Clayesmore query

[Dufois5]

We are looking to move schools due to a number of reasons and are viewing Clayesmore for a second time. Would anyone have any thoughts either positive or negative about the school please? Thank you.

DS (now Year 9) went to a feeder prep for Claysmore and a few of his friends moved on to there and are thriving. It's unashamedly academically inclusive so possibly not the best choice for a "bright but lazy" child as they may not get the push they need, but their learning support is excellent. I'm not sure how many stay in at weekends (no formal Saturday school) so if you're looking for full boarding I would kick the tyres on that. HTH.

Thank you. That’s very good to know.

Without knowing where you are moving from it is hard, but there are many other boarding schools in the area with stronger reputations whether you DCs are more academic, sporty, artsy, all-rounder etc. Over a quarter of the pupils at Clayesmore are classed as having some level of additional educational needs, according to ISI. Make of that as good or bad as you will.

My perception of Clayesmore has always been that it is largely a local school for local people that can get home easily, or for internationals that cannot get home easily at all. So I would agree with PP that if you are British wanting full-boarding, think carefully. However, that may be entirely unfair.

Thank you for your comment.
We are potentially moving from Godolphin and are also looking at Sherbourne and Milton too. DCs are mix of sporty, academic, not musical sadly. Interesting about boarding numbers, we will definitely look into this further, as it would be a big factor. Thank you.

@Dufois5 do any of your dc actively need learning support or a more flexible approach to qualifications as if not I would rule out Milton Abbey as it has really embraced that angle to the extent I’d argue it’s borderline not a mainstream school anymore. I’m not sure whether you need prep/ 11+ and that’s why you haven’t mentioned it, but if 13+ consider Canford? Is the more academic boarding option in that area- co-ed, 65% boarders ( full only, no flexi), strong but inclusive sport offering. Other option would be Bryanston- has its own prep so if you need that it could be an option.

Thank you LaPalmaLlama, this is all very useful information. We would be looking for Prep & Senior. Two DC do need a little additional support, one does not. All love sport. Thank you for your suggestions