Claremont Boarding Newsletter: Autumn Term 2025

Our round-up of news and pictures from the Autumn term at our Clyde and Pyke boarding houses.

Induction of New Boarders

Joining the Boarding Community
A Warm and Reassuring Start for Our New Students

Our induction programme once again provided a smooth and welcoming start to school life, helping students settle in quickly while giving parents complete peace of mind.

We focused on what matters most:

• Strong safety measures to ensure every student feels protected from day one.
• Time and space to get used to new surroundings, routines, and faces.
• A calm, caring atmosphere that helps everyone relax and feel supported.

The feedback we received mid September was wonderfully encouraging:

• 100% of new students told us they felt safe in boarding.
• 100% of parents shared that they felt their children were safe and well informed.
• All new students said they were happy, with only 8% mentioning they weren’t quite as keen on the food—though it’s a challenge for anyone to rival home-cooked favourites!

We are also absolutely delighted that three students who initially planned to stay for just one term have chosen to extend their stay. A wonderful testament to the welcoming environment and positive experiences they’ve had here.

So it was a great start all around, and a reassuring sign that our induction approach continues to make a meaningful difference.

Weekend Trips

Because the fun never stops… and neither do we!

Our boarders have been on an unstoppable adventure streak all autumn term long, and we’re beyond excited to share just how action-packed their weekends have been! From casting lines on peaceful lakes to zooming around go-kart tracks, exploring forest trails, rolling strikes at the bowling alley, and diving into hands-on science at museums—there truly has been something for everyone.

They’ve also been tobogganing, unleashing their creativity at a frameless art experience, and enjoying shopping trips to vibrant Tunbridge Wells. We’ve soaked up the calming seaside charm of Hastings, played rounds of golf in the picturesque Sussex countryside, and even gone completely upside down at the wonderfully quirky Brighton Upside Down House. And of course, we unleashed our inner disco spirits while rollerskating at the YMCA!

In-house Fun

Of course, you don’t always need to go out to have a great time. There has been plenty of weekend creativity happening right inside the boarding houses too.

Pizza-making remains an all-time favourite—no surprise there, as nothing motivates a teenager quite like the promise of eating their own culinary masterpiece. We’ve also admired some very impressive (and occasionally gravity-defying) gingerbread houses, and even hosted a fashion show featuring eco-friendly outfits made entirely from recycled materials. Think Paris Fashion Week… but with more cardboard.

Boarders have also been customising canvas bags for stylish shopping trips to Battle High Street—because why blend in when you can bedazzle? And of course, no weekend would be complete without a bit of dressing up. The burning question that remains: “Who is the mystery boy?”

And it’s not just arts and crafts keeping everyone entertained. Our brand- new music room at Clyde House has become a popular spot for budding performers to practise, jam, and unwind. Meanwhile, both houses now boast their own gyms, giving students the chance to work out, let off steam, and keep active whenever they like.

Leadership Opportunities in Boarding

Alongside all the fun, boarding also offers many opportunities for students to take responsibility and develop their leadership skills. Our prefects come from all year groups, and they help shape their roles to suit their strengths.

Some serve as Wellbeing Prefects, supporting new boarders and those who may be a little less confident as they settle in. Others are our Events Prefects, gathering ideas about what students would like to do in their spare time and helping plan social events and weekend activities.

Then we have our Nutrition Prefects, who take on the brave task of sharing feedback about food—brave because, as every parent knows, getting students to agree on food is nearly impossible! They attend the monthly catering meeting held by the Director of Boarding, review menus with the Catering Manager, and pass on suggestions from the boarding community.

This year, we even created a brand-new position—Boarding Prefect Lead— to match the talent of an exceptional student: William. He has shaped the role himself, and here’s how he defines it:

“I am trusted to guide others and I aim to set a positive example in both behaviour and attitude. I help create a friendly environment, explain routines to new students, and promote positive behaviour at Clyde by being a good role model. This role has helped me build confidence and it will give me a strong foundation for future responsibilities within boarding.”

We are incredibly proud of all our prefects and the positive impact they have on our boarding community.

Everyone Has a Voice

For those who aren’t prefects but still want to share their ideas, we hold fortnightly Student Voice meetings. These give every boarder the chance to express their thoughts, raise suggestions, and help shape life in the boarding house.

And of course, our boarding staff operate with an open-door policy, ensuring students always have someone to talk to—whether it’s a quick question, a worry, or simply a chat. The Director of Boarding, based at the Senior School, is also available to welcome any student who has something they’d like to say. There’s always someone ready to listen.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

As winter settles in and the evenings grow darker, our boarding houses have transformed into cosy, sparkling havens. Each house is now glistening with Christmas decorations—twinkling lights everywhere! The atmosphere is cheerful, warm, and wonderfully seasonal.

This time of year always brings a special kind of magic to boarding. Students have been enjoying a mix of creative activities, relaxed moments with friends, and plenty of laughter as we countdown to the holidays. The excitement to soon be reunited with you and going home is unmistakable.

What we treasure most at this time of year is the sense of togetherness. Our boarders—across ages, cultures, and backgrounds—share traditions, swap stories, introduce favourite seasonal snacks, and create their own memories here in the houses. Whether they celebrate Christmas, another festival, or simply enjoy the sparkle of the season, everyone belongs.

As we send students home for the holiday break, my team and I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Warmest festive wishes,

Francoise Armstrong and the Boarding Team