Tatler School Guide 2025

5 September 2024

We are delighted to be featured in this year's Tatler School Guide.  Read the full article here

'Founded by educational reformer Lex Devine in 1896, Clayesmore was intended as an antidote to the rigours of contemporary public schools; and his approach is still going strong.

Head Jo Thomson oversees a place where 'everyone is known and noticed', neurodiver­gence is considered a 'superpower' and arrogance is frowned upon.

Our researcher compared it to a 'happy family home' where all ages mixed, and noted that pupils valued the cleaners and matrons as much as any other staff.

At the school's heart is the LEX personal development programme (headquartered in its own space). Run on Saturday morn­ings, and mandatory for boarders, it began when Thomson wanted to ensure her daughter could change a car tyre; and its range of activities is a real-life manifestation of Lex Devine's desire for a holistic curricu­lum through which the special and different talents inside each and every child could be nurtured. LEX's bright idea is that Clayesmore pupils acquire the skills, under­standing and values that lead to fulfilling lives. Aiming to encourage selflessness, integrity and service - as well as a sense of wonder and respect for the environment - it achieves this through everything from cooking and DIY to paddle­boarding, from riding on the school's 62-acre estate to personal finance management and driving safety. And it requires the type of tangible results that can enhance a CV.

Recent trips have been taken to Biarritz, New York, Les Deux Alpes and Borneo. And higher education destinations are impressive.'

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