Ages 
A vibrant, go-ahead school in a beautiful part of the world, Clayesmore Prep offers children an excellent education and a wealth of exciting opportunities.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 150 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- C of E
- Fees
- Day £17,344 - £22,168; Boarding £33,894 pa
- Local authority
- Dorset
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Head
Mrs Joanne Thomson
Since September 2023 (as head of prep) and since 2016 (as head of senior school), Jo Thomson BA MBA. Previously senior deputy head for eight years at Christ’s Hospital in West Sussex. Educated at the National School (now the National Church of
Entrance
Main entry points are years 3, 5 and 7 but children often start in other year groups too. The only proviso is that applicants must be able to access the curriculum and be likely to flourish academically in the senior school. Pupils joining year 6 and
- Open days
- February and September
Exit
Around 90 per cent move up to the senior school. Everyone takes Common Entrance but prep pupils get their senior school offer prior to this (the prep flags up any concerns well in advance). ‘Pre-testing isn’t a feature of life here,’ says the head.
Latest results
There are no results to show for this school. Find out more.
Learning support & SEN
Boarders
Children can board from year 3 upwards (when we visited there were two year 3 boarders). Boarders live in a boarding house on the first floor – girls on one side, boys on the other. Large, bright dorms, although as usual the girls go to town with
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Phones are out of bounds during the school day and are allowed for a short period after prep and before bed.
Pupils
Money matters
Academic and all-rounder scholarships available in year 5 and academic, all-rounder, sports and music scholarships in year 7 (with the intention that these will run until the end of year 11).
- Fee information
- Day £17,344 - £22,168; Boarding £33,894 pa
Our view
Located in a generous corner of the senior school’s 66 acres and just five minutes’ walk from the senior school buildings, the prep has a warm, friendly, home-like feel. Even though it makes use of some of the senior school resources (children go to
The last word
A vibrant, go-ahead school in a beautiful part of the world, Clayesmore Prep offers children an excellent education and a wealth of exciting opportunities.
