A History of Clayesmore
Clayesmore’s story began in 1896, long before the school found its permanent home in the Dorset countryside. Founded by Alexander “Lex” Devine, an educational pioneer with a progressive approach to education, Clayesmore was built around the belief that every pupil should be encouraged to think independently, develop their character and discover their own strengths.
1896 – The beginning in Enfield
Clayesmore was founded in 1896 in Enfield, Middlesex, by Alexander “Lex” Devine. At a time when education was often rooted in tradition and conformity, Devine had a different vision. He believed in educating the whole person and giving young people the confidence to think for themselves.
His philosophy was captured in the school motto, “Think of yourself” – an invitation not to be self-centred, but to develop independent thought, judgement and responsibility.
That principle remains relevant to Clayesmore today. The belief that every child is different, with their own talents, interests and ambitions, has been part of the school’s character from the very beginning.
1902 – Pangbourne
As the school grew, Clayesmore moved west to Pangbourne in Berkshire in 1902. It was the second home in the school’s early history, as Devine continued to develop his distinctive approach to education.
1914 – Northwood Park
In 1914, Clayesmore moved once again, this time to Northwood Park in Hampshire, where it remained for almost two decades.
These early years were an important part of Clayesmore’s development. The school may have changed its surroundings, but its founding principles remained constant: independence, character, curiosity and an appreciation that education should extend beyond the classroom.
1933 – A new home in Dorset
In 1933, Clayesmore moved to Iwerne Minster in Dorset, where it has remained ever since.
The school acquired a remarkable Victorian estate centred around an impressive mansion designed by the celebrated Gothic Revival architect Alfred Waterhouse, best known for London’s Natural History Museum. Completed in 1878, the house was originally built as a private residence for George Glyn, 2nd Baron Wolverton.
The house had already enjoyed a fascinating history before Clayesmore arrived. One of its notable owners was James Ismay, son of Thomas Henry Ismay, founder of the White Star Line. When the Ismay family moved to the house, they brought elements of their previous home with them. Among them was the extraordinary fireplace in the main reception room, which was transported brick by brick from their former mansion at Dawpool. It remains a striking feature of the house today.
A school shaped by its surroundings
When Lex Devine brought Clayesmore to Iwerne Minster, the school found a setting in which its educational philosophy could flourish. Over time, the historic house became the heart of a growing school, surrounded by 62 acres of Dorset countryside.
Today, the estate includes sports pitches, woodland, gardens and a picturesque lake, which has become an enduring part of school life. The lake and its surrounding landscape provide opportunities for outdoor learning as well as recreation, from Prep pupils exploring the natural environment to the famous cross-country relays that take runners around the estate.
The grounds are not simply a backdrop to school life. They are part of the experience of being at Clayesmore, providing space to learn, explore, compete, create and spend time together.
130 years of Clayesmore
Over the decades, Clayesmore has continued to evolve. From its beginnings as a small school founded by Lex Devine, it has grown into an all-through school educating children from Nursery through to Sixth Form, while retaining the sense of individuality that has been central to its identity since 1896.
The school has continued to combine its heritage with new ideas, modern facilities and an increasingly broad academic and co-curricular offering. Yet the principle at its heart remains remarkably consistent: there is no single path through education, and every pupil should be encouraged to discover and shape their own.
Today, Clayesmore is proud of both parts of its story – its progressive beginnings and its remarkable Dorset home. The Victorian Main House, the surrounding landscape and the traditions built over generations all form part of the school’s character, while the pupils themselves continue to shape its future.