Senior School Prospectus 2023-2024

SENIOR SCHOOL PROSPECTUS

Word of mouth will tell you we are the hidden gem of Surrey and south-west London. With 100 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds in which to learn and develop, build friendships and ambition, we are recognised by families as a school with strong academic ambition for our pupils, but not at the expense of wellbeing for and attention to the individual child.

As a co-educational school, where you can pursue the sports, subjects and activities that suit you as an individual, not just your gender, we value the benefits of empowering pupils to challenge themselves and be challenged and

We prioritise, too, an understanding of character and the way in which our relationships with others are fundamental to our successes in life, university and careers.

Claremont Fan Court is a school where you

“WE ARE DELIGHTED TO BE A FINALIST IN THE SCHOOL HOUSE AWARDS 2023. WORKING WITH LOCAL CHARITIES IS A HUGE PART OF CLAREMONT’S MISSION, VISION AND ETHOS.”

Mr William Brierly HEADMASTER

WHY CLAREMONT?

We want our pupils to be ambitious in their goals, to challenge themselves, to have a go at new things and to achieve - both inside and outside the classroom.

Pastoral care, alongside our high academic reputation and broad co-curricular programme is central to our impressive school where each child is valued, encouraged, challenged and supported to unleash their potential.

Our school community is well known for its tight-knit, warm and inclusive feel. Our students leave us, not only having achieved excellent academic outcomes, but also having established life-long friendships and an enduring connection with Claremont.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

The senior school offers a stimulating learning environment in which a balanced, broad and modern curriculum including the very latest in science and technology teaching and learning is delivered. Class sizes are relatively small so that teachers can respond to the strengths of the individual child.

Our pupils are stretched and challenged but not overwhelmed and we believe in a supportive approach to learning. Our innovative, flexible curriculum is built around the strengths of the child with a wide range of options at GCSE and A level to support the strengths and passions of all our pupils.

The curriculum is well supported by a wealth of enrichment and co-curricular opportunities that develop skills and deepen academic passions.

At Claremont we strive to give pupils the confidence and foundations to promote an enquiring mind and natural

curiosity. Students engage in a wide range of competitions, prizes and opportunities that promote a love of subject and learning as the primary objective.

We are proud of the quality of our teaching and learning provision which inspires and develops our curriculum.

Learning methods are continually reviewed and refreshed, so that we always keep ahead of the curve in finding compelling ways to engage pupils. We use Google Classroom and every pupil has their own laptop to ensure that computer literacy is at the heart of the learning experience.

Our pupils leave us with a range of skills ready to be successful in the global community. With the character to be curious, interesting and resilient to the challenges ahead.

PASTORAL CARE AND HOUSE STRUCTURE

Claremont has always been a kind school that cares about each and every child. Our strong reputation for pastoral care has built us up to the school we are today and is why thousands of children have joined us over the years to benefit from the outcomes which excellent pastoral care produces.

In recent years, as the senior school has grown steadily, we have been diligent in ensuring that class sizes remain small, so that the Claremont school experience is always a positive one and never a bewildering one.

PSHEE is taught weekly to every pupil and challenging issues are discussed openly to offer every pupil a growing awareness of their rights, responsibilities and ambitions in life.

Every child is different and by knowing their individual characters, we can adopt strategies to continue to inspire and meet their needs as they develop into young adults.

The senior school uses a vertical house structure where small tutor groups blend pupils of all ages to create a trusted environment. This means that all pupils who join the senior school at 11 will have a tutor who stays with them for the first five years and therefore gets to know them and their family extremely well.

The vertical house structure allows pupils to mingle with

peers in other year groups and benefit from their knowledge and experience. Tutors are the main point of contact for parents, with heads of house and senior staff available as and when necessary.

Sixth form tutor groups allow our older pupils to develop leadership and mentorship skills while enjoying a university and careers focus.

The senior school is able to support all pupils who are experiencing challenging situations with an onsite counselling service, a dedicated and experienced team of nurses in the Care Centre, a significant and highly qualified Individual Needs department, a mindfulness coach and a team of staff focused on EDI and LGBTQ+ issues.

“THANKS TO THE EXCELLENT TEACHING, PASTORAL CARE, CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES AND THE SCHOOL’S VALUES AND EMPHASIS ON A CHARACTER EDUCATION OUR SON HAS THRIVED AT CLAREMONT.” SENIOR SCHOOL PARENT

CHARACTER PROFILE

We believe that by investing in a pupil’s character, we can unlock their potential to academic success, confidence and personal growth. So, what kind of pupil does well at Claremont? Will my child fit in? Will the school push my child if they need challenging, or support them if they need help? These are some of the thoughts that every parent has when choosing the right school for their children, and we appreciate how difficult that decision is.

After 100 years as a school, this is what the profile of a typical pupil at Claremont looks like…

GETTING STUCK IN

Our ethos is about giving things a go and getting stuck in, and our pupils absorb this whole-heartedly! That’s why we offer a huge range of co-curricular activities outside lessons, to allow everyone to find a niche they love, make friends and get the most out of school life.

TEAM PLAYERS

Our pupils really care about others. It is something we hear time and time again that Claremont pupils are known for their kindness and respect for others, and that’s borne out of our emphasis on teamwork and creating a pastorally-driven, supportive environment. We know that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

CELEBRATING DIFFERENCE

Our pupils are a celebrated mix of future artists, lawyers, sports professionals, medics, entrepreneurs, engineers and fashion designers. Whatever their strengths and passions, we’ll help pupils to recognise and achieve them.

FRIENDS FOR LIFE

Our pupils become a tight-knit community throughout their time at Claremont. Testament to the tears and tight hugs we see on results days, leaving parties and throughout the year around our school, we see friendships being built to last a lifetime.

ART, DRAMA AND MUSIC

Art, drama and music are a vital part of life at Claremont. In art we encourage pupils to explore a wide range of methods for drawing, painting, print making, sculpture and ceramics. At key stage three (KS3), pupils have a double lesson each week and they are encouraged to explore their immediate environment and make relevant links to works of specific artists. We run weekly lunchtime clubs such as creative drawing, batik, photography and ceramics.

We have a healthy up-take for GCSE and A level art and photography and we are proud that all of our art students in Year 13 attain places in their top choice art foundation or degree choices. We run weekly life drawing classes for A level artists in the autumn term and the department offers many opportunities for pupils to join in with optional extra sessions in a creative environment. The summer exhibition is an excellent chance to see examples of work from GCSE and A level pupils.

Drama plays a key role in the personal and social development of our pupils and offers a secure, creative environment in which to develop self-esteem and responsibility. Through drama, pupils gain confidence and refine communication skills, vital for strong interpersonal relationships with friends and family and to succeed in academia. Drama is studied throughout KS3 and as an option for GCSE and A level. There is a busy co-curricular schedule with clubs, pantomimes, the Shakespeare Festival and whole school productions.

Music at Claremont is a vibrant, engaging and challenging subject. The music school is a busy place with instrumental lessons offered across a large range of instruments, rehearsals for various large and small scale ensembles, in addition to well-equipped music technology classrooms with the latest software.

Our students have a passion for music, be it the bagpipes or mixing music in DJ club, plus of course everything in between; the music school has an exciting buzz about it, a place where students can express themselves and enhance their creative skills. Lessons have a practical focus, with students experiencing playing musical instruments alongside singing. We broach music theory through a range of practical activities.

Our students opting for academic music at A level and GCSE achieve high grades, many of them going on to university to continue their study of music and arts related subjects.

SPORT

At Claremont, the key word is enjoyment. We believe everyone can find enjoyment through sport . We have an inclusive approach and we encourage all pupils to have a go and try something new.

From sports with large numbers participating, such as lacrosse and football, to less common sports such as fencing and archery, our sports curriculum grows each year as we expand the range of sports on offer. 100 acres of on-site space gives our pupils boundless opportunities.

We have multiple teams in all our key sports, meaning

Regardless of gender or prior ability, we are always looking at opportunities where pupils can participate in sport.

This allows pupils to experience a breadth of sport as well as the right level, be it in elite competition or just social play at lunch time. All sporting participation is valued and if it adds to the enjoyment of a pupil’s day at school, then it is worthwhile.

Participation and enjoyment may be the overall aim but Claremont is extremely proud to have pupil representatives at elite academies, county and national level for lacrosse, netball, rugby, football, gymnastics, tennis and more. We actively celebrate, support and

SPORTS ON OFFER:

LACROSSE

RUGBY

NETBALL

FOOTBALL

CRICKET

ATHLETICS

BASKETBALL

GYMNASTICS

TENNIS

GOLF

TABLE TENNIS

ARCHERY

BADMINTON

CROSS COUNTRY

FENCING

CO-CURRICULAR

We encourage our pupils to give things a go and try something new. With over 60 co-curricular activities on offer, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into.

Our pupils achieve more than they ever imagined possible, thanks to a culture where they can be confident to try things out, supported and encouraged by their peers and teachers.

We see, first-hand, the joy and sense of accomplishment taking part in co-curricular activities brings. Whether it’s light relief from the academic

focus needed in the GCSE years, making friends for life or exploring new ways to satisfy creativity or curiosity, these activities bring out the best in our pupils.

We run a wide variety of day and residential trips, too, allowing opportunity for cultural enrichment and personal and social development. Not to mention a highly successful Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and Young Enterprise programme.

RESULTS 2023

Pupils are given every opportunity for creative thought and individual expression while staff strive to introduce courses of study which are both attractive to pupils and relevant for their future careers within the technological society of the 21st century.

Many congratulations to our brilliant upper sixth leavers and Year 11 pupils who saw record breaking A level and fantastic GCSE results in August.

At A level, 77% of entries were graded A* to B and 94% graded C or higher, with 97% of students offered places

at their preferred universities.

For GCSE results, 82% of results graded 6 or above, 55% graded 7 or above and 30% of all exams were graded 8 or 9 (previously referred to as A*).

These exceptional results across the board are testament to the hard work both pupils and teachers have put in over the last two years.

“THE TEACHING FACILITIES ARE OUTSTANDING AND THERE ARE SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR SON TO TAKE PART AND COMPETE IN SPORT REGULARLY. HE IS CERTAINLY ENJOYING A FULL AND RICH SENIOR SCHOOL EXPERIENCE WHICH IS SO PLEASING.”

SENIOR SCHOOL PARENT

OUR FACILITIES

From our beautiful grade I listed mansion, once home to British and French royalty, to the inspirational Sir Sydney Camm science and technology building, opened in 2019, our vast 100 acre campus offers a wonderful blend of old and new.

The mansion offers a unique location for most pen and paper-based subjects, whilst our science and technology building provides contemporary, purpose-built teaching rooms where our pupils can get ‘hands on’ with these subjects using state-of-the-art equipment.

Our sixth form students work and socialise in a dedicated, recently refurbished sixth form centre at the heart of the school campus.

The outdoor space we have at Claremont is truly unique and our spectacular grounds offer pupils the opportunity to participate in a broad range of sporting activities from rugby to archery, lacrosse to athletics.

FAQS

CAN MY CHILD PROGRESS AUTOMATICALLY THROUGH THE SCHOOL?

Pupils’ progression through our school is based on our high standards of behaviour and academic progress being met. If they are, pupils should be able to progress through to the next part of the school.

IS CLAREMONT A SELECTIVE SCHOOL?

Yes. All children who apply to the senior school sit entrance tests, attend admissions interviews and offers are made to those pupils who meet a good academic level and demonstrate a diverse range of interests. Typically, pupils join the senior school in Year 7 and lower sixth and progress on to a range of excellent universities.

DO YOU OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS?

Yes we do. Scholarships will be awarded to outstanding applicants for up to the value of £1,000 of tuition fees per annum and are available for entry into the junior school, Year 7 and the lower sixth (Year 12). More information regarding scholarships is available on our school website.

HOW MANY PUPILS DO YOU HAVE AT CLAREMONT?

Pupil numbers are around 370 in the junior school (prenursery to Year 6) and 780 in the senior school (Years 7-11), including 160 in the sixth form.

WHAT ARE YOUR TYPICAL CLASS SIZES LIKE?

Our class sizes are relatively small. In the senior school pupil numbers increase to six classes per year group of up to 21 children. We ensure that class sizes are typically 18 at GCSE and 12 at A level.

WHAT CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES DO YOU OFFER?

We offer an extensive range of diverse activities across all three parts of our school. Some run throughout the year whilst others are term-specific, giving pupils the chance to experience many of the activities.

HOW DO PUPILS GET TO SCHOOL?

By bicycle or on foot: our more local pupils often walk or cycle. Bike racks are available on site.

By bus: we have an extensive school minibus and coach service and the K3 bus route passes close to the Claremont Drive entrance to the school.

By car: senior school children are invited to enter school via the Portsmouth Road entrance, and junior school children via the Claremont Drive entrance.

HOW HAS THE SCHOOL’S ETHOS DEVELOPED?

Claremont Fan Court School was founded on a Christian ethos and we welcome children from all faiths, and from none. Our ethos recognises, cares for and values the potential of every pupil such that they can do more than they think is possible.

FIND OUT MORE

If you have any questions about Claremont as the right fit for your child, please contact the admissions team and we’ll be happy to help.

admissions@claremont.surrey.sch.uk

|

01372 473780