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Come and visit Clayesmore to experience first hand our warm, friendly culture and find out more about our excellent educational and pastoral ethos.
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Call us 01747 813111
Gate House is ideally situated in the heart of the Clayesmore School campus, just moments from teaching rooms, sports pitches, and the sports centre. The house features wide corridors, large common rooms, two well-equipped kitchens, and a central courtyard with outdoor seating and a fire pit — all fostering a lively, inclusive community.
Gate House accommodates up to 48 boarders, with a similar number of day pupils. Integration is central to the Gate ethos: all pupils share common spaces, participate in the same house activities, and enjoy a true sense of camaraderie. A strong sporting tradition and a passion for good food are defining elements of Gate's culture.
Gate House champions family values, respect, and mutual care. With a focus on integrity, effort, and community spirit, the house fosters a safe and welcoming atmosphere where every boy is encouraged to support his peers and contribute to the greater whole.
Houseparent: Mr Sam Palacios (gate@clayesmore.com / gatehouseparent@clayesmore.com)
Mr Palacios teaches Music and Music Technology. He lives on-site with his wife, Tessa, and their sons Luca and Rio, creating a warm, family-oriented environment.
Assistant Houseparent: Mr Matt Duncan (mduncan@clayesmore.com)
Mr Duncan teaches sport and mentors Year 9 pupils. His background in extreme water sports and love for the outdoors enriches Gate life.
Matron: Mrs Pip Tandoh (gate@clayesmore.com / gatematron@clayesmore.com)
Mrs Tandoh manages daily logistics, travel arrangements, and welfare matters. Contact via phone: 01747 813149.
Visiting Tutors: Academic staff are on duty evenings (18:30–22:30) to assist with prep and offer support.
Year 13 students act as prefects and role models, guiding younger students and supporting staff. Mentoring pods, composed of boys from different year groups, meet fortnightly to encourage cross-year bonding and emotional support.
Day boys are fully included in all aspects of Gate life, with lockers provided at the start of term. They are welcome at all events and routines. Padlocks (preferably combination-style) are recommended.
Most students share dorms; some Year 13 pupils may have single rooms. Respect for space and others' belongings is essential. Day pupils and younger boarders are not permitted in dorms without permission.
Take pride in your surroundings. Keep personal spaces tidy, contribute to duties, and store valuables securely. All pupils have a lockable drawer.
Weekends include relaxed routines: takeaway nights, BBQs, movie or campfire evenings. Optional Sunday trips to Bath or local towns are available. Sports, swimming, music practice, and workspace facilities remain open.
Exeats:
Gate promotes student wellbeing with a network of support:
Boarders' birthdays are celebrated in-house. Parents may coordinate treats with Matron. Home parties should not occur on school nights.
Internet Access: Wi-Fi and school systems explained on Day 1.
Video Calls: Permitted outside of lessons; be considerate to roommates.
Payments: Use card-based methods — no cash handling.
Security: Lockable storage provided; valuables and documents kept securely by Houseparent/Matron.
Gate House is more than just accommodation — it is a community. A place where young men grow, thrive, and form bonds that last a lifetime.
Come and visit Clayesmore to experience first hand our warm, friendly culture and find out more about our excellent educational and pastoral ethos.
Register Now
Clayesmore School, Iwerne Minster, Blandford, Dorset. DT11 8LL.
Clayesmore School (HMC, IAPS, ISBA) is a registered company in England and Wales registered at Iwerne Minster, Blandford, Dorset, DT11 8LL.
(Registered Company No: 359779 – Charity Registration No: 306214 – VAT No: 186834226). Site & content © 2021 Clayesmore School. All rights reserved.