Boarding at Clayesmore Prep is seriously fun!
Boarding life at Clayesmore Prep School closely resembles the atmosphere and diversity of a busy, loving and happy family, but with the advantage of being surrounded by friends 24 hours a day!
Around 50 girls and boys board with us in Aubrey House and are cared for by devoted Houseparents, Jess Chisholm and Tom Brown, with a team of matrons, nursing staff and tutors, whose focus is to provide a home-from-home environment.
Evenings are spent playing games, swimming, karaoke competitions, baking brownies, watching films, or enjoying barbecues. The children also get to relax and spend time with friends, just like at home. Mobile phone use (if students have access) is carefully monitored to allow calls home at specific times, but not much more.
Sundays are for expeditions, and the children head off to exciting new places every week, such as the coast for beach games, the Haynes Motor Museum, Dorset Water Park, Snowtrax, Monkey World and many other exciting locations.
A Home Away from Home
At Clayesmore, boarding isn’t just about where you sleep—it’s about belonging. We provide a warm, family-style environment where pupils feel supported, safe and empowered to grow. Our boarding culture is built around friendship, independence, and personal development. Pupils are surrounded by trusted adults who care deeply about their welfare and success, and who create a true home away from home.
Types of Boarding
At Clayesmore, we understand that every family’s circumstances are different, which is why we offer a flexible range of boarding options to suit individual needs and lifestyles.
Full Boarding
For pupils staying seven days a week throughout term time, full boarding offers the most immersive Clayesmore experience. Pupils become deeply involved in every aspect of school life—academic, pastoral, co-curricular and social. With structured weekends filled with enriching activities, trips, and time to unwind with friends, full boarders develop strong friendships and a powerful sense of belonging. It’s a wonderful environment for pupils to grow in independence, build resilience, and gain confidence in a secure, supportive setting.
Weekly Boarding
Weekly boarders stay from Monday to Saturday and return home after the end of commitments on Saturdays. This option is ideal for families living within a couple of hours’ drive of the school who want their children to enjoy the structure, community and enrichment of the boarding environment during the school week, while still spending some time at home. Weekly boarding offers the best of both worlds—academic focus and weekday independence, with regular family time.
Flexi Boarding
Flexi boarding offers the ultimate flexibility for modern family life. Pupils can board on specific nights when needed—whether due to long commutes, parental work commitments, school events, or as an introduction to boarding life. This option is perfect for pupils who want to take part in early or late activities, gain a little extra independence, or gradually ease into full-time boarding. Flexi boarders are fully integrated into house life during their stay and benefit from the same warm, supportive environment.
Exeats
Every half term, the school has one exeat weekend. On this weekend, most students will go home after school on Friday and return on Sunday evening. However, international students are able to stay at school for a weekend with a difference. Activities and trips are planned which showcase areas of the UK you may not yet have visited – a trip to London to watch a sports fixture, for example, or a trip to the theatre. The weekend brings our international community closer together and it is valued by the students.
Our Senior Boarding Houses
Clayesmore has six boarding houses—one for prep, two for boys and two for girls—each with its own personality and strong sense of community.
Each house is led by experienced Houseparents, supported by pastoral and academic staff who know every pupil personally.
Learn more about our Senior Boarding Houses
Benefits of Boarding
Boarding at Clayesmore helps pupils:
- Forge lifelong friendships within and across year groups.
- Gain independence and resilience in a nurturing setting.
- Receive consistent academic support from teachers who understand their learning journey.
- Enjoy a wide range of activities that support physical and emotional wellbeing.
- Grow into confident, kind and self-reliant young adults.
A Day in the Life
Morning: Wake up in cosy dorms, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and attend morning lessons.
Afternoon: Lunch and afternoon lessons or co-curricular activities.
Evening: Return to House, dinner with peers, prep (supervised study), and relaxing time in common rooms.
Weekend:
Saturday: LEX (Learning Enrichment and Extension) and sports fixtures.
Sunday: Trips, social events, and downtime to rest and prepare.
Exeats: International pupils may remain in school for a weekend of trips and organised activities whilst UK based students return home.
View a full day in the Life of a Senior Boarder Here
Support Every Step of the Way
Our dedicated boarding staff, Houseparents and Health and Wellbeing team work in unison to provide exceptional pastoral care. Whether pupils need help navigating teenage years, academic guidance, or health support, someone is always on hand. Boarders are never alone on their journey and are actively supported to flourish, both personally and academically.
More Pastoral Care Information
