Every girl and boy achieves academic success at Clayesmore Prep by working at a level that suits, but also stretches, their capabilities.
Academic Life at Clayesmore Prep
At Clayesmore Prep, every child is supported to achieve their best. We set work that challenges them at the right level, helping them to grow in confidence and ability.
Our small classes allow teachers to give each pupil plenty of individual attention, while offering a broad and engaging curriculum. A strong academic core runs through the school, built on our innovative approach to learning attitudes and supported by close monitoring of progress in every subject.
Life Skills and the LEX Programme
Life skills sit at the heart of our curriculum. Through our LEX programme, pupils enjoy memorable experiences that broaden their horizons and help them develop the personal qualities and practical tools they need for the future.
Digital Learning for a Modern World
Digital skills are threaded through all areas of school life. Rather than treating technology as a separate subject, pupils learn how to use digital tools thoughtfully and creatively across the curriculum. This includes media literacy, researching safely and responsibly, understanding how information is created and shared, and using digital platforms to collaborate and present ideas. Our aim is to help children navigate the modern world with confidence, curiosity and good judgement.
The Clayesmore Compass: Attitudes to Learning
Communication • Consideration • Creativity • Courage
We believe that the right attitudes to learning are just as important as academic study. We encourage independence, teamwork and leadership, and help pupils develop positive character traits and a strong growth mindset.
Through regular conversations with teachers, tutors and parents, children learn to reflect on their progress and set constructive goals. These habits help them grow into resilient, respectful and confident young people, ready to embrace new challenges.
The Tutor System
In Years 3 to 5, the form teacher is the central point of support for each child. From Year 6 onwards, pupils are taught increasingly by subject specialists, and each is assigned a personal tutor.
Tutors play a crucial role in pupils’ wellbeing and success. They meet their tutees daily, monitoring progress, offering guidance and providing a friendly, consistent source of support.
Challenge and Support for All
Every child learns differently, and we take care to understand each pupil’s strengths and needs.
Academic Challenge
Our teachers design ambitious lessons that stretch pupils and encourage high aspirations. Children can take part in enrichment activities such as the UK Maths Challenge, Model United Nations, and national writing competitions.
Academic Support
For pupils who need additional help, our Teaching & Learning Centre offers specialist assessment and targeted support. Clear goals are agreed with families and reinforced throughout the school day. Teachers adapt lessons to keep learning accessible but demanding, always promoting higher-order thinking and deep understanding.
We also support pupils with dual or multiple exceptionalities and those with specific learning difficulties. Our specialist teachers provide structured, skills-based teaching, using games, puzzles and technology to reinforce learning in an enjoyable way. We offer support in speech and language, social skills, motor skills and assistive technology, and the school is fully accredited by CReSTeD.
Teaching Throughout the School
In the junior years, class teachers provide a strong foundation of academic and pastoral care, supported by specialist teaching in Art, Ceramics, Design & Technology, Computing, French, Games, Music and PE.
In the middle years, pupils take on more specialised teaching while still benefiting from close support from tutors. This gradual shift helps them to build independence and resilience.
By Years 7 and 8, pupils are working towards Key Stage 3 objectives, ensuring a smooth transition to Year 9 and beyond. Our Prep and Senior School teachers work closely together to prepare each child for future success.
Sport, Music, Drama and the Arts
Sport is an important part of life at Clayesmore Prep. Our ethos—Compete, Play as a team, Strive to improve—runs through every lesson and fixture. All pupils represent the school, with many going on to compete at county level and above.
Music is a real strength: over two-thirds of pupils learn an instrument, and our choirs are vibrant and well attended. Children enjoy a rich programme of concerts, masterclasses and tours.
Drama, Art, Ceramics and Design & Technology all offer exciting opportunities for expression and creativity, and many of our pupils go on to win scholarships in these areas as well as academic subjects.
