Frequently Asked Questions
Clayesmore caters for pupils aged 6 months to 18 years, from Nursery through to the end of A Levels, providing a continuous educational journey within one school community.
Clayesmore has up to 400 students across the School, creating a close-knit and supportive community where pupils are well known and individually supported.
Approximately 50% of pupils at Clayesmore are boarders, contributing to a strong boarding community with a balanced mix of day and boarding students.
Approximately 18% of pupils at Clayesmore are international students, contributing to a diverse and global school community.
International and overseas boarders who are unable to return home are welcome to remain at the School during exeats and half terms. A programme of fun and enriching activities is arranged, including weekend trips and day excursions, allowing pupils to make the most of their time in a safe and supportive environment.
Any charges for exeat weekends will be confirmed and published when booking.
Full details of Senior School boarding fees, including what is included and any additional charges, can be found on our fees page.
Full details of Prep School boarding fees, including what is included and any additional charges, can be found on our fees page.
Full details of the Clayesmore School uniform, including requirements for different year groups and how to purchase items, can be found on our uniform page.
Clayesmore is an all-round school dedicated to helping every pupil discover and develop their unique strengths. We provide a broad education that nurtures academic achievement, character, creativity, sport and personal growth, ensuring each child leaves with the confidence and skills to thrive.
Read the Head’s Welcome to learn more about our educational philosophy.
Clayesmore offers a broad and competitive sports programme designed to encourage participation, teamwork and excellence across a range of disciplines. Main sports include:
• Rugby
• Cricket
• Hockey
• Netball
• Tennis
• Football
• Swimming
• Athletics
In addition to the main sports programme, pupils can also take part in a wide range of other sports and activities, including:
• Basketball
• Cross-Country
• Squash
• Equestrian
• Rowing
• Sailing
• Girls’ Cricket
Clayesmore is conveniently located within reach of several major international airports, providing easy access for overseas pupils and families. The nearest airports include:
• Heathrow Airport
• Gatwick Airport
• Bristol Airport
• Southampton Airport
These airports offer a wide range of domestic and international flight connections.
The nearest train stations to Clayesmore are Gillingham and Tisbury, both offering regular mainline services to London and providing convenient access to the School.
Salisbury station is also approximately 35 minutes away by car, offering frequent mainline services and wider national rail connections across the UK.
Clayesmore has a dedicated Music Block providing specialist spaces for teaching, rehearsals and performance.
Pupils benefit from individual (1:1) tuition in singing and a wide range of instruments, delivered by experienced visiting music teachers.
There are also numerous opportunities to take part in ensembles and groups, including bands such as jazz ensembles, string quartets and bagpipe groups, along with other instrumental and vocal performance groups throughout the year.
Senior School
Pupils take part in around six productions per year, including a major musical and a film festival. One of the highlights is the fast-paced “Play in 3 Days” project, which challenges pupils to rehearse and perform a full production in a very short timeframe.
Prep School
The Prep School stages approximately three productions per year, giving younger pupils valuable early experience of performance. Recent highlights include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
Clayesmore offers an extensive programme of leisure clubs and activities through LEX (Learning Enrichment Experience). Pupils can choose from a wide range of opportunities that complement their academic studies, develop new skills and pursue existing interests.
The LEX programme changes each term to provide a varied and engaging selection of activities.
Clayesmore offers a broad academic pathway with a strong mix of traditional and vocational qualifications.
Pupils can study GCSEs and IGCSEs, followed by a wide range of A-Level and BTEC courses, allowing them to choose a programme that best suits their strengths and future aspirations.
Clayesmore has an excellent record of supporting pupils in their next steps after school, with 98% of students securing a place at one of their chosen universities. Dedicated careers guidance, personalised university support and expert advice help pupils make informed decisions and achieve their ambitions.
Clayesmore encourages pupils to explore their creativity through a broad range of subjects. Creative options include:
• Art
• Design & Technology (DT)
• Photography
• Cookery
These subjects provide pupils with opportunities to develop practical skills, creativity and confidence while encouraging innovation, problem-solving and self-expression.
Clayesmore offers a strong and broad science curriculum, including:
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Psychology
These subjects provide a solid foundation for both further academic study and a wide range of future career pathways.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Senior School
• Standard Programme: £775 per term (two sessions per week).
• Accelerated Programme: £1,535 per term (more than two sessions per week).
Prep School
• Standard Programme: £750 per term.
• Accelerated Programme: £1,505 per term.
The Learning Centre (TLC)
Specialist learning support is available in both the Prep and Senior Schools, with programmes tailored to each pupil’s individual needs.
Prep School: £900–£2,580 per term, depending on the level of support required.
Senior School: £930–£2,760 per term, depending on the level of support required.
Clayesmore has five boarding houses, each offering a welcoming and supportive home-from-home environment.
• Aubrey House – Prep Boarding House for younger pupils.
• Wolverton House – Girls’ boarding house.
• King’s House – Girls’ boarding house.
• Gate House – Boys’ boarding house.
• Manor House – Boys’ boarding house.
Each house is led by experienced resident Houseparents and their families, ensuring pupils receive outstanding pastoral care and feel part of a close-knit boarding community.
Boarding accommodation is designed to provide increasing independence as pupils progress through the School.
• Years 3–8: Shared dormitories.
• Years 9–11: Rooms shared by three or four pupils.
• Year 12: Twin rooms.
• Year 13: Single rooms.
This gradual transition helps pupils develop confidence and independence while remaining part of a supportive boarding community.
Clayesmore has five boarding houses, each led by a resident Houseparent and their family, creating a warm, welcoming, and supportive home-from-home environment.
Each house provides comfortable bedrooms, dedicated study spaces, and inviting communal areas that encourage both independence and a strong sense of community. Day pupils are very much an integral part of each house, helping to create a close-knit environment across both day and boarding pupils.
Evenings and weekends are enriched with a wide range of activities, while exceptional pastoral care is available 24 hours a day, ensuring every pupil feels safe, supported, and valued.
Each boarding house is supported by a dedicated pastoral team, typically including a Houseparent, Assistant Houseparent, Matron, and a Resident Tutor (usually a member of the academic staff).
Together, the team ensures pupils receive outstanding pastoral care, academic support, and guidance, helping to create a safe, structured, and nurturing home-from-home environment.
Clayesmore places strong emphasis on pastoral care and pupil wellbeing. The School has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and a Deputy DSL, ensuring clear safeguarding oversight across the School.
Each boarding house is also supported by a Houseparent and Matron, providing day-to-day care, guidance and a consistent point of contact for pupils.
This structured support network ensures that every pupil is known, cared for and supported throughout their time at Clayesmore.
All meals are provided at Clayesmore, including breakfast, lunch, tea, and dinner.
The School offers a wide and varied menu catering to all tastes, with full provision for a range of dietary requirements and restrictions, ensuring every pupil is well looked after throughout the day.