Houses

Jess Chisholm is the Houseparent of Aubrey and a Teacher of PE and Games.

Lives in Aubrey House with her husband, Tom, and two young sons. 

“We didn’t realise we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.” Winnie The Pooh

In our house, boarding is so much more than where you sleep, it is where you belong. Set in the heart of the Prep School, Aubrey House offers a warm, family-style environment where children feel supported, safe and inspired to grow. With space for around 50 boarders, we are large enough to be lively and full of opportunity, yet small enough to ensure every child is known, valued and genuinely cared for.

Our boarding culture is built on friendship, independence and personal development, with boarders surrounded by trusted adults who care deeply about their wellbeing and success. It truly is a home away from home.

Aubrey House is a vibrant and welcoming community, filled with laughter, activity and occasional mischief. We create a relaxed, nurturing atmosphere where every child feels happy, safe and heard. Evenings might be spent baking, playing board games, watching a film, exploring the grounds or enjoying a quiet read. Our location enjoys direct access to the fields, lawns and the much-loved adventure playground.

We offer a varied programme of optional evening activities, which change each term. We understand that the school day is full and rewarding, so pupils are free to choose between joining in the fun or simply unwinding in the comfort of the house. Each term also features a special social event: from discos and formal dinners to campouts, BBQs and seasonal celebrations.

Most importantly, our boarders know they are surrounded by a strong, caring network of people who care. We are proud to provide a home-from-home experience where children can grow in confidence, develop lifelong friendships and enjoy the very best of country boarding life in Dorset.

See more of Aubrey here

Chris Burton is the house parent in Manor, Teacher of Design and Technology 

Lives in Manor with Holly (wife),  my children and Peggy my dog.

Interests: cycling, paddle boarding, surfing, beach time, cool cars and country walks. 

It’s a pleasure to be part of the Manor community which is built on an ethos of what I refer to as the “Manor Brotherhood”. Within any community there are individuals, and each of these individuals has needs and aspirations that require nurturing. A boarding house needs to be far more than a place where you live and work during term time; it should be a home where you feel safe, happy, relaxed, and needed. It is a place where lifelong friendships are created, communication and life skills such as trust, self-awareness and resilience are developed and enhanced, it should also be a place where pupils can study and learn effectively.

See more of Manor here

Cédric Didier is the Houseparent in Gate, Head of French.

Lives in Gate with Joanne (wife) and their 2 children.

Interests: Sport and Music in all their forms, bodyboarding, beach holidays, cooking, France and its culture.

A home away from home, where everyone belongs.

In our home away from home, kindness, compassion, humour and a willingness to take positive risks are what mark out a Gatesman. We encourage one another to be ourselves, to have a go, to learn from our experiences and to make the most of every opportunity.

Inspired by the swifts and swallows that fly around Gate and Clayesmore, BIRD represents the four characteristics we keep at the front of our minds in everything we do:

B – Brotherhood
Being there for one another, offering support, encouragement and friendship.

I – Integrity
Choosing to do the right thing, even when no one is watching, and taking pride in our choices.

R – Respect
Showing respect for our House, our staff and, above all, for one another.

D – Determination
Trying our hardest, persevering when things are difficult and striving to achieve the best possible outcome.

Together, these values shape what it means to be a Gatesman.

See more of Gate here

“May all who enter as friends leave as family.” King’s is like a family and we are really looking forward to you joining us. We celebrate everyone as an individual and also our collective spirit, guiding everyone through the sometimes choppy waters of adolescence with warmth and care.

King’s House, nestled at the edge of campus by the lake, woods, theatre, and playing pitches, is a cosy and tranquil spot that feels just like home. We have beds for 46 boarders and a similar number of day pupils; there’s always a lively atmosphere at King’s. Everyone enjoys the common room area, while Sixth Form boarders get their own kitchenette and sitting room for extra chill time. King’s is a warm, cheerful, happy house and you will be an essential part of that. We all play our part and the most important thing is to be kind, supportive and encouraging to others – even when they are nothing like us. We will want to encourage you to throw yourself into everything. The old saying is true: the more you put into something, the more you get out of it.

See more of Kings here

Wolverton is a happy, vibey house where we live like a family, always looking out for each other. Our core philosophy is that nothing matters more than the House and our friends in it. With support, encouragement, participation, and togetherness, we create a safe and happy environment where everyone is respected and feels special. Different girls have different strengths – in work, sport, music, drama, or just being a good friend – and everyone is welcome.

Situated in the beautiful Main House, designed by one of Britain’s most famous architects, we like to think that Wolverton has the best position in the campus! We have rooms for about 50 boarders and a similar number of day pupils, and everyone is welcome. 

Rooms vary from high-ceiling country house rooms to cosy attic conversions. Day and boarding pupils share wonderful communal areas like the kitchen, breakfast room, common room, workroom, snug, and post room. In the summer, we also use the formal gardens and terrace near the fountain.

At Wolverton, we blend individuality with a strong sense of community, making every day fun and memorable!

KEY PEOPLE 

Houseparent: Emma Dorey

edorey@clayesmore.com

Assistant Houseparent: Daisy Baker

dbaker@clayesmore.com

Matron: Gill Morris

wolverton@clayesmore.com

See more of Wolverton here