Ages 
A friendly, dynamic school in a stunning location, Clayesmore is an exciting place to learn. For parents looking for a smaller school, it’s nurturing, encouraging and forward-looking, with the added bonus that children get plenty of fresh air and inspiration along the way.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 494 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 154 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £35,672; Boarding £49,510 pa
- Local authority
- Dorset
- Area guides
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Head
Mrs Joanne Thomson
Since 2016, 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 England Academy) in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. Read English at the
Entrance
Up to 50 per cent of year 9s move up from Clayesmore Prep, while the rest arrive from other preps and state primaries. Key feeders include Dumpton and Castle Court but current pupils come from a total of 120 prep and junior schools. Very much a
- Open days
- 20th September 2025
Exit
Up to a fifth leave after GCSEs, sometimes to do subjects not offered at Clayesmore, but their places are filled by new arrivals. At 18 virtually all head to university or to do degree apprenticeships. Vast range of courses and destinations,
Latest results
In 2025, 33 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 27 per cent A*/A at A level (56 per cent A*-B).
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
The teaching we saw was genuinely exciting, including a class of intrepid year 9 pupils dissecting a deer’s heart, liver and lungs in a biology lesson – a first for this Good Schools Guide writer of 20 years. Led by an encouraging teacher, they took
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Fifteen to 20 per cent of pupils access learning support for needs such as dyslexia and ADHD. The teaching and learning centre (aptly known as TLC) is right in the heart of the school, with TLC staff giving pupils one-to-one support and in small
Arts & extracurricular
Art is housed in Iwerne Minster’s picturesque old village school and painting, sculpture, printmaking, pottery and photography are a real strength. The art department staff received particular acclaim from parents for being ‘very supportive’. Almost
Sport
The school is a firm believer in the notion of ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ and all year groups do three afternoons of sport a week. Rugby, hockey and cricket are the main sports for boys and hockey, netball and tennis the main sports for girls.
Boarders
Clayesmore is 50:50 boarding and day. Five boarding houses – three for boys and two for girls, each with their own style and identity. We visited Wolverton, a girls’ house on the first floor of the main house with high ceilings, lots of space and a
Ethos & heritage
The school was founded by Lex Devine in Enfield in 1896, before moving to Pangbourne, then Winchester, and finally settling in the pretty Dorset village of Iwerne Minster in 1933. ‘It’s a very safe environment,’ said one parent. Set in 66 acres, the
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Pastoral care is well structured, with tutors, houseparents and matrons (known as pastoral assistants) the first port of call for pupils with worries or concerns. Two part-time counsellors available for youngsters who need them. The head says there’s
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 Year 9-11: Yondr pouches used during the school day, which can be unlocked at 5.15pm. At designated times in the evening and before published bedtimes, phones are taken in. Sixth form: mobile phones allowed in the sixth form common room and in private during the day in dorms, but must not be seen around the school site and must be silent during lessons and SPS. Boarders in year 12 hand in phones before 10.30pm on weeknights and Sundays, until at least the February half term when houseparents will relax these rules if the student has taken responsibility for their phone use.
Pupils & parents
Slightly more boys than girls (55:45, says the school). The majority of boarders live an hour’s drive away but some come from London and Scotland and there’s a strong contingent of military families. Around eight per cent from overseas, mostly from
Money matters
Scholarships – academic, music, art, drama, sport, DT and all-rounder – offered in year 9 and year 12. They range in value from 2.5 to 10 per cent and in some cases can be increased by means of a bursary.
- Fee information
- Day £35,672; Boarding £49,510 pa
The last word
A friendly, dynamic school in a stunning location, Clayesmore is an exciting place to learn. For parents looking for a smaller school, it’s nurturing, encouraging and forward-looking, with the added bonus that children get plenty of fresh air and
