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Claremont Summer School 2025
Claremont’s specialist pathways offer professional training in football, performing arts, equestrian and golf - integrated into school life and aligned with academic goals and progress. Students develop advanced skills, gain accredited qualifications, and prepare for scholarships, university applications and future careers. Expert coaches, industry-recognised credentials and a focus on real outcomes make these programmes a core part of the Claremont experience for ambitious learners.
Students at Claremont School access our Specialist Programmes either as academic pathways, selecting them as optional subjects and obtaining technical qualifications, or as extra-curricular activities.
Passionate players join our internationally-renowned Football Academy and receive professional training in technical and strategic expertise on and off the pitch.
Learners attend an ISA-award winning programme that provides specialised preparation in drama, dance and musical disciplines.
Aspiring golf and equestrian champions choose our dedicated pathways to receive individualised and group training and participate in national championships.
Learners access dream careers as dancers, actors, musicians and football players and experts, being tutored and prepared to face auditions and impress talent scouts.
Performance Arts students work towards LAMDA grades as well as the prestigious Rambert Grades system, gaining access to prestigious universities, including RADA and Bird College.
Claremont students can align their academics and passions by taking up Sports Science, Drama or Performing Arts as elective subjects leading to GCSEs, A Levels and BTECs.
Students pursue success in their specialised pathways guided by qualified professionals with years of working and coaching experience in their fields.
At our Football Academy, talented players – 8 to 19 years old – develop technical and tactical skills on and off the pitch, while maintaining high academic standards.
Our students receive professional training and prepare for a career in the world of professional football
Players are given the opportunity strive for excellence thanks to our safe, happy and disciplined learning environment
Teaching methods are designed to improve football performance while ensuring academic focus
Football Academy graduates are well placed for a range of roles in football
Talented young footballers access an unrivalled opportunity to grow specialised skills in football. Many gifted and hard-working players reach the next level through our intensive development programme designed by professionals with decades of experience at the highest levels, including the Premier League.
Players hone their skills in modern facilities and follow an engaging training schedule, allowing them to develop as well-rounded athletes, whilst weekly matches help to develop an elite mindset.
All players work hard on their academic study, maintaining excellent results at all times. They also work hard and show full commitment on the training field and conduct themselves professionally when representing the Football Academy or School. They are taught to play an attractive brand of possession football, with a winning mentality throughout the school.
All players become skilled and confident technicians, who enjoy and are comfortable in possession of the football, whilst developing a real game understanding and a desire to learn along with an enduring love of the game.
In addition to receiving expert and personalised coaching from our Academy team, students receive regular reviews of their individual performance along with their academic reports.
Training mirrors a professional academy setting and students are expected to work to a high standard of physicality, technically and tactically.
Our bespoke Goalkeeping Programme provides our goalkeepers with technical and physical guidance to improve their game.
Once they leave our Football Academy, students have a wide range of options to work in the field. They become professional players, being discovered by scouts attending training sessions and matches.
Graduates can also enter areas such as development, coaching, scouting, performance analysis or research/education.
Students become stage-ready and confident to express themselves creatively through our award-winning Performing Arts programme encompassing, drama, music and dance. They build collaboration, communication and performance skills going on to secure places in prestigious universities, build on technical skills and land their dream jobs.
Our students succeed with our unique Performing Arts curriculum recognised nationally and internationally with students securing futures through university placements and professional work
Budding creative professionals are trained in technique, teamwork, auditions and competitions through structured sessions and classes
Performers can take up focused academic pathways related to arts or avail our programmes offered as additional or extra-curricular activities
Our Performing Arts programme has been designed to help students explore their unique talents supported by tailored guidance
Our students share their art and their creative work with varied audiences through performances and plays put together by them in performance and spirit
Our LAMDA provision is outstanding and offered to Gold standard, which is university level
Our students work and train hard and have led our Performing Arts programme to win the ISA National Award 2023 for Excellence and Innovation in the Performing Arts and the Independent School of the Year for Performing Arts 2021/22 awards.
Students dedicate 6 to 15 hours a week to specialised training in music, dance and drama. They prepare for auditions, focusing on self-taping for drama and dance schools, and participate to workshops led by experienced professionals.
Most students study one or more of the disciplines as an academic subject but there are also a wide range of other opportunities including:
Performing Arts LEP - Year 9 students take a learning enhancement programme where they can explore different disciplines with freedom
Performing Arts elective - Every Wednesday afternoon students attend choral singing, acting for screen and street dance
Music lessons - Students receive individual lessons in instruments including flute, brass, guitar, piano and music production
LAMDA programme - Students enjoy 1:1 or group lessons in acting and public speaking
Students are encouraged to aim high, experiment and take risks in a safe and supportive learning environment where everyone succeeds. Students and teachers work together to understand each other's creative processes and help each other become their best.
Our performers put together anticipated programmes for peers, family, staff, visiting schools, examiners and the locals. They put on spur-of-the-moment performances, alongside our larger scheduled pieces. Recent shows include:
Grease
Regular dance showcases
Guys and Dolls
Shakespeare on the Lawn – Macbeth and Twelfth Night
Macbeth performances at local schools
In August 2024, all of our students achieved Distinctions in their examinations.
Dance students work towards A Levels, GCSE, BTEC and LAMDA grades as well as the prestigious Rambert Grades system, a new framework that works with the dancer as a whole person regardless of dance background. Claremont has been one of the first centres to take students through the Rambert programme with 100% distinctions and merits awarded in 2023.
In recent years, some of the prestigious destinations our school leavers have joined include RADA and Bird College.
Competing in various disciplines under the Nationals Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA), our students triumphed over larger schools to secure spots in national championships.
Young talents go through grassroots competitions, starting from lead rein classes and progressing to 1.10.m events. Our riders have shone at prestigious venues like Hickstead, Royal Windsor and Horse of the Year Show, thanks to expert coaching from Maria Green, a seasoned UKCC level 3 coach with an impressive competition record.
Riders who show particular talent and potential can apply for an Equestrian scholarship at Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12.
By partnering with Sedlescombe Golf Club, students have access to top-tier facilities, including a golf course, a Par 3 course, flood-lit driving range, short game areas and putting greens. The Academy's three-tier system ensures that each golfer receives personalised instruction to develop their game and build confidence.
The academy aims to develop both technical skills and discipline, strategic thinking and resilience, while being a great medium to access American university scholarships and portfolios.
Students benefit from performing arts and sporting specialists with decades of learning and teaching experience.
Beth Eckhoff
Head of Dance & Choreographer
Claire Waller
Drama Teacher & LAMDA Specialist
Lucy Skinner
Drama Teacher & Screen Acting Coach
Natasha Smith
Head of Creative Faculty & Head of Music
Rebecca Ellefsen
Music & Piano Teacher, Choir Leader
Sarah Cakebread
Director of Performing Arts
Jay Skinner-Swain
Head of Coaching
Andy Corrigan
Head of Junior Academy
Max Walsh
Head of Athletic Development
Jim Colston
Academy Director
Pippa Leeves
Equestrian Team Leader
Beth has been dancing since she was three years old and hasn’t stopped! First training with Redhurst School of Dance, Sussex, Beth pursued a BA Hons Dance degree at Liverpool John Moores and Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts for Dance Technique in Contemporary, Ballet and Jazz. She holds Masters credits specialising in Dance in Education from the University of Bedfordshire. Following this, she worked as a professional dancer in London working on projects involving a variety of dance styles for events including promotional work for the CCPR (representing Dance affiliations) and teaching baby ballet at the weekend. This followed her path to obtain a PGCE from Brighton University.
Beth holds a Diploma In Dance Education with the Imperial Society of Teacher of Dance in the Classical Ballet genre. She has been examining for the AQA exam board for the last 12 years for GCSE Dance. Beth has a dog called Murphy and enjoys all things creative!
Claire trained as an actor at Mountview Theatre School before specialising at the Desmond Jones School of Mime and Physical Theatre. She worked professionally for the English Shakespeare Company, Oxfordshire Touring Theatre and Young Shakespeare. Claire travelled all over the world, often being cast as energetic young boys, sprites and an array of small furry animals.
Claire used her skills in the corporate world as a facilitator and workshop leader freelancing for a variety of creative agencies including So Just Add Water, Purple Monster and Identity. Through her love of Shakespeare Claire began to work in schools running Shakespeare workshops.
Claire is a LAMDA specialist and has been teaching the syllabus for over 20 years with students from all over the world. When Claire is not at work, she can often be found at The Globe (one of her favourite places), walking her Scottie along the seafront or watching her son’s band!
Lucy trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and earned a BA in English from the University of Sussex, specialising in Global Cinema and Staging the Renaissance. She is also a National Youth Theatre alumni. Her performance career includes Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds (London) as well as other performances in the UK and USA. Previously, Lucy won the one-minute round at MonologueSlam and co-created Proving It, a two-woman show at Theatre By The Lake. Her theatre company, Big Blanket Productions, has received multiple nominations at the Manchester Fringe Awards, including Best Play, Best Director and Best Actor for This Wide Night.
Lucy works as a voice actor and is best known for her role as Rhaya in the award-winning sci-fi audiobook The Dex Legacy. Her industry experience includes behind-the-scenes roles, such as script reader for Sky Arts and operational and backstage work for the BBC, ITV and The Royal Albert Hall.
Natasha studied Creative Music Production (BMus) at the University of Huddersfield, specialising in classical performance and sound design for film. Following this, she completed a Masters in Music (Composition) at the University of Nottingham. Natasha has taught Music and Music Technology for over ten years, and also has experience as a freelance record producer. A classically-trained violinist, Natasha performs regularly with the Sussex Concert Orchestra and Eastbourne Symphony Orchestra.
Aside from music, Natasha enjoys countryside walks with her family and two German Shepherds, as well as baking, archery and netball.
Rebecca has played French horn and piano from a young age, and ultimately went on to study Music at the University of Manchester. Rebecca was Head of Music at Mascalls school for eight years before taking a career break after having two children and acquiring a dog, Wilson.
Rebecca is passionate about ensemble playing and is Chairperson of Penshurst Choral Society, principal horn of Bacchus Wind Orchestra, plays regularly with Penshurst Brass Quintet and sings with The 1839 Consort.
Sarah encourages her students to create opportunities for themselves to do what they love and not to wait for others to make it happen, with empowerment on and off stage at the heart of what she does. Under her leadership, Claremont’s Performing Arts department has thrived, fostering creativity and student leadership in a vibrant and award winning Performing Arts programme.
Sarah trained as an actor at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (Theatre Studies – Acting BA Hons) and Manchester Metropolitan University (PGCE). After leaving Drama school Sarah was part of a Theatre company called Hot Wax, taking comedy sketch shows to Fringe Festivals throughout the UK. Sarah has worked for the National Theatre Education Department, Half Moon Young People’s Theatre and has appeared in new work for the Royal Court. Sarah believes in the power of taking risks, often saying to her students, “Just have a go…who knows what might happen!”.
A Liverpool fan, Jay has been involved in football coaching for over 12 years. His previous experiences in youth coaching include working for Arsenal Football Club. Jay has helped to develop a number of players and enhance their technical and tactical knowledge in the game. Beyond the Academy, Jay also manages a Sussex County U23 side, so with his hard work and experience, he knows the level required to progress to the top of the game. He has an infectious enthusiasm and drive to improve others, and with his high energy sessions, Jay is able to create a learning environment where everyone can thrive.
A Fulham fan, Andy coaches for a Premier League football club as well as for the Claremont International Football Academy. He specialises in the technical and tactical aspects of the game; planning and leading on all of our Junior Academy sessions. He currently heads our Junior Academy and is responsible for the players’ development programme and progression, with the guidance of the Academy Director.
A Tottenham fan, Max has a great level of experience playing semi-professional football for a number of years. Max started his youth journey at Crystal Palace and Brighton academies and has worked with a roster of many great coaches along the way. Max is a high level personal trainer and a strength & conditioning coach. Combining his experience with football with his knowledge of health and fitness, Max knows what it takes to train and perform like a top athlete. Max designs bespoke training programmes for all players, with an emphasis on improving speed, power, strength and the knowledge of how to become a top athlete.
A passionate Birmingham City fan, Jim has been involved at the highest level of coaching and recruitment for over 30 years and a large number of his past players are now plying their trade as professional footballers. Jim is a highly motivated and experienced sporting professional who is meticulous in his planning, and makes his sessions fun, relevant and challenging. A number of players Jim has coached are now playing professionally around the world, and some in the English Premier League. Jim has also been a Premier League scout for over 25 years.
At our private school in East Sussex, students access an exciting programme featuring specialist teaching, facilities and classes. In our Football Academy students develop outstanding fitness, technical and tactical skills in football - on and off the pitch.
Football Academy
Elite football training
Professional football coaches
Challenging football tournaments
Professional football scouting
Performing Arts
Drama shows
Dance
Musical
Professional performances
Equestrian pathway
Golf pathway
Our community truly realises dreams with our Specialist Programmes. Hear their voices!
Expert guidance from coaches
My time at the Football Academy at Claremont has been nothing short of memorable. All the coaches have expertly guided me through the technical and tactical ferocity of the game and the intricate mindset shifts to make me perform better and feel more confident. They have consistently proven that the CIFA can produce footballers capable of advancing to the higher levels, and will do so again.
Rohan S. Year 2024 Student
Football Academy scholar
Full-time boarder from Bermuda
I attend the Football Academy, which has helped me make many friends with children form different age groups - even seniors! We have a lot of training sessions together.
Mateus Year 2022 Student
Boarder
My performing arts journey
The Claremont Performing Arts department was a space where the teachers fostered an environment that felt highly professional yet incredibly welcoming.
Lucy B. Year 2023 Student
Alumni
Discovering dance at Claremont
Claremont has massively helped me hone my creative skills for university, and Dance and Drama have been major driving factors.
Tom L. Year 2023 Student
Full-time boarder from China
I can study what I love - music. In class we do a lot of music theory and we can learn to play different instruments. I play the guitar and the drums. Next year I'll go to a music university!
Estelle Year 2022 Student
Shaping my Drama journey
Claremont’s Arts department shaped my theatre journey, nurturing my writing passion and preparing me for my BA in Drama.
Maya Ostle Year 2023 Student
Pursuing my passion for theatre
The Claremont Drama department boosted my confidence and determination, helping me get into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art to pursue my passion for theatre.
Rachel W. Year 2024 Student
Pathway to a top Drama school
The Claremont Performing Arts centre built my confidence and skills, helping me get into a top Drama School.
Bea Westbrook Year 2024 Student
In the Performing Arts department at Claremont, we prioritise joy, honesty and forgiveness as our primary modes of engagement.
Teacher
Admissions is open all year round at Claremont school. Our admissions team is here to guide you to help find the perfect start date for your child.
Discover creative expression and team spirit with Claremont's Specialist Programmes in performing arts, football and equestrian training.
English, STEM, arts and adventure on a British boarding campus