Boarding
Boarding at Clayesmore is at the heart of school life - warm, welcoming, and full of opportunity. Set in the beautiful Dorset countryside, Clayesmore offers a true home-from-home where every pupil is known, supported, and encouraged to thrive. With a strong sense of community and excellent pastoral care, boarders quickly feel part of a close-knit family that values kindness, respect, and individuality.
Home to many military families, Clayesmore understands the importance of stability and continuity in education. The school proudly supports the Armed Forces, offering CEA plus 10%, and provides an environment where children feel secure, confident, and inspired to achieve their best.
Life in the boarding houses is busy and fulfilling, with a balance of study, relaxation, and enrichment. Evenings and weekends offer a wide range of activities, from sports and creative arts to social events, trips, and outdoor adventures. The school’s LEX programme further extends learning beyond the classroom, encouraging leadership, teamwork, and exploration.
At Clayesmore, boarding is more than accommodation - it’s a way of life that builds confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships. Within this caring community, every pupil has the space and support to discover who they are and all they can become.
Success doesn’t look the same for every child… and at Clayesmore, that’s the point.
Set in the heart of Dorset, Clayesmore has spent over 130 years helping young people uncover what success means to them. Academic excellence is just one part of a wider educational journey that supports personal growth, confidence and self-belief.
Clayesmore School is proud to be home to a large number of military families, offering a warm and welcoming environment where children feel supported and valued. As proud supporters of the Armed Forces, Clayesmore offers CEA plus 10%, making it an excellent choice for families seeking continuity and stability in their child’s education. The school’s nurturing and caring ethos ensures that every pupil is known as an individual, thriving within a close-knit community that feels like an extended family. With a strong focus on wellbeing, academic excellence, and personal growth, Clayesmore provides a secure and encouraging setting where students can flourish both inside and outside the classroom. This is a school designed to inspire exploration, giving every individual the space, support and encouragement to discover who they are and all they can become.
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Iwerne Minster, Blandford Forum DT11 8LL, UK
01747 813111
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Co-Educational Boarding School
440
120
200
40
4-18
Christian
Nursery, Pre-Prep, International, Prep, Sixth Form, Summer School
GCSE, A Level, BTEC
At Clayesmore School, learning extends far beyond the classroom through our LEX programme, which encourages students to explore new activities, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and refine their abilities in analysis, debate, and research. Students can get involved in initiatives such as Young Enterprise, Model United Nations, politics and debating societies, book clubs, and enriching extracurricular opportunities like the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Careers-focused talks, employability workshops, and mock interviews further equip them with the skills and confidence needed for life beyond school.
The Sixth Form community at Clayesmore is vibrant and welcoming. Academic lectures, social events, and formal occasions provide opportunities for both day and boarding students to connect and grow. Highlights include formal dinners and balls, themed evenings, and the annual Year 12 two-night residential camp, which strengthens bonds within the year group while developing practical life skills.
Clayesmore School
Clayesmore School
Boarding at Clayesmore is at the heart of school life - warm, welcoming, and full of opportunity. Set in the beautiful Dorset countryside, Clayesmore offers a true home-from-home where every pupil is known, supported, and encouraged to thrive. With a strong sense of community and excellent pastoral care, boarders quickly feel part of a close-knit family that values kindness, respect, and individuality.
Home to many military families, Clayesmore understands the importance of stability and continuity in education. The school proudly supports the Armed Forces, offering CEA plus 10%, and provides an environment where children feel secure, confident, and inspired to achieve their best.
Life in the boarding houses is busy and fulfilling, with a balance of study, relaxation, and enrichment. Evenings and weekends offer a wide range of activities, from sports and creative arts to social events, trips, and outdoor adventures. The school’s LEX programme further extends learning beyond the classroom, encouraging leadership, teamwork, and exploration.
At Clayesmore, boarding is more than accommodation - it’s a way of life that builds confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships. Within this caring community, every pupil has the space and support to discover who they are and all they can become.