# Clayesmore School > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Clayesmore_School > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Clayesmore_School.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clayesmore_School > Source revision: 1354991069 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) School in Dorset, England This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages) This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (February 2018) (Learn how and when to remove this message) This article needs more citations. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Clayesmore School" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (February 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Clayesmore School Location Iwerne Minster Blandford Forum , Dorset , DT11 8LL England 50°55′53″N 2°11′47″W / 50.93142°N 2.19644°W / 50.93142; -2.19644 Information Type Private school Boarding school Day School Motto Dieu premier donc mes frères (God first then my brothers) Religious affiliation Church of England Established 1896 Founder Alexander Devine Local authority Dorset Department for Education URN 113912 Tables Gender Coeducational Enrolment 430 Houses Devine Gate Manor King's Wolverton Website clayesmore.com **Clayesmore School** is a [co-educational](/source/Co-educational) [private school](/source/Private_schools_in_the_United_Kingdom) for pupils aged 8–18 years, in the village of [Iwerne Minster](/source/Iwerne_Minster), [Dorset](/source/Dorset), England. It is both a day and boarding school and is a member of [The Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference](/source/The_Headmasters'_and_Headmistresses'_Conference) (HMC). The school was founded by [Alexander Devine](/source/Alexander_Devine) in 1896 in [Enfield](/source/Municipal_Borough_of_Enfield), [Middlesex](/source/Middlesex).[1] After moving to [Pangbourne, Berkshire](/source/Pangbourne%2C_Berkshire)[2] and then to [Winchester, Hampshire](/source/Winchester%2C_Hampshire) it finally moved to Iwerne Minster for the summer term of 1933. In 1974 it was joined on the Iwerne site by **Clayesmore Preparatory School**, originally [Charlton Marshall](/source/Charlton_Marshall) School, which had been founded in 1929 by R.A.L. Everett. In the following year the school became [co-educational](/source/Co-educational). As of 2023 there are 400 pupils in the senior school (ages 13–18) and 150 in the prep school (ages 3–13). The current head is Joanne Thomson. The school is situated on a 62-acre (250,000 m2) campus. ## History For centuries the land on which Clayesmore now stands was held by [Shaftesbury Abbey](/source/Shaftesbury_Abbey). After the [dissolution](/source/Dissolution_of_the_Monasteries) it passed to the Bowyer Bower family. Their family home was built in 1796 roughly on the site of the existing main building. In 1876 the last member of the Bowyer Bower family, Captain T Bowyer Bower, sold the village and estate to [George Glyn, 2nd Baron Wolverton](/source/George_Glyn%2C_2nd_Baron_Wolverton). The Baron demolished the house, laid out the Iwerne estate afresh and commissioned [Alfred Waterhouse](/source/Alfred_Waterhouse) to design the present building (now Wolverton House) which was completed in 1878. In 1904 the [4th Baron Wolverton](/source/Frederick_Glyn%2C_4th_Baron_Wolverton) put the whole 2,612-acre (10.57 km2) estate up for sale. This was bought in 1908 by [James Ismay](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=James_Ismay&action=edit&redlink=1) whose father, [Thomas Henry Ismay](/source/Thomas_Henry_Ismay), had founded the [White Star Line](/source/White_Star_Line) shipping company. On Ismay's death in January 1930 the estate was put up for sale in a number of separate lots.[3] Clayesmore School bought the main manor house and the 60 acres (240,000 m2) in which it stands, and the school moved in during 1933. For over 60 years, starting in 1940, the school's buildings were used during school holidays as the location for the [Evangelical Christian](/source/Evangelical_Christian) [Iwerne camps](/source/Iwerne_camps). In 1974, Clayesmore merged with Charlton Marshall School, which later became Clayesmore Prep School. The school became co-educational in 1975. Clayesmore School officially joined the Inspired Learning Group on September 1, 2025. This is a significant change in the school's 130-year history.[4][5] ## Iwerne camps From the 1940s until the early 2000s, the school premises were hired during holidays by the Iwerne Trust for their evangelical Christian camps called the [Iwerne camps](/source/Iwerne_camps), established by [Scripture Union](/source/Scripture_Union) staff member [E. J. H. "Bash" Nash](/source/E._J._H._Nash).[6] These holidays, aimed at boys from the top thirty British [public schools](/source/Public_school_(United_Kingdom)), were highly influential on British evangelicalism, with attendees including theologian [John Stott](/source/John_Stott), bishops [David Sheppard](/source/David_Sheppard), [Maurice Wood](/source/Maurice_Wood) and [Timothy Dudley-Smith](/source/Timothy_Dudley-Smith), Archbishop [Justin Welby](/source/Justin_Welby) and [Alpha course](/source/Alpha_course) founder [Nicky Gumbel](/source/Nicky_Gumbel).[7] While the school served as the venue, the camps were independently organized. The camps later became the subject of media scrutiny due to the abuse carried out by camp leader [John Smyth](/source/John_Smyth_(barrister)); independent reviews identified that while Smyth recruited victims at the camps, the physical abuse primarily occurred at his private residence in Winchester.[8] ## Sports Clayesmore has a purpose built sports centre on its grounds, including a swimming pool, as well as many other sports facilities. These include a full size astro pitch for hockey, tennis courts and cricket pitches (during the summer months), several rugby pitches, and athletics facilities. [9] ## Heads Former heads include: - [Alexander Devine](/source/Alexander_Devine), 1896–1930 - [Aubrey de Sélincourt](/source/Aubrey_de_S%C3%A9lincourt), 1931–1935 - [Evelyn Mansfield King](/source/Evelyn_Mansfield_King), 1935–1945 ## Notable alumni See also: [Category:People educated at Clayesmore School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:People_educated_at_Clayesmore_School) This list of alumni may not follow Wikipedia's verifiability policy. Please help improve it by adding reliable sources for existing names which prove they are alumni. Unsourced names may be challenged and removed. (March 2026) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Former pupils (Old Clayesmorians or OCs) include: - [Anthony Allen](/source/Anthony_Allen_(rugby_union)), [England rugby union](/source/England_national_rugby_union_team) player - [Edward Ardizzone](/source/Edward_Ardizzone), artist, writer and illustrator - [Martin Bott](/source/Martin_Bott), geologist - [John Brooke-Little](/source/John_Brooke-Little), [officer of arms](/source/Officer_of_arms) and [heraldry](/source/Heraldry) expert - [Sir Marcus Cheke](/source/Marcus_Cheke), diplomat - [John Craxton](/source/John_Craxton),[10] painter - [Robyn Denny](/source/Robyn_Denny), artist - [George Devine](/source/George_Devine)[11], theatre manager - [Glynn Edwards](/source/Glynn_Edwards), actor - [Brian Epstein](/source/Brian_Epstein), [12]manager of [The Beatles](/source/The_Beatles) - [Nicole Faraday](/source/Nicole_Faraday), actress - [Eric Fernihough](/source/Eric_Fernihough), former holder of the motorcycle world speed record - [Nicholas C. Handy](/source/Nicholas_C._Handy), theoretical chemist - [Tony Hart](/source/Tony_Hart),[13] artist and creator of [Morph](/source/Morph_(character)) - [Graham Hayes](/source/Graham_Hayes), [Commando](/source/Commando) - [Stephen Joseph](/source/Stephen_Joseph), pioneer of Theatre in the Round - [Lewis McManus](/source/Lewis_McManus), Hampshire and Northamptonshire cricketer - [Sir Howard Panter](/source/Howard_Panter), theatre impresario - [John Plamenatz](/source/John_Plamenatz), political philosopher - [Julian Rathbone](/source/Julian_Rathbone), novelist - [Jeremy Rogers](/source/Jeremy_Rogers), designer and builder of racing yachts such as [Contessa 26](/source/Contessa_26) and [Contessa 32](/source/Contessa_32) - [Mike Scott](/source/Mike_Scott_(broadcaster)), television presenter - [Hugh Stewart](/source/Hugh_Stewart_(film_editor)), film editor - [Sir Rodney Sweetnam](/source/Rodney_Sweetnam), President of the [Royal College of Surgeons](/source/Royal_College_of_Surgeons) 1995–98 - [David Walser](/source/David_Walser), Archdeacon of Ely ## In popular culture The main house was used as a filming location for the Only Fools and Horses episode, A Touch of Glass (1982)[14]. ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["THE CLAYESMORE SCHOOL, IWERNE MINSTER"](https://archive-catalogue.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/records/S-340). *archive-catalogue.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk*. Retrieved 21 March 2026. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Heritage Gateway - Results"](https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=MWB21945&resourceID=1030). *www.heritagegateway.org.uk*. Retrieved 21 March 2026. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Legacy of The Great War"](https://shaftesbury-remembers.goldhillmuseum.org.uk/background/life-at-home/legacy-great-war/). *Shaftesbury Remembers the Great War*. Retrieved 21 March 2026. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-ILG_4-0)** Kealy-Roberts, Delilah (14 May 2025). ["Inspired Learning Group acquires Clayesmore School"](https://studytravel.network/magazine/news/0/31396). Study Travel Network. Retrieved 14 January 2026. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-SMP_5-0)** ["Clayesmore School bought by national group"](https://www.schoolmanagementplus.com/owners-operators/clayesmore-school-bought-by-national-group/). *School Management Plus*. Retrieved 14 January 2026. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-iwerne_6-0)** ["History"](https://web.archive.org/web/20111023061911/https://www.iwerne.org/History). *Iwerne Holidays*. Archived from [the original](https://www.iwerne.org/History) on 23 October 2011. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-CofE_7-0)** Hylson-Smith, Kenneth (1992). *Evangelicals in the Church of England 1734-1984*. Continuum. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Thornton, Ed (29 May 2020). ["Iwerne camps close in wake of Smyth case"](https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2020/29-may/news/uk/iwerne-camps-close-in-wake-of-smyth-case). *Church Times*. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Clayesmore School - Summer Schools"](https://www.targetenglishinternational.com/summer-schools/clayesmore-school/). *Target English International* (in Italian). Retrieved 21 March 2026. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["The Ingram Collection"](https://ingramcollection.com/artist/john-craxton-r-a/). Retrieved 21 March 2026. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["George Devine | Special Collections | Library | University of Leeds"](https://library.leeds.ac.uk/special-collections/collection/1928). *library.leeds.ac.uk*. Retrieved 21 March 2026. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Brian Epstein |"](https://davidabedford.com/research/why-brian-epstein-signed-the-beatles/). Retrieved 21 March 2026. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Take Hart: How a Former Gurkha Officer Became Children's Television's Most Beloved Artist"](https://sandhursttrust.org/news/notable-rmas-alumni/213/213-Take-Hart-How-a-Former-Gurkha-Officer-Became-Childrens-Televisions-Most-Beloved-Artist). *Sandhurst Trust*. 8 July 2025. Retrieved 21 March 2026. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** link, Get; Facebook; X; Pinterest; Apps, Other (20 November 2025). ["Del boy, Dorset & a Chandelier"](https://www.theblandfordexpress.com/2021/12/del-boy-dorset-chandelier.html). Retrieved 21 March 2026. {{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: |last2= has generic name ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:CS1_errors#generic_name)) ## External links - [Independent Schools Council: Clayesmore](https://web.archive.org/web/20080828124957/http://www.isc.co.uk/school_ClayesmoreSchool_Blandford.htm) - [Clayesmore School official website](http://www.clayesmore.com/) - [Old Clayesmorian Society official website](http://www.ocsociety.co.uk) - [Inspired Learning Group](https://www.inspiredlearninggroup.co.uk/) v t e Education in Dorset (including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) Primary Atlantic Academy Portland St Mark's CE Primary School St Peter's RC School Secondary All Saints CE Academy Atlantic Academy Portland Avonbourne Boys' Academy Avonbourne Girls' Academy Beaminster School The Bishop of Winchester Academy The Blandford School The Bourne Academy Budmouth Academy Corfe Hills School The Cornerstone Academy Ferndown Upper School Gillingham School Glenmoor Academy The Grange School The Gryphon School Highcliffe School LeAF Studio Lytchett Minster School Magna Academy Oak Academy Poole High School The Purbeck School Queen Elizabeth's School St Aldhelm's Academy St Edward's RC & CE School St Peter's RC School Shaftesbury School The Sir John Colfox Academy Sturminster Newton High School The Thomas Hardye School Twynham School Wey Valley Academy Winton Academy The Woodroffe School Grammar Bournemouth School Bournemouth School for Girls Parkstone Grammar School Poole Grammar School Independent (preparatory) Castle Court School Dumpton School Hanford School Port Regis School Sherborne Preparatory School Independent Bournemouth Collegiate School Bryanston School Canford School Clayesmore School Leweston School Milton Abbey School Ringwood Waldorf School Sherborne School Sherborne School for Girls Talbot Heath School Further education colleges Bournemouth and Poole College Kingston Maurward College Weymouth College Higher education Arts University Bournemouth Bournemouth University Health Sciences University Defunct Beaminster Grammar School Cranborne Chase School Durnford School Foster's School Homefield School Newell House School Oakdale School The Old Malthouse School St George's School St Peter's Primary School Swanage Grammar School Uplands School Weymouth College (independent) Authority control databases ISNI --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Clayesmore School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clayesmore_School) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clayesmore_School?action=history)). 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