Founded in 1896, it was formerly in London, Pangbourne and near Winchester. In 1933 it moved to its present site, the former seat of Lord Wolverton on the edge of the picturesque village of Iwerne Minster. The impressive house has large gardens and a 62-acre estate, surrounded by beautiful Dorset countryside. Extensive modern additions provide first-rate facilities including new buildings housing science labs, computer suites and a learning support centre. The playing fields are on the estate and there is a floodlit synthetic grass pitch. Chapel services are in the Anglican tradition. A boys' school originally, girls were first admitted in 1970. There is a staff:pupil ratio of about 1:10 and examination results are good. The music, art and drama departments are flourishing. It has a good reputation for sports and games, with many representatives at county level. It has a lively CCF and considerable emphasis on outdoor pursuits for which the environment is ideal. Great commitment to local community services and an impressive record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Age range 13-18; 422 pupils, 186 day (135 boys, 51 girls), 236 boarding (137 boys, 99 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own tests used; for sixth form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (including sixth-form subjects; grade B for some subjects). No special skills or religious requirements; services are C of E but all denominations and faiths are welcome. 5% intake from state schools plus entry to sixth form; 50% of intake from own prep (enquiries to the Prep Headmaster, tel 01747 811707).
Approx 28 pa scholarships, value 5%-20% of fees: at age 13, up to 4 academic, 4 music, 1 art, 1 DT, 6 all-rounder; at 16, up to 8 academic, 2 music, 2 sport. Means-tested bursaries (including to enhance scholarships where necessary); bursaries for children of service personnel. Textbooks supplied; extras approx £200.
40+% live within 30 miles; 8+% live overseas.
Headmaster: Martin Cooke, in post from 2000. Educated at Monkton Combe, and at Bishop Otter College (organ scholar) and Sussex University (music and education). Previously Headmaster Clayesmore Prep School and Second Master and Director of Music at Bembridge School. Teaching staff: 39 full time, 14 part time. Annual turnover 15%.
GCSE: 96 pupils in Year 11: 60% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 35% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 52 in upper sixth: 76% passed in 3+ subjects and 21% in 2 subjects - achieving an average final point score of 298.
On average, 87% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (40% after a gap year). 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 20% in science and engineering, 10% in law, 30% in humanities and social sciences, 5% in art and design, 25% in other subjects eg sport and leisure, music. Others typically go on to non-degree courses.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 22-23 subjects at AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. 10% take science/maths A-levels; 58% arts/humanities; 34% both. Key skills integrated into sixth form courses and activities. Special provision: Learning support centre caters for EFL and those with learning difficulties. Languages: French, German, Spanish and Latin offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges to France and Germany. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg use of internet as data source. 180 computers for pupil use (12 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: At least 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 8 musical groups including orchestras, choir, concert band, wind and string ensembles. Drama and dance: Dance offered. LAMDA exams may be taken. Many pupils are involved in school and other productions. Art and design: On average, 24 take GCSE, 6 A-level. Design, pottery, textiles, photography also offered. Pupils regularly accepted to art colleges.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket, netball, tennis compulsory initially. Optional: soccer, squash, swimming, cross-country, badminton, athletics, sailing, sports development group. RLSS exams may be taken. County representatives at rugby, hockey, cricket and cross-country. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF compulsory for 1 year at age 14+. Community service optional. Up to 10 clubs, eg radio, basketball, fencing, debating (successfully involved in debating, public-speaking and general knowledge competitions).
Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy and girl, heads of house appointed by the Head and peer and staff vote. Religion: Church of England school. Chapel on Sunday and Friday, school assembly at other times. Social: Regular debating, public-speaking and general knowledge competitions with other schools. Language exchanges; visits abroad by games teams, choirs etc. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop.
The disciplinary system is overseen by the deputy heads and apply sanctions according to the school policy.
Sixth form have either single or paired rooms. Single-sex houses of approx 55, same as competitive houses. Medical centre (full-time). Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook own snacks. Two regular weekend exeats each term, more can be requested. Visits to local town allowed once a week.
Membership Secretary, Old Clayesmorian Society, c/o the school.
Tony Hart (artist and TV presenter); Sir Rodney Sweetman (President of the Royal College of Surgeons); Dr Alan Gilmour (director of the NSPCC); Brian Epstein (musical entrepreneur); Edward Ardizzone RA (artist ); Julian Rathbone (author).
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