traditional dining hall where you enjoy breakfast, lunch and evening dinner. There is always an excellent choice of menus with a vegetarian option and an extensive salad bar.

Excursions from St Leonards School

Mayfield is well placed to offer a wide range of excursion experiences. On our course, all students go to London at least once every two weeks; in addition, Canterbury, Winchester, Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings and Tunbridge are all in easy reach, and most of these feature in our programme.

Excursion 1 – London

We take a coach to London (around 1 ½ hours) and enjoy a sightseeing tour of the famous landmarks before lunch. After lunch, students have an opportunity to visit a museum or gallery, or other attraction if they choose, or else to spend time looking for souvenirs in the shopping areas.

Visit the London Town website

Excursion 2 – Winchester

Winchester takes about 2 hours from Mayfield. However, it is worth the journey – it is one of the most interesting and historical cities in England.  A delightful walk around the city path of the old city walls will give a good idea of the treasures it holds.  The walk finishes at the Cathedral and a chance to visit it.  After lunch, there is free time for the students to visit one of the many city museums, or else to relax in the compact shopping area.

Excursion 3 – Bodiam Castle & Hastings (half day)

On our way to Hastings (45 minutes away) we take a detour to visit one of the most beautiful small castles in England.  Surrounded by a moat with its outer walls intact, Bodiam castle is an impressive sight.  We don’t go into the castle, but enjoy a walk around and spend a little taking in the views and photo opportunities.  Then it’s on to Hastings, where we visit the old town with its fishing boats and history of smuggling.

Visit the Hastings website

Excursion 4 – Brighton (half day)

Brighton is a famous seaside resort town a little further West along the coast from Eastbourne.

It has grown considerably over the last 20 years, and was recently awarded City status.

It has lots of attractions, including an extensive beach and seafront, the pier, and excellent shopping.

It takes about ¾ hour to get to Brighton, which allows plenty of time to walk the fascinating area of the city know as The Lanes, and to see the Royal Pavilion, before arriving at the beach and visiting the famous pier.

Find out more about Brighton