Choosing a school isn’t just about exam results or facilities – it’s about finding a place where your child is known, supported, and able to grow with confidence. At Clayesmore, we believe that learning should be taken seriously, but in a community that feels human, kind, and purposeful. Every pupil matters, and every child’s journey is different.
We are a warm, kind school, and we are pleased that so many visitors notice this. It matters because children do best when they feel safe and respected, and when they are encouraged to find their voice and grow into grounded young adults, able to thrive in the years ahead.
Our pupils are known as individuals and taught in small groups by teachers who care not just about performance, but about who they are and how they learn. This builds confidence and a willingness to engage: to ask questions, to persevere, and to attempt things that may feel difficult at first.
Our ambition is high, but it is rooted in reality. Some pupils move on to Oxford, Cambridge, and other leading universities; others choose vocational paths or enter employment directly. Our job is to help each young person find the route that is right for them, making sure they leave with skills, curiosity, and confidence to shape their own future.
The LEX programme is central to this. It helps pupils develop the habits, skills, and self-belief needed for study, work, and life beyond school. But Clayesmore is about more than preparation for the next step. It’s a community where kindness is lived day to day, where contribution and independence matter, and where young people are encouraged to grow as thoughtful, capable, and grounded human beings.
By the time pupils leave, they are ready for the world ahead – not just academically, but as confident, resilient and considerate individuals, ready to make their mark on the world. That’s the Clayesmore difference.
Boarding
Boarding at Clayesmore offers a true home-from-home experience. Both boarders and day pupils speak of the school’s unmistakable family atmosphere, lifelong friendships, attentive staff, and a community where children feel safe to be entirely themselves as they explore who they are and who they can become.
Clayesmore has six boarding houses. One is dedicated to our Prep School students, giving them space to learn and grow in an intimate setting. In the Senior School, there are five houses—two for girls and three for boys. Each house is unique and led by experienced houseparents, supported by pastoral and academic staff who know every pupil personally.
Boarding is a fun and engaging part of life at Clayesmore for all year groups. Evenings are spent watching films, playing games, baking, or simply relaxing with friends. Weekends are lively too, with exciting excursions planned alongside time to unwind, enjoy the school’s facilities, and catch up on the week’s activities. Boarding truly offers friends, fun, and a family environment 24 hours a day.
Grade Levels: Prep to Sixth Form (Reception to Year 13)
Boarding Facilities: Boys Hostel Girls Hostel
Boarding Options: Full Boarding
Boarding Age Group: 7-13 Years
Boarding Capacity of Students (Boys and Girls): 250
Boarding Room Type: Single, Double Sharing, Triple Sharing, Dormitory
Co-Curricular Activities: Performing Arts, Music, Sports, Theatre, Choir, Debate, Arts & Crafts, Photography, Language Support, Coding, Swimming, Football / Soccer, Tennis, Table Tennis, Science & Technology, Nature & Climate, Leadership
Fees Structure:
£11890.80 – £16503.60 (Senior Day & Boarding)
£11298 (Prep School Boarding)
£3500 (Reception to Year 2 Day)
£5781.60 – £6226.80 (Day Year 3 – 4)
£7,389.60 (Year 5-8)
Boarding Head: Sam Palacious
Clayesmore School
Iwerne Minster, Blandford Forum, DT11 8LL, UK
Tel: 01747 812122
Email: admissions@clayesmore.com
Website: www.clayesmore.com