Introduction    

Children can enter Claremont Nursery School at any time between the ages of one and four years old. They join the Reception class of the Pre-Prep Department in the September following their fourth birthday, and automatically transfer to the Main Preparatory School in the September following their seventh birthday. Pupils remain at Claremont until the end of Year 8 (aged 13/14).

Attendance at the Nursery School is flexible from two sessions (mornings or afternoons) per week through to five full days (8.00am – 6.00pm) per week. Most children start with two or three sessions and gradually increase their attendance as they progress through the Nursery School.

A high proportion of our Reception class pupils transfer directly from our own Nursery School. The transition commences during the Spring Term to ensure that each child is fully prepared for their move to the Pre-Preparatory Department in the Autumn.

Entry to the Nursery School and Reception class is not selective as we believe it is too early to subject children to rigorous tests and interviews. Consequently places are awarded according to availability. We operate a registration process for both the Nursery and Preparatory Schools, and advise all parents hoping to secure a place at Claremont to register their child as early as possible.

Children wishing to join Claremont in Years 1 or 2 are invited to attend for a Taster Day with the year group they would join. They are observed at work and play, and invited to demonstrate their reading ability.

Children wishing to join the Preparatory School in years 3 – 8 also join their prospective year group for Taster Days. During their time at the school they meet a number of key staff members and are asked to complete verbal, or non-verbal, and numeric reasoning tests. Whilst the results from these exercises are considered when offering a child a place at Claremont, we always look at each child as an individual and take into consideration their wider skills and attributes.

If you would like to arrange a visit Claremont, or receive a copy of our prospectus and DVD, please contact the School Office on 01424 751555, or e-mail us at enquiries@claremontschool.co.uk.