Specialist Programmes

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.

Football Academy 

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.

Specialised programme

Our students receive professional training and prepare for a career in the world of professional football

Specialised programme

Our students receive professional training and prepare for a career in the world of professional football

Academy philosophy

Players are given the opportunity strive for excellence thanks to our safe, happy and disciplined learning environment

Academy philosophy

Players are given the opportunity strive for excellence thanks to our safe, happy and disciplined learning environment

Learning approach

Teaching methods are designed to improve football performance while ensuring academic focus

Learning approach

Teaching methods are designed to improve football performance while ensuring academic focus

Future pathways

Football Academy graduates are well placed for a range of roles in football

Future pathways

Football Academy graduates are well placed for a range of roles in football

Performing Arts

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.

Recognised excellence

Our students succeed with our unique Performing Arts curriculum recognised nationally and internationally with students securing futures through university placements and professional work

Recognised excellence

Our students succeed with our unique Performing Arts curriculum recognised nationally and internationally with students securing futures through university placements and professional work

Specialised training

Budding creative professionals are trained in technique, teamwork, auditions and competitions through structured  sessions and classes

Specialised training

Budding creative professionals are trained in technique, teamwork, auditions and competitions through structured  sessions and classes

Multifaceted disciplines

Performers can take up focused academic pathways related to arts or avail our programmes offered as additional or extra-curricular activities

Multifaceted disciplines

Performers can take up focused academic pathways related to arts or avail our programmes offered as additional or extra-curricular activities

Inclusive approach

Our Performing Arts programme has been designed to help students explore their unique talents supported by tailored guidance

Inclusive approach

Our Performing Arts programme has been designed to help students explore their unique talents supported by tailored guidance

On-stage performances

Our students share their art and their creative work with varied audiences through performances and plays put together by them in performance and spirit

On-stage performances

Our students share their art and their creative work with varied audiences through performances and plays put together by them in performance and spirit

Exams and future pathways

Our LAMDA provision is outstanding and offered to Gold standard, which is university level

Exams and future pathways

Our LAMDA provision is outstanding and offered to Gold standard, which is university level

Sports Pathways

Equestrian pathway

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.

Golf pathway

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.

Our team of specialists

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

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.

What do our students say?

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

Alumni

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

Boarder

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

Alumni

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

Alumni

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

Alumni

Director of Performing Arts

In the Performing Arts department at Claremont, we prioritise joy, honesty and forgiveness as our primary modes of engagement.

Sarah Cakebread

Teacher

Football Academy scholar

Boarder

Alumni

Alumni

Boarder

Alumni

Alumni

Alumni

Teacher

Football Academy scholar

Boarder

Alumni

Alumni

Boarder

Alumni

Alumni

Alumni

Teacher

When to enrol?

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.

Enquire now

Discover creative expression and team spirit with Claremont's Specialist Programmes in performing arts, football and equestrian training.

Accreditations