Clayesmore School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• Location: Iwerne Minster, Blandford Forum, Dorset
• Head: Mrs Joanne Thomson
• Age Range: 8-18 years (Prep and Senior School)
• Type: Co-educational independent day and boarding school
• Boarding Fees: £12,974 per term
• Day Fees: £9,437 per term
• Pupils: 377 in senior school, 150 in preparatory school
• Scholarships: Available for academics, sport, music and other talents

About Clayesmore School

Established in 1896, Clayesmore School occupies a magnificent 62-acre campus in the picturesque Dorset countryside near Blandford Forum. This co-educational independent school has built a reputation for nurturing individual talents whilst maintaining high academic standards across its preparatory and senior schools.

The school's distinctive ethos centres on adventure, happiness, and community service, exemplified through innovative programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and the unique ACE initiative (Action, Community, Environment). These programmes encourage students to engage meaningfully with their local community whilst developing environmental consciousness and leadership skills.

Clayesmore's commitment to personalised education ensures that each of its 527 pupils receives individual attention within a supportive community environment. The school's boarding provision accommodates both weekly and full boarders, creating a vibrant residential community that enhances the educational experience through structured evening activities and weekend programmes.

The school's academic programme is complemented by exceptional facilities including modern science laboratories, a well-equipped sports centre, music practice rooms, and extensive playing fields. This holistic approach to education has consistently produced graduates who progress to leading universities and pursue successful careers across diverse fields.

Fees and key dates for 2025/26

Clayesmore School publishes day fees of £7,389.60 per term for 2025/26, with boarding at £11,298 (Year 5 to Year 8 band) per term, and the figures above come from the school's own fees page as checked in September 2026. Registration dates for the next 11+ round are published by the school's admissions office. Entry is rolling rather than a single fixed round: after registration (£180 fee) and a visit, Year 7 applicants sit English and Maths assessments and attend a taster day before an offer is made. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Clayesmore

Clayesmore School's 11+ assessment process is designed to identify students who will flourish within the school's collaborative and nurturing academic environment. The assessment takes place during specially organised assessment days, typically held in the January preceding September entry.

Assessment Components

The entrance assessment comprises several key elements:

• Mathematics Assessment: Covers numerical reasoning, problem-solving, and mathematical concepts appropriate to Year 6 level
• English Assessment: Evaluates reading comprehension, creative writing, and language skills through varied written exercises
• Interview Process: Individual discussions with senior staff to assess personal interests, motivations, and compatibility with school values
• School Report Review: Current academic performance and teacher assessments from the candidate's primary school

For students applying for scholarships, additional assessments may be required in specific areas such as music (practical audition), sport (skills assessment), or academic subjects (extended written work).

Assessment Preparation

Clayesmore encourages natural preparation rather than intensive cramming. The school recommends that candidates focus on regular reading, mathematical practice, and developing their communication skills. Past papers are available through the admissions office to familiarise students with the assessment format.

How to Apply

The application process for Clayesmore School follows a structured timeline designed to ensure thorough consideration of each candidate:

Step 1: Initial Enquiry and School Visit

Prospective families are strongly encouraged to visit Clayesmore during one of the regular Open Mornings or arrange a private tour. These visits provide invaluable insight into the school's daily life and help families determine compatibility with Clayesmore's educational philosophy.

Step 2: Application Submission

Complete the application form available on the school's website, accompanied by:

• Current school report and academic records
• Registration fee
• Completed confidential reference form from current head teacher

Step 3: Assessment Day Participation

Successful applicants will be invited to attend an assessment day, typically scheduled for January. Parents receive detailed information about timing, format, and any specific requirements well in advance.

Step 4: Offer and Acceptance

Following assessment, the school communicates decisions promptly. Successful candidates receive formal offers that must be accepted within a specified timeframe, accompanied by the required deposit to secure the place.

Important Deadlines

Applications for September entry should be submitted by the previous October, though later applications may be considered subject to availability. Early application is particularly recommended for boarding places and scholarship opportunities.

Preparing for the Clayesmore School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Preparation for the Clayesmore School 11+ tends to go best when it starts early and stays steady, and most families who work with us begin between twelve and eighteen months out. Our tutors, who have prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, plan the work backwards from the school's own assessment format and registration deadline.

The tutors we match to 11+ preparation are drawn from a pool in which more than half hold Qualified Teacher Status, around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and which includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.