International

Our EAL (English as an Additional Language) Department
at Clayesmore is run by highly specialised and experienced
staff and offers students a fantastic opportunity to improve
their English skills in a well-resourced and dedicated teaching
environment.

Once an initial assessment has taken place, specialist EAL
lessons are arranged according to an individual’s needs and are
conducted in small groups or on a one-to-one basis.

A student’s progress is then carefully monitored and EAL staff
members liaise closely with other subject teachers on a regular
basis to ensure they get all the support they need. We also
provide further support and are particularly sympathetic to
young people who have undertaken an educational, cultural and
social adventure in a land that is foreign to them.

We offer a unique educational and cultural programme for
international students. The EAL Department is here to help all
students whose first language is not English. Individual students
are encouraged to develop their skills at their own pace to
ensure that they feel comfortable and can benefit from all that is
on offer at Clayesmore.

Our ethos is:

• to enable overseas students to feel welcomed and
supported and to help them settle happily into their new
environment
• to raise a student’s competence in the English language in
order to minimise any disadvantage of being a non-native
speaker within an academic environment
• to encourage international students to integrate and to play
a full part in the academic, co-curricular and social life of the
school to build confidence, broaden their horizons and allow
them to get to know students from different cultural and
national backgrounds
• to provide students with the opportunity to work towards
internationally-recognised qualifications in the Cambridge
English Suite of examinations
• to provide support to individual students in core subjects,
on an ad hoc basis, when required
• to equip students with functional language and a range of
vocabulary to access the full curriculum
• to encourage students to develop their study skills and
techniques to enable them to maximize their performance
in English
• to equip pupils with the relevant language entry
requirements and qualifications stipulated by institutions of
higher education, including Cambridge English C1-C2, IELTS
and SAT

All International students are required to have a Guardian in the UK at the time of joining the school. This is essential for a student's welfare and safety.

Here are links to reputable Guardian agencies:

AEGIS - Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students

BSA Certified Guardian Scheme

Inspired Learning Group

Clayesmore School is part of the Inspired Learning Group (‘ILG’) of independent schools and
nurseries. Head Office address: Georgian House, Park Lane, Stanmore, HA7 3AD.

Telephone: 020 71279862.

Learn More: https://www.inspiredlearninggroup.co.uk/

Our Aim

ILG strives to create safe and inspiring educational environments where children can grow
into positive and impactful members of society who will, one day in turn, shape the outlook
of the next generation. Our schools and nurseries combine traditional values and forward-
thinking ideas to help every single pupil realise their potential, so they are prepared to take
on jobs that have not yet been invented.

Our Philosophy

ILG believes, first and foremost, in putting your child at the heart of everything we do. We
endeavour to provide educational excellence within a culture of care to nurture each pupil
the best we can. We want to offer a wide range of opportunities, both academic and extra-
curricular, so that all our children are endowed with the spirit to aspire and become twenty
first century citizens.

Governance

Key Contacts:

Mr Amit Mehta
ILG Proprietor

PA to Proprietor: 020 7127 9862

amit@inspiredlearninggroup.co.uk


James Fowler
Chair of the School Board

jfowler@inspiredlearninggroup.co.uk


Mrs Carrie Askew
Board Level Lead for Safeguarding and Health & Safety

operations@inspiredlearninggroup.co.uk or carrie@inspiredlearninggroup.co.uk
(either email address can be used)

The Management Team’s Core Governance Responsibilities are to:
● Ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
● Set and review policies, plans and procedures
● Hold those in leadership positions to account for the management and educational
    provision of the school or nursery
● Ensure compliance with legal and DfE requirements
● Contribute to and attend ISI/Ofsted inspections as and when required
● Raise standards through monitoring and evaluating performance
● Ensure the welfare and pastoral care of the children
● Act as a critical friend to those in leadership positions
● Make recommendations to the Proprietor concerning these functions
● Act with integrity, objectivity and honesty in the best interests of the school or
nursery


Our Advisory Board

The School’s Advisory Board is composed of individuals from both within the Inspired
Learning Group (ILG) team and those with connections to our school. Their responsibilities
align with standard Board of Governors’ functions encompassing the school’s vision, ethos,
and strategic direction. The Board also establishes and reviews policies and procedures –
ensuring leadership accountability for school management, educational provision, and
compliance with legal and DfE requirements.

Additionally, the Board contributes to inspections, monitors and evaluates performance to
enhance standards, ensures students’ welfare and pastoral care, supports leaders, and
provides recommendations to the Proprietor, always prioritising the school’s best interests
with integrity and objectivity. The SLT reports to the Board periodically through formal
meetings and regular contact with the Chair and other members of the ILG executive team.
The Board operates through two committees, Education and Compliance, both of which
feed into a Full Board, thus providing a comprehensive approach to direct our school’s
success and growth.

Head

Mrs J Thomson, BA (QTS), MBA, FRSA

If for any reason you would like to contact the Head, you can do so by writing to Mrs J Thomson, Clayesmore School. Iwerne Minster, Blandford Forum, DT11 8LL or you can email head@clayesmore.com or you can call 01747 813111

Mr James Carpenter            Mrs Nina Bailey Phinn

Senior Deputy                      Director of Finance & Operations