Senior School
From the Headmaster
Clayesmore is an extraordinarily special place and I hope that you will quickly form a strong first impression of the friendly, happy and exciting atmosphere that pervades the school.
What, in a nutshell, makes us different? Well, here in Dorset we’re the only co-educational senior school of our size with really strong boarding and day elements. We’re large enough to be able to do the things we want to do, yet we’re small enough for everyone to count and everyone to be needed – for everyone to be known by the Headmaster! Believe me, size matters in schools! Too big and there’s a risk of anonymity and of there being too many to get into the rugby or netball team or the orchestra: Too small, and there isn’t an orchestra and there’s only one rugby or netball team. There may also be a limited curriculum on offer, too. 400 girls and boys is what we’re all about and we do our absolute best for them every single day. It really works well and our success is reflected in the achievements of our pupils in their exams and in everything else they undertake here.
I see new parents here several times a day, almost every day. They come back to my study after their tour with some of our boys or girls and tell me that Clayesmore is different. They sense it in the relationships they see around the school as the staff and pupils go about their daily lives. They sense a happy, relaxed atmosphere, wrought through with friendliness and friendship, smiles and good humour – and it’s exactly what they’re looking for. They’re excited to have discovered Clayesmore and I am frequently excited to think that their son or daughter might come and join us and play their part in our future.
Every boy and girl in Clayesmore matters to me hugely and I wouldn’t be much of a headmaster if that weren’t the case. I am passionate about what I do – about Clayesmore itself, of course, but I am also passionate about helping every single pupil who comes here to discover the excitement and the joy of learning; passionate about ensuring we draw out their strengths, their talents and their gifts in whatever field they might be found; and, above all, through the ups and downs of young adulthood I am passionate about nurturing them so they have the very best opportunities we can provide to prepare them for adult life.
I hope you’ll come and see us soon. I shall look forward to hearing about your family and to telling you more about what this lovely school can offer them.
Martin Cooke, Headmaster