Mayville High School
Southsea · PO5 2PE
Mayville High School is a co-educational day school founded in 1897, serving Southsea with an all-through model from Nursery to Sixth Form. The school's philosophy centres on educating 'the head, the hand and the heart'—a whole-child approach balancing academics, practical skills, and character development. Notable for specialist creative arts provision and strong pastoral support, it maintains a traditional all-through structure unusual in the independent sector, with a reputation for tailored learning and inclusive practice.
- →All-through educational journey from age 2–18 in a stable, long-established environment
- →Specialist learning support (Wyvern House) and explicit focus on learning differences and SEND
- →Strong creative arts and sports facilities with balanced emphasis on multiple talents
Who thrives here
Families seeking a nurturing, whole-child environment where individual learning needs are prioritised; pupils with creative, sporting, or academic gifts who benefit from specialist support; parents who value stability and pastoral care over highly competitive academic ranking.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
35 to 37 St Simons Road, Southsea, Portsmouth
Southsea
PO5 2PE
Nearest stations
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Mayville High School?
Day fees at Mayville High School are approximately £17,910 per year (2024/25).
How do you get into Mayville High School?
Mayville High School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Mayville High School's exam results?
At Mayville High School, 17% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Mayville High School a boarding school?
Mayville High School is a day school in Southsea and does not offer boarding.
What is Mayville High School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Mayville High School “Excellent” (2020).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Genuinely inclusive and supportive pastoral environment
✓Excellent learning support and SEND provision; Wyvern House highly regarded
✓Whole-child philosophy balances academics with creative and sporting development
✓Long-established reputation and stability in Southsea community
✓Smaller all-through school allows continuity and strong pastoral relationships
Common concerns
!Not yet inspected by Ofsted; lack of external validation may concern some families
!Limited visibility of academic outcomes or university destinations data
!Unranked by Parent Power suggests lower market prominence than larger independents