Claremont Fan Court school

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I have heard from several sources that this school is on the up. Are there any parents on here who can share their views of the school?

I’m thinking about this school for my daughter.

My main concern is that if you look at the A level results broken down by subject, there seem to be many subjects with as little as just 1 person taking them.

I don’t think I would like that for her. I wonder if most kids move to other schools for sixth form and if so, why.

We're looking at schools for DD and her prep school advised that it's not the "banker" it was a few years ago. I'm still not convinced though, but we're going to try for an open day in the autumn as it might still be a good back up choice.

Yes - have also heard that about the ‘banker’ element - apparently secondary applications are up 40%. As one of only two mixed options accessible from my house (the other being St George’s), I am very open-minded. I have spoken to one parent who sings its praises - would be great to know if that is representative

I would look at other options and expand to looking at single sex, I don't think either CFC or StG are particularly well thought of...

Their virtual visit has a lot of shots panning over the (albeit gorgeous) ceilings. Is this the emphasis you want from a school when it is trying to attract future pupils?

I was not impressed when I looked round it last year. Class sizes were quite big for year 7, teachers seemed inexperienced. Head was quite odd. St G we thought was better but very large and pastoral care didn't seem strong enough. Didn't apply to either in the end. Lots of schools you can travel to from that area.

Thanks all. Would be great if any current parents could share their views. Personally we loved it when we looked around and we are not looking for a hothouse - we want somewhere less pressurised

My DC went there for Yr7-11 and we loved it. Our youngest will be starting 6th form. It is definitely improving and not a shoe-in anymore. Although in this area there's still a lot of academic snobbery about its previous reputation .....

Claremont fan is on the up but it’s mainly kids hothouses in London who are looking for better pastoral care and a “country” school. Grounds are incredible. It’s worth noting that like St John’s leatherhead it’s getting harder to get into. Not because of the quality of the teaching but the oversubscription/over-competitiveness in London senior schools and the increased migration of parents out of SW London to Surrey.

Not a parent, but i grew up in the area. My sister went to StG and our neighbours to CFC - both were thought to be good options for less academic kids, with StG the higher achieving, athletic option and CFC the artsy/drama pick for kids with less mainstream uni aspirations. From what i recall from parties, the Clairmont kids always thought an awful lot of themselves, but that could well have just been that cohort!

This was 10+ years ago now, to be fair.

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 ;-)

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..

@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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

@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.

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

@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 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

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!

@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!

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.