Clayesmore School
Clayesmore School
Blandford Forum, England
Clayesmore School rightly has a reputation for being a particularly friendly and caring school. It consistently succeeds in inspiring high achieving pupils to reach even greater heights while providing strong support for those who find academics more challenging. The SEN department for students with learning difficulties is among the best in the UK. The art department is truly inspiring. From day one, you feel part of a large, happy family.
The Details
The Academics
Although Clayesmore School is non-selective, it achieves impressive academic results. In 2024, 30 percent of pupils earned top grades (9 to 7) in their GCSEs, and 19 percent achieved an A in their A Levels. The school offers 17 A Level subjects, 6 practical BTECs, and the traditional GCSE programme. This demonstrates that every pupil is supported, regardless of their starting point.
Learning support at Clayesmore School is exceptional. Over 130 pupils receive targeted help in areas such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD and ASD. Moreover, thanks to the school’s relatively small size, each pupil receives a great deal of attention. Those struggling with English learning face no problem — timetables can even be adjusted if needed.
Languages Taught
English as a Foreign Language, French and Spanish.
The Boarding
Boarding pupils live in five cosy houses, three for boys and two for girls. The strong sense of community is especially evident here. All boarding houses are within a five minute walk of the school.
Pupils in the last three year groups usually share a room with one other person. There are a small number of single rooms available.
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Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Creative work plays a central role at Clayesmore. Pupils find ideal conditions especially in music, design and art to experiment and develop their skills. Many go on to study at the most prestigious art colleges in the UK after graduation.
Sport follows the philosophy of the school’s sports director: “sport for all.” The main sports for boys are rugby, hockey and cricket, while girls focus on hockey, netball and tennis. Additionally, athletics, basketball, football, swimming, cross country, squash, riding, rowing and sailing are offered.
There are no lessons on Saturday mornings at Clayesmore. Instead, the school introduced the LEX programme a few years ago to prepare pupils for life beyond the classroom. This innovative personal development programme teaches real life skills such as managing a household, financial literacy and social responsibility.
Weaknesses
Nothing that we are aware of at the moment.
Location
It is located near the picturesque market town of Blandford Forum in the southwest of England.
London Gatwick - 3 hrs by car
Clayesmore is a wonderful, warmhearted school offering plenty of structure in a very idyllic setting.
The LEX programme allows pupils to try out many new things that aren’t possible at other schools. Pupils rave about it.
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