Co-Curricular Life at Clayesmore Prep
At Clayesmore Prep, a vibrant co-curricular programme sits at the heart of school life. It enriches pupils’ experiences and supports their personal development alongside academic learning.
Through our LEX initiative, together with music, drama and outdoor learning, pupils from Year 3 to Year 8 take part in a wide range of engaging, age-appropriate activities that build confidence, resilience and curiosity during these formative years.
Music thrives throughout the Prep School, with over 70% of pupils learning a musical instrument.
For those not learning an instrument, pupils follow a structured musical journey beginning with the recorder, before progressing to violin and ukulele, and later exploring steel pans and African drums.
Pupils regularly take part in:
- Choirs
- Orchestras
- Jazz bands
- Chamber groups
- Whole-school concerts and performances
Regular concerts and tours allow pupils to celebrate their progress and experience the excitement of performing together.
Drama plays a central role in school life, with a major production staged each year in our 160-seat theatre.
Pupils are encouraged to participate both on stage and behind the scenes, gaining experience in:
- Acting and performance
- Set design
- Lighting
- Sound production
LAMDA classes are also available, offering pupils the opportunity to gain internationally recognised qualifications while developing confidence, communication and presentation skills.
Outdoor learning is a vital part of the Clayesmore experience.
Pupils benefit from:
- Outdoor Education sessions
- Fieldwork and expeditions
- Hands-on learning in natural environments
These experiences develop independence, teamwork and resilience while helping pupils connect learning to the world around them.
Residential trips form an important part of each child’s journey through the Prep School:
- Year 3 & 4: Hooke Court
- Year 5: Grittleton
- Year 6: Bristol urban experience
- Year 7: France
- Year 8: Cornwall
Each trip is carefully designed to build independence, confidence and a sense of adventure.
The LEX programme is a distinctive part of life at Clayesmore Prep.
Available to all pupils during the week, and to Years 5–8 on Saturday mornings, LEX offers a wide range of exciting activities designed to broaden horizons and develop practical skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Activities include:
- Survival skills
- 3D printing
- Japanese
- Design technology
- Lego
- Horse riding
- Watersports
- Tennis
- Squash
- Snowboarding
- Golf
- Mountain biking
This variety ensures there is something to inspire every child, whatever their interests or strengths.
Across all co-curricular areas, Clayesmore places a strong emphasis on developing confidence, teamwork and resilience.
Pupils are encouraged to:
- Step outside their comfort zones
- Try new experiences
- Build self-belief through hands-on learning
- Work collaboratively and creatively
Whether performing on stage, competing in sport, learning outdoors, or discovering new skills through LEX, pupils develop the character and confidence that will support them throughout their education and beyond.