Mayville High School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent co-educational day school
• Age Range: 2-16 years
• Location: 35-37 St Simon's Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 2PE
• Pupil Numbers: Approximately 491 students (268 boys, 223 girls)
• Annual Fees: £4,800 - £5,548 per term
• Headteacher: Mrs Rebecca Parkyn
• Phone: 023 9273 4847
• Website: mayvillehighschool.com

About Mayville High School

Mayville High School has established itself as a distinctive educational institution in Portsmouth's Southsea area, serving families who value personalised learning in an intimate school environment. The school's commitment to the "whole child" philosophy ensures that each student receives individualised attention through exceptionally small class sizes, allowing teachers to adapt their methods to meet diverse learning needs.

Located in the heart of Southsea, the school benefits from its coastal setting whilst maintaining strong connections to Portsmouth's rich maritime heritage. The school's inclusive approach particularly shines through its dedicated support units for students with learning differences, ensuring that every child can flourish regardless of their starting point.

Under the leadership of Mrs Rebecca Parkyn and Deputy Principal Mrs Jayne Williams, Mayville High School has cultivated a strong sense of community where academic excellence is balanced with personal development. The school's relatively modest size creates an environment where students are known individually by staff, fostering confidence and enabling each child to discover their unique strengths.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Mayville High School

Mayville High School's approach to Year 7 admissions reflects the school's understanding that academic potential manifests differently in each child. The assessment process is designed to identify students who will thrive in the school's supportive yet academically focused environment.

The entrance assessment typically covers four key areas:

• Mathematics: Fundamental arithmetic skills, problem-solving abilities, and mathematical reasoning appropriate for Year 6 level
• English: Reading comprehension, grammar and punctuation understanding, plus creative writing to assess expression and imagination
• Verbal Reasoning: Logic and reasoning skills using word-based problems and concepts
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Pattern recognition and spatial awareness through shape and diagram-based questions

The school recognises that some children may require additional support or different approaches to demonstrate their abilities. Mayville's assessment process takes into account each child's individual circumstances, ensuring that the evaluation is both fair and comprehensive.

How to Apply

The application process for Year 7 entry at Mayville High School is designed to be straightforward whilst allowing the school to understand each prospective student thoroughly:

Step 1: Initial Enquiry
Contact the school directly via telephone (023 9273 4847) or through their website to express interest and receive detailed admissions information.

Step 2: School Visit
Arrange a personal tour of the school to meet key staff and experience the learning environment firsthand. This provides valuable insight into whether Mayville's approach aligns with your child's needs.

Step 3: Application Submission
Complete the formal application form, available online or from the school office. Submit this alongside:

• Previous school reports covering the most recent two years
• Any relevant information about learning support needs
• Character reference from current headteacher

Step 4: Assessment Day
Your child will be invited to attend an assessment session, typically held during school hours to provide an authentic environment. This includes the academic assessments plus an informal interview.

Step 5: Decision and Confirmation
Families receive notification of the admissions decision, usually within two weeks of the assessment. Successful applicants will receive detailed information about next steps and preparation for starting at Mayville.

Preparing for the Mayville High School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The Mayville High School 11+ rewards steady preparation over a year or so, with the last term given to timed practice and interview confidence. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors match the programme to the school's assessment format and to where the child is starting from.

Because the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, and more than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status, families get a tutor who understands what the assessors are looking for. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.