Mayfield School was thrilled to welcome back former pupil and Olympic Rowing Champion, Emily Craig, to officially open their new Wellbeing Centre. Emily, who attended Mayfield from 2004 to 2011, spent the day with students, sharing her inspiring Olympic journey—from narrowly missing out on a medal at Tokyo 2020 by just 0.01 seconds to triumphing with a Gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics alongside her lightweight double sculls partner, Imogen Grant.
Emily Craig said: “I was genuinely delighted to return to the school I called home for seven years and to open St Raphael’s Wellbeing Centre. It’s wonderful to see that the same nurturing ethos that shaped my own journey still remains strong. This incredible space is a testament to the school’s commitment to supporting students in every aspect of their wellbeing. In my career, I’ve learned the importance of balance and looking after both mind and body, and it’s inspiring to see a centre like this that embodies those values. I have no doubt that St Raphael’s will provide a sanctuary of calm, helping students thrive for years to come.”
Headmistress Deborah Bligh added: “It was a joy to welcome Emily back to Mayfield. She epitomises what it means to be a Mayfield Girl—her journey is one of courage, resilience, and determination. Emily is an outstanding role model, and we are incredibly grateful she took the time to visit. The entire school was buzzing with excitement, and we couldn’t be prouder to call her one of our own. There’s no one more fitting to open our new Wellbeing Centre, as her pursuit of Olympic success reflects the need for both a strong mind and a healthy body.”
The new Wellbeing Centre, St. Raphael’s, is designed as a safe, welcoming space for all members of the Mayfield community. It provides a central hub for student support, with on-site registered nurses, a counsellor, and the Wellbeing and Pastoral teams. This dedicated space highlights the school’s commitment to the holistic wellbeing of its students, parents, and staff.
“At Mayfield, we recognise that happy and balanced students are better equipped to excel academically and personally, which is why we continually invest in the wellbeing of our community,” added Deborah Bligh. “The new centre is a testament to this commitment, offering a place where every student can seek support in a caring and nurturing environment.
Categories: Mayfield School News
