Claremont Fan Court school

Yes I would like to know - would it suit a child who has been bullied in the past? DC is sensitive and kind, not one of life's rough and ready sort (wish that DC was!)

Any issues with bullying or are all kids looked after. How is playtime supervision?

Hi. Just wondered what the pastoral care is like. Was thinking about sending my DD to Boxhill but have heard such dreadful things about the Head and bullying. She’s quiet and quite sensitive. Thanks.

@1910username and @Broccolimagic thanks very much, really helpful.

@MaitreKarlsson - just to add that when we went to the offer holders’ day they emphasised that the lunch break is long so that children can do clubs at lunchtime because many leave on the bus as soon as school ends. (Come to think of it I think someone mentioned this on here somewhere too - think they said there is info about it on the website.)

When we visited on the open day the Head of PE mentioned he knew the lack of late buses was an issue and had asked the school to think about adding that service.

Maybe you should ask Admissions and see if they have plans to do this.

He mentioned that the K3 stops near the school, but I don’t know if that’s something your DC would be comfortable with.

It would be a bus ride to Kingston and then train to your town..??

Hi - could anyone advise if there is a late bus service from Claremont school? We are a bit far away - I'm wondering what happens if DD stays for eg late netball practice.

We’re going to the earlier one. Will be interesting…. the sessions they are doing with the kids sound fun.

Yes we're going to the afternoon session on Friday, will see what I can glean then!

@refusetobeasheep, are you going to the holder event on Friday? Maybe they can give you an idea of where most kids come from.

We’re just outside of Kingston, I’m assuming that when they start going out they’ll meet up in Kingston and hang out there?

Hello again @refusetobeasheep - keen to see any responses to your questions as have same concerns about distance, as you know.
Any advice received will be much appreciated.

@brizzlewizzle Apologies for resurrecting an old thread, but we have an offer from Claremont for Y7. DD (and I!) love the school. The only drawback is distance - we're in Ham, so she would get the coach from Ham Common, which is a 45 minute journey in. I do worry it takes too much out of the day, but am probably more concerned at her not having local friends as she's an only child. Do you have a feel for what proportion of kids are from this kind of area? Or any advice ?!!! Thanks!

We have kids across the school, we and they absolutely love it. We were at the ‘supposed’ sporty/academic school previously and were concerned about the pastoral care. Claremont is amazing and we couldn’t be happier. I’ve yet to meet a parent who says anything negative about the school. The school nurtures and educates the child for who they are, without putting them in a box. Kids seem confident, happy and love going to school and learning. Hope this helps!

[quote AiryFairy1]@brizzlewizzle could you give an indication as to how long the bus commute is? Just trying to fathom what a reasonable length of commute to secondary school would be (given they’re currently a 7 min drive in mum’s taxi from primary) thanks![/quote]
www.claremontfancourt.co.uk/_site/data/files/documents/admissions/93CF4C5497BA393AD7CDC668D7284107.PDF

This links to the bus routes. Ours takes about 30 mins (it's often quicker than the timetable suggests) I think as long as they have a phone to entertain themselves, the bus is fine! There are plenty of kids on the buses

@brizzlewizzle could you give an indication as to how long the bus commute is? Just trying to fathom what a reasonable length of commute to secondary school would be (given they’re currently a 7 min drive in mum’s taxi from primary) thanks!

We come from much further out into Surrey on the school bus. So far it hasn't caused any issues, but agree lots of kids seem to live in Esher/Claygate. We LOVE the school - the setting, the teachers, the ethos - DC is very, very happy

@Hexagon2 I think the beauty of it is that it feels like a local catchment and has a large cohort from Claygate and Esher now, so lots of kids in the village at Claremont. There are also pupils coming from Walton and Cobham but I'd say generally less from further afield as there are so many other private options around. Lots of kids walk to school so it has a lovely feel.

Thanks @Localher0 It's great to hear there are local families. I met some parents at an open day from Richmond, Twickenham and then I read that it's a popular choice for London families now due to London overspill. I didn't want to deny my DD local friends.

My kids have friends from Thames Ditton, Claygate, Esher, New Malden, Walton, Teddington, Kingston and some further afield. We're in Esher and being able to walk to school is a big benefit.

Just wondered if anyone can tell me where current Claremont families live? Are many in Esher, Cobham, Walton, Molesey area? When kids meet up at the weekend and do they gravitate towards Esher, Kingston, Wimbledon or London? Or is everyone too spread out? Just wondering how social lives outside of school work out. I see the school buses take children to quite a wide area. Any idea where an ideal place to live would be for a Claremont student to avoid feeling isolated. Or maybe that's something that has to be a compromise. State school=local friends. Private school=home and school life more separate. We don't have a large family network so friends network is important for us.

Also DD isn't that sporty in terms of team sports and athletics. I'm not convinced she'll be playing lacrosse matches each weekend. She's more of a dance and drama type.

Both my children are at Claremont in Prep. This is our third year there and even in this short time I have literally felt the school evolving. The senior school has come on leaps and bounds since the new head started and I've heard of several families locally unable to get their children in. We bought into it for its pastoral reputation and the amazingly nurturing pre-prep. It really is idyllic. We've found the teaching staff outstanding, having come from a very highly thought of international school. Both my children are bright and even though there are possibly more rigorous academic options around to push them, I can see that they are beyond happy here. There is a really close family feel among staff and pupils, especially in the younger years where it is easy to get to know other families. It's really friendly. Being able to drive into the school daily you get a good take on the senior kids on site and they look like a really decent bunch. I'd be surprised that there aren't enough numbers in senior/sixth form for sports as I'm pretty sure numbers are good. Lots of renovations are underway and this is set to continue. The school is on the up and we'll certainly be staying on for senior.

I have two DSs at Claremont. Both bright (IQ 135 +) and they love it. The school encourages everyone to do their best, rather than be the best, in everything (academic, sports etc.). Personally I find the 11+ process completely ridiculous - who would put a 10 yr-old through something like that? Taking away from what childhood should mean - so this was a great option for us. If a child is able, and they're happy, then they'll do well. I'd far rather they enjoyed the journey than just focus on results.

@Hermionegraingerrules , a large proportion of schools fees income goes out on teacher salaries. Surrey is an expensive place to live compared to other parts of the UK and independent schools need to attract quality teachers to deliver the curriculum. Since September 2019 the employer contribution towards Teachers' pension rose from 16% to 23% of teachers salary, the private sector was given less than 1 years notice for this considerable cost and it has led to a jump in fees.

I think it’s naturally becoming more of an option from sw London as all the boys schools around here are over selective and pressurised.

I keep meaning to start a AIBU thread to ask why are school fees so astronomical now compared to what they were. I think it feeds an unrealistic inherent academic focus which is such a pity from the more rounded schools that used to exist..

My only experience is of my neighbour’s child. He likes it a lot. Failed to get into kingston grammar, so it’s certainly easier to get into than that school, although perhaps this is not saying much these days!

Haha @Ohalrightthen, re kids thinking a lot of themselves, the child is very nice but my neighbour, his mum, is quite full of herself ;-)