Clayesmore School - thoughts/ feedback

[Lauracoombs]

We’re currently looking at Senior school options for our DD. She is currently at a local prep, going into her final year in Sept.
We have looked around at a few local Senior schools. Clayesmore is appealing to us as not predominantly a boarding school (50/50) and non-selective. Our Daughter is arty and enjoys extra circulars.
Does anyone have any thoughts on Clayesmore, or know the school well?
Grateful for any feedback, thank you :-)

Hi, I've only just seen your post, but thought I'd reply in case you're still looking, as I have three children who are day pupils at Clayesmore.

My personal opinion is that it is an undiscovered gem. It is non-selective, and the staff are incredibly skilled at teaching in a way that is accessible to anybody. They are encouraging to everyone, not just the few 'golden' students, and if you have a goal, they'll help you achieve it. It is small enough for all of the staff to know all of the children, and to have the time to develop their talents. Everything is done in a very kind and positive way. I've seen my children grow in confidence in the time they've been there, and my son is on course to achieve GCSE grades that I never would have thought possible.

A lot of the children are creative or entrepreneurial types. Art is strong, and so is DT. As extracurriculars, my children have done ceramics, book-binding, photography etc. My son is also doing a Btec in Creative iMedia (essentially, graphic design) which is offered alongside GCSE's.

I hope that helps, and best of luck :-)

Clayesmore has always had a lovely reputation and caters brilliantly for SEN as well as great facilities, sport etc. My only concern would be that it’s now part of a schools group (as so many independents are) so there will be lots of change until it settles into what they want it to be.