HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL A standout senior school production YEAR 13 LEAVERS 2026 Celebrating the end of an era IN THIS EDITION:
STUDENT WORK SELECTED FOR ROYAL ACADEMY EXHIBITION
An outstanding achievement
SENIOR PREFECT TEAM ANNOUNCED Congratulations to the new school captains
As we reach the midpoint of the summer term, there is a great deal to celebrate across the senior school. From trips and visits to the many opportunities embraced each day, this edition reflects a community approaching school life with energy and curiosity.
It has been a time of important milestones, as we wish our Year 11 and Year 13 pupils every success in their examinations and beyond, and welcome a new team of prefects who will lead with integrity in the year ahead. A particular highlight was our outstanding production of High School Musical - a wonderful showcase of talent and teamwork
Whether through shared events, partnerships or everyday moments, there is a strong sense of belonging and pride around the site. My thanks to pupils, staff and families for all you contribute and I hope you enjoy this edition of The Chronicle.
William Brierly,
MEET CLAREMONT’S GROUNDS TEAM!
“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Mr Hourigan, the Head Groundsperson here at Claremont, and I have the privilege of leading a dedicated and green-fingered team of devoted caretakers. Together, we work all year round to preserve and cultivate the beauty, character and rich heritage Claremont's 100 acres of historic parklands, ensuring the grounds are safe, inspiring and full of life for our whole school community.
SPOTLIGHT HERE
Here is the Claremont Grounds Team, recreating a scene from Claremont’s bygone era in tribute to the many dedicated grounds keepers who have lovingly tended the grounds over the years, celebrating the rich heritage and enduring spirit of the estate.
We take immense pride in creating a setting where pupils can breathe, explore, learn and play freely amongst such remarkable surroundings From thriving woodland alive with wildlife to immaculately kept lawns and sporting fields, my team and I endeavour to nurture an environment in which learning and play alike may flourish and delight in harmony.
The summer term is especially rewarding, as the landscape blooms with colour and activity and every corner of the campus becomes a scene of growth and beauty It is a pleasure beyond measure to see our pupils delighting in these historic surroundings, which have inspired and brought joy to generations of children over many years.”
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT
ZOE SHUTTLEWORTH - IT HAPPENS EDUCATION
It Happens Education delivered age-appropriate talks to Year 7, 10 and 12 on 21 May. Tailored to each year group, Zoe’s sessions were tailored to each year group, covering topics including digital identity, consent and online safety in Year 7; personal safety, substance awareness and decision-making in social situations for Year 10; and, for Year 12, managing freedom and risk, particularly in relation to festivals, substances and seeking help when needed.
On Tuesday 14 May, Comet P in Year 12 gave an incredible talk during lunchtime to their fellow peers and teachers about one of chemistry’s most intriguing unsolved questions: what is the origin of homochirality in biomolecules.
- Comet P, Year 12 student
REZA PAKRAVAN EXPLORER, FILMMAKER AND WRITER.
Every career has a story and yours could spark a future! We are looking for lunchtime speakers to give a 30 minute “day in the life of ” talk for Year 7 and 8 pupils as they start thinking about their GCSE choices With our new three year GCSE programme giving pupils more time for breadth and depth in their studies, it is more important than ever that pupils access a range of insight to explore subjects that match their strengths and future aspirations
This half term we celebrated our fantastic year 11 pupils as they marked their last day in school before the exam season begins
We are incredibly proud of everything you’ve achieved so far and we’re excited to see many of you return to our sixth form in September
Stay focused, keep motivated and give it your all in the weeks ahead. We know you’ve got this!
In May we celebrated our incredible Year 13 students as they marked their final day at Claremont
Whether they are heading to university, apprenticeships or the world of work, we are so proud of everything they have achieved during their time at Claremont It has been a privilege to watch our students grow, achieve and make their mark on our school community
Good luck and thank you for being such an important part of the Claremont family. We cannot wait to celebrate with you again in August on A level results day!
Staff reading habits inspire curiosity, lifelong learning, and classroom discussion. I asked two of our excellent English teachers, Mrs Kassam and Mrs Harper what they are currently reading and why. It is always interesting to discover what teachers choose to read in their own time, and these selections remind us that reading is not just part of schoolwork but also a way to relax, explore new ideas, and stay thirsty for knowledge. Whether fiction or factual, every book opens the door to new conversations, and our English department continues to lead by example as enthusiastic readers themselves.
MRS KASSAM, DEPUTY HEAD OF ENGLISH
EAT TO BEAT DISEASE BY DR WILLIAM LI
I am fascinated by how diet can impact our overall quality of life and this book is fantastic for dipping in and out for just that. I highly recommend it.
LOBSTER AND OTHER THINGS I’M LEARNING TO LOVE BY HOLLIE MCNISH
I love Hollie’s poetry purely because of how frankly she tackles everyday issues head on. She is great live too!
A HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN 47 BORDERS BY JONN ELLEDGE
If you are interested in how history, nationhood and how borders shape identities this will be an enlightening read.
MRS HARPER, TEACHER OF ENGLISH
HAG-SEED BY MARGARET ATWOOD.
One of my favourite authors and a writer I focused on at University. Hag-Seed is a modern re-telling of The Tempest, a perfect read for A-Level English Literature students.
NATIVE SON BY RICHARD WRIGHT
2026-2027 2026-2027
Congratulations to our new school captains and prefects in Claremont’s sixth form! We are incredibly proud of them and look forward to seeing the leadership, positivity and school spirit they will bring to their roles throughout the year Well done to you all
Megan T, Chloe W, Megan T, Chloe W, Annabelle W Annabelle W
PREFECTS PREFECTS
B Belle A, Rohan B, Ruairi B, Clara B, elle A, Rohan B, Ruairi B, Clara B,
Elizabeth C, Minnie F, Amy G, Joshua H,
Elizabeth C, Minnie F, Amy G, Joshua H, Elina H, Millie I, Leo J, Elina H, Millie I, Leo J, Gene Genevieve L, Isla vieve L, Isla
M, Connie M, Linea P, Krishan R, Polly R, M, Connie M, Linea P, Krishan R, Polly R, Aaron R, Hari S, Laylla S, Rosie S, Pearl Aaron R, Hari S, Laylla S, Rosie S, Pearl T, Lucy T, Josephine W L Skye W T, Lucy T, Josephine W L Skye W
TRAVELS
YEAR 7 DENBIES AND BOX HILL TRIP
Year 7 pupils enjoyed a valuable and engaging trip to Denbies Vineyard and Box Hill as part of their tourism curriculum on 14 May.
During the visit to Denbies, pupils took part in an expert-led tour of the vineyard, gaining insight into how the business operates, the challenges of growing vines in the UK, and the ways in which the site has diversified
In the afternoon, pupils travelled to Box Hill where they completed a range of fieldwork activities, developing their geographical skills while exploring the impact of tourism on a popular honeypot site
It was an excellent opportunity to bring classroom learning to life in a real-world setting and the rain did not dampen their spirits!
Y9 HURLEY HOUSE AFTERNOON TEA/CHEF DEMO
Year 9 food preparation and nutrition pupils visited Hurley House famous for its, Award-Winning Luxury:It holds accolades like theCondé Nast Johansen's Awardfor "Best Small and Exclusive Property in the UK" andBeautiful South Awardsfor "Business Events Venue of the Year"
At Hurley House pupils experienced an exclusive chef demonstration, including food preparation, cooking and highlevel presentation skills. This focused on top tier afternoon tea service in preparation for the pupil’s practical examination in the summer term of Year 9 Pupils developed an understanding of how an award-winning venue and kitchen produced high-quality fair with a tour As a final treat pupils experienced a high-quality afternoon tea, develop ideas, and understand organoleptics such as flavour and texture profiles. The visit reflected understanding of British culture also an area of study within the GCSE specification. This trip benefited students for future NEAs and final GCSE examination knowledge.
SENIOR SCHOOL PRODUCTION
May was Coeliac Awareness Month and, on 13 May, the school canteen marked the occasion with a delicious coeliac-friendly menu for pupils to enjoy. Raising awareness of coeliac disease in schools is an important way to help those children affected feel safe, included and supported, while encouraging greater understanding of different dietary needs across our community We are proud to celebrate inclusive dining and ensure every pupil can enjoy nutritious and tasty meals together
CAKE AT BREAK WINNERS
THIS HALF TERM HAS BROUGHT A FANTASTIC RANGE OF CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES, WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY, INCLUDING......
The John Muir Club has been very busy as always this half term, with pupils getting hands-on in a range of exciting environmental activities in collaboration with local likeminded organisations.
One highlight was spreading wildflower seeds around the school grounds, very kindly donated by local garden centre Garsons, helping to encourage biodiversity and create beautiful habitats for pollinators to enjoy.
Another highlight for the John Muir Club this half term was helping Mr Gale from BeesMax extract the honey
from the school’s beehives behind Fan Court. Pupils loved learning about the process and seeing how the honey is collected and prepared We look forward to selling our delicious Claremont honey at upcoming summer fairs and school events in support of BeesMax, a local not-for-profit organisation that is working to help reverse the decline in the UK bee population.
LEGAL WORKSHOP WITH ALL RISE
All the children in Fan Court want to wish "good luck in your exams" to all the 'big kids' who help them every week in Forest School.
“WE LOVE THAT YOU COME TO FAN COURT WHEN WE GO OUTSIDE IN THE WOODS TO LEARN IN NATURE. YOU HELP TO TEACH US LOTS OF THINGS LIKE HOW TO WORK TOGETHER, USE OUR IMAGINATION HOW TO LOOK AFTER NATURE AND NOTICE ANIMALS AND PLANTS AND THE WORLD AROUND US.
YOU ARE REALLY KIND AND FUN AND WE LOVE DOING FOREST SCHOOL WITH YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SPENDING TIME WITH US. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR GCSES AND A LEVELS! WE ARE SENDING YOU WOODLAND WONDER DUST WISHES AND CHEERING REALLY LOUDLY FOR YOU FROM FAN COURT FOREST SCHOOL ”
THE TURBINE IS A PART OF MY A-LEVEL DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY NEA AND I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THE PROJECT SINCE THE START OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR. THE TURBINE IS DESIGNED TO BE A PORTABLE EMERGENCY ENERGY SYSTEM, DEPLOYED BY RELIEF ORGANISATIONS TO DIFFERENT DISASTER ZONES. THE PRODUCT IS DESIGNED TO BE EASILY SET UP ON LOCATION BY PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT AGES AND USED TO PRODUCE ENOUGH ELECTRICITY TO POWER THE LIGHTS IN A HOME.
- Joshua, Year 13 student
In November, all Key Stage 3 students, along with some students from Key Stages 4 and 5, took part in the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge 2025. The highest performing 10% nationally were invited to participate in The Raspberry Pi Foundation 2026 Coding Challenge, which took place in March. We have now received the results, and two students performed exceptionally well, achieving a place in the top 10% nationally. The challenges were extremely demanding, and this represents an outstanding accomplishment. Both students are in Year 7, and their names are Arlie H and Lukas T They have demonstrated impressive coding ability, and I look forward to continuing to support and encourage them on their coding journey at Claremont.
JOIN US ON SATURDAY 20 JUNE 2026, FROM 9.00AM TO 1.00PM, AT CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL FOR A SPECIAL MORNING CELEBRATING OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY. WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING PUPILS, FAMILIES, ALUMNI AND FRIENDS FOR A MEMORABLE MORNING TOGETHER.
WHO WEARS IT BEST?
DOGS OF CLAREMONT IN THEIR NEW SCHOOL TIES!
We know animals bring huge amounts of joy and wellbeing to people of all ages. They are part of the family and very much part of the Claremont community too From Rosie, our much-loved pastoral dog, to the many wonderful dogs belonging to staff and families across the school
So, it only felt right that they should have their very own Claremont school ties!
Now officially dressed as Claremont clever girls and boys, our staff dogs have been proudly modelling their new ties and we think they all wear them rather well
KODA
FREDDIE
BUDDY
SIDNEY
MABEL
JAX
ROSIE
CHARLIE
ROCKY
SAMPSON
RUDY
ARLO
RACING EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
After five months away from racing with a fractured rib, Harry is finally back behind the wheel and fully focused on the British and European Championships this season. He returned to action at the opening round of the BNL European Championships in France, qualifying on pole and currently sitting 4th in the European Championship standings
Harry also came P2 in Toto Wolff’s Champions of the Future race at Silverstone We wish him the very best of luck in his upcoming races!
SOUTH EAST ENGLAND U20 RUGBY
congratulations to Billy (year 13) on his selection for n and South East England U20 rugby squad!
Billy has secured a spot in the 43-player squad and will now take part in three training sessions as he pushes for selection in the final 23-player match day squad
An incredible achievement and a testament to hard work, dedication and talent We are all cheering you on, Billy!
ESAA ATHLETICS COMPETITION
EUROPEAN HO
Over Easter, Jack a Charlie represented Surbiton Hockey Cl at the European Hockey League in t Netherlands, the Champions League hockey!
Competing in the U tournament, they finished an impress 4th overall A fantas achievement.
ACROBATIC GYMNASTICS ENGLI CHAMPION
The Claremont boys were involved in a fast-paced and competitive match, against Donottar on 23 April; both teams well matched throughout. Claremont showed their quality by taking some excellent goals from long range and were dominant for large periods, keeping possession and playing forward at the right moments. The team’s camaraderie was evident, with clear support for one another across the pitch. Defensively, the performance was consistent from start to finish and, despite frequent rotations, the overall standard remained impressively high Player of the match was Daniel R, with standout performances also coming from Marcus R, Ranulph B, and Tom H
The Claremont girls produced a determined and hardworking performance against Donottar, looking to play forward at every opportunity They created several good chances but were unable to convert, despite coming close on a number of occasions Throughout the match, the team showed great resilience, battling hard in defence and supporting each other well Special credit goes to Anais P, Holly G, and Xandi L who volunteered to play in goal, all of whom did an excellent job under pressure Although the result didn’t go their way and a goal proved elusive, the effort, attitude and commitment shown by the whole team were very positive. Player of the match went to Lily M and Minnie F.
Congratulations to all of our players who were selected to represent their nations and regions over the Easter break, competing in a range of tournaments Their dedication, commitment, and sporting achievement are fantastic to see We are incredibly proud of their success and the way they represented the school Well done to all involved.
England U20 - Minnie F, Isla S
Southeast Super Counties - Isla S, Minnie F, Nala E, Emily I, Anna O, Lola C, Rose A, Holly R, Summer L, Thea H
South Africa National team - Nala E, Daisy G
Wales U20 - Xandi L, Emily I, Ellora W (alumni)
England senior development - Jess F (alumni)
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
FROM CLAREMONT TO GLOBAL CHANGE-MAKER: ALUMNA RETURNS AS GUEST ON PODCAST CLUB
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP AT OUR ANNUAL BIG FEED CHARITY EVENT
On 9 April, our staff and pupils teamed up with the Thomas Franks Foundation to support families across London facing food poverty. Together, we helped pack lots of meals for distribution through local charities with City Harvest!
CELEBRATING WITH SURREY GARDENS TRUST
CLAREMONT BRINGS
CREATIVITY, CURIOSITY AND KINDNESS TO COMMUNITY EVENTS
This summer and into the new academic year, we’re bringing a little Claremont creativity, curiosity and kindness to community events and fairs.
We kicked things off at Dittons Fair on Sunday 10 May, making fairy crowns with children, hiding our BEE CURIOUS crochet bees created by the Claremont community as small random acts of kindness to be discovered and taken home, and launching this year’s Claremont honey.
Extracted just days earlier from our hives at Fan Court with the help of pupils in the John Muir Award club , the honey is unfiltered and unpasteurised, with delicate citrus notes from the trees surrounding the hives It is already proving hugely popular.
Next stop is the Claygate Flower & Village Show on Saturday 11 July, with more fairy crown making, hidden crochet bees and Claremont honey, alongside Claremont pupils’ entries in the junior art competition categories.
On Saturday 29 August it’s Esher’s West End Village Fair - Look out for the Winterdown Coffee van, who will be serving a special edition panini made with Claremont honey
Claremont honey will also be available to purchase at Gala Day, Heritage Open Day and the Friends of Claremont Christmas Fair If it hasn’t sold out first!
CLAREMONT HERITAGE OPEN DAY, TOGETHER WITH CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDEN.
SATURDAY 19 SEPT, 10AM - 5PM
A great family day out with activities and interest for all ages. Step inside Claremont’s historic mansion to explore royal state rooms, wartime stories and hidden treasures
Celebrating with our neighbours at Claremont Landscape Garden, the gates between the school and the garden open so visitors can explore both historic sites that form part of the Claremont estate
Little detectives aged 4+ can enjoy an exciting children’s trail, with dressing up as mini royals encouraged and prizes for all
Free, informative fun for all ages. Book onto a tour or just turn up
Email for info: kbradford@claremont surrey sch uk
JOIN THE FRIENDS OF CLAREMONT!
SINCE LAUNCHING IN 2022/23 FROM THE FORMER PTA, THE FRIENDS OF CLAREMONT HAS GONE FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH, CREATING BRILLIANT COMMUNITY EVENTS, RAISING FUNDS FOR EXCITING SCHOOL PROJECTS AND BRINGING PARENTS AND CARERS TOGETHER ACROSS CLAREMONT.
From sold-out Quiz Nights and Christmas Fairs to cheese and wine tastings, Burn’s Night ceilidhs and glamorous whole-school balls, the Friends play a huge roll in Claremont life Last year’s ball sold 300 tickets in just 20 minutes, and this year’s summer soirée promises to be just as memorable
Alongside organising events, the Friends also plays a vital role in supporting enrichment projects across the school, helping fund exciting opportunities and experiences for pupils
Now, we’re looking for new volunteers with fresh ideas and energy to help shape the next chapter Whether you would like to lead events, support behind the scenes or simply get more involved in school life, there is a role for everyone, big or small The current team will fully support a handover year to help new members settle in and build on everything achieved so far.
