Co-curricular life at Claremont
- 10 after-school clubs daily in the junior school
- Many clubs are free of charge
- Led by school staff, with some specialist providers
- Available from early years to sixth form
- Sport, arts, STEM, podcasts and outdoor learning
- Activities take place before school, at lunchtime & after lessons
- Wraparound care is available from 7.45 am to 6.00 pm
From building dens in a historic walled garden and producing a pupil-led podcast to competing on the sports field and taking part in local community projects, life at Claremont Fan Court School in Esher extends well beyond the classroom.
Co-curricular opportunities are an established part of school life, offering pupils from early years through to sixth form the chance to explore new interests, develop skills and build confidence over time.
With activities available before school, at lunchtime and after lessons, pupils are given regular opportunities to try different experiences, follow their interests and get involved in school life beyond the academic day.
See an example club programme.
Positive feedback from parents
In a recent independent survey*, Claremont parents rated the school above the independent school benchmark average for co-curricular opportunities, sporting provision and academic enrichment, reflecting the breadth and quality of experiences available from the early years through to sixth form.
As one parent puts it: "There is so much variation and opportunity each week, it's fantastic."
With a huge variety of clubs running every day of the week, there is something for everyone.
Activities span sport, STEM, the arts, environment, culture, wellbeing and academic enrichment.
Most clubs are led by Claremont's own teachers, who bring their expertise and enthusiasm beyond the classroom.
At the same time, specialist providers add further opportunities in areas including tennis, football, chess and the performing arts.
Awards, challenges and new experiences
At Claremont, co-curricular life is about more than participation. It is about encouraging pupils to have a go, persevere and discover what they are capable of achieving.
From the junior school's Portfolio Award, a popular mini Duke of Edinburgh-style programme, to opportunities such as the John Muir Award and Model United Nations, pupils are recognised for their enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to challenge themselves, building confidence and resilience along the way.
Learning through podcasting
Claremont's focus on challenge and personal growth is also brought to life through real-world experiences that build confidence and communication skills.
Digital Explorers, the pupil-led podcast behind The Download, is a standout example.
Pupils in Years 3 to 6 take full ownership, from planning questions to interviewing community guests, including local historians, charity representatives and media professionals.
In the process, they develop digital skills, curiosity, active listening and the confidence to engage thoughtfully with adults beyond the classroom, creating meaningful connections between generations and gaining a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Making the most of a 100-acre grounds
One of Claremont's greatest assets is its 100-acre campus of historic parkland and woodland, providing an exceptional backdrop for outdoor learning and exploration.
Many of the school's most popular clubs make full use of these surroundings.
Gardening, Eco Warriors and the John Muir Award Club encourage children to connect with nature, while the recently launched Den Club has quickly become a favourite among junior pupils.
Set within Claremont's historic walled garden, children work together to design and build imaginative dens and outdoor spaces using natural materials.
Inspired by ideas from the junior school council, the initiative encourages creativity, teamwork and screen-free play while helping pupils develop confidence, collaboration and problem-solving skills in a unique heritage setting.
A broad and inclusive sporting programme
Sport plays a central role in life at Claremont, with opportunities for pupils of all ages and abilities to get involved, improve and excel.
The school's impressive facilities include 13 grass sports pitches, tennis and netball courts, a sports hall, gymnasium, fitness suite, outdoor swimming pool, archery range and a recently added all-weather AstroTurf facility.
Partnerships with local organisations, including Esher Tennis Club and nearby Claremont Park Golf Course, further enhance opportunities for pupils to develop their skills and enjoy being active.
As one pupil explains: "There's so much space to play and try different sports, football, tennis, archery, fencing. It really gives you room to breathe."
Volunteering and community project
Through house fundraising events, volunteering opportunities, Duke of Edinburgh activities and Enrichment Week, pupils are encouraged to make a positive contribution to the wider world.
Recent projects have included the Pupil's Patch initiative on Esher High Street, where members of the gardening club worked alongside the Esher Platers' Club to transform an overgrown planting area into a thriving space for wildlife and the local community.
Claremont's all-through structure also creates valuable opportunities for older pupils to support younger children through mentoring and club activities, helping to build leadership skills, confidence and a strong sense of community across the school.
Building friendships across year groups
By bringing pupils together through shared interests and experiences, clubs help children build friendships beyond their immediate peer groups, develop confidence and feel part of a wider community.
One pupil sums it up perfectly: "It's such an adventurous school and so many clubs, there's literally something for everyone. You make new friends all the time, so just try things out and see what you're good at."
The impact is visible across school life. Playground incidents have reduced as pupils become increasingly engaged in activities and connected to one another.
In the process, they develop social skills, resilience and a stronger sense of belonging, demonstrating that the benefits of co-curricular life extend far beyond the club itself.
Clubs that support busy family schedules
For families, Claremont's wraparound provision offers flexibility and convenience, with care and activities available from 7.45 am until 6.00 pm.
In the junior school, an average of ten clubs run after school each day, many provided free of charge.
Daily Chill Club and Prep and Chill Club give pupils the option to relax with friends or complete homework before heading home, helping to make family evenings more manageable.
Older pupils benefit from a busy programme of sports clubs and subject clinics throughout the week, both during and after the school day, providing additional support, challenge and enrichment beyond lessons.
More than clubs
Whether interviewing community guests for a podcast, working towards an award, competing in sport, caring for the environment, volunteering locally or mentoring younger pupils, Claremont children are encouraged to get involved, have a go and discover what they are capable of achieving.
It is this spirit of curiosity, challenge and connection that makes co-curricular life at Claremont so distinctive, helping young people leave school not only with strong academic foundations, but with the confidence, character and resilience to thrive in an ever-changing world.
