Matthew Ford
Matthew shares in the 2024 annual Alumni Review his journey from performing as Fat Sam in Claremont’s production of Bugsy Malone, setting a new county record for relay on the bottom fields to co-founding an award-winning allergy-free snack business, Creative Nature, with his wife:
Norwood, Class of 2005
Claremont Fan Court School
Emma Wells
Interviewed for the 2024 annual Alumni Review, Emma recounted her favourite moments of working at the school and shared her plans for life after Claremont:
Former staff, 2011 - 2024
Claremont Fan Court School
David Hogg
David was a pupil between 1989 and 2004. When in the school's workshop, he developed a life long interest in product design. Amongst other memorable stories, David recounts building a Mackintosh Lamp, taking photographs of the Mansion using his model aeroplane and designing fake 20p coins for the Sixth Form pool table:
Longcross, Class of 2004
Claremont Fan Court School
Wacera Kimani
Wacera was a boarder whilst she attended Claremont. She reflects on her transition from Kenya to Claremont and highlights the school's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment:
Radnor, Class of 1997
Claremont Fan Court School
Alison Miller (Briance)
Alison was a boarder during her time at Claremont School. She shares her favourite anecdote from a Disco Night at Claremont and a photo alongside friends:
Radnor, Class of 1975
Claremont School
Lara Watkins
Lara shares treasured memories and photographs taken during her schools days. Fun stories include playing lacrosse for Claremont's 1st team, half time oranges at sports fixtures, swimming (in the cold!), after school chess club with Mr Basman and performing in the musical, Rats:
Radnor, Class of 1993
Claremont Fan Court School
Sue Quayle (Bradford)
Sue shares stories from happy days at Claremont School between 1948 to 1954. Fun stories include owning a grey guinea pig in the Pets Enclosure called Minky, joining girl guides, playing netball and watching the Men's Final at Wimbledon as a privilege of being captain:
Radnor, Class of 1955
Claremont School
Lintie (Elizabeth) Morgan (Reid)
Lintie was a boarder whilst she was at Claremont School and remembers it as a place where children could be children - and explore! Amongst other stories, Lintie recounts one Saturday when herself and a group of friends were discovered by Miss Sinclair in one of the boarded up tunnels in the basement:
Astor, Class of 1955
Claremont School
Jill Brocklebank (Stringer)
Jill was a boarder at Claremont School between 1961 to 1969. She recounts meeting her friend Venetia and playing a game of cops and robbers whilst picking blackberries:
Esher, Class of 1969
Claremont School
Vivien ap Rhys Pryce
Vivien was an award winning sculptor with large public works on display in Nymans Garden, University of Exeter and in New Zealand. Her brother, John (Lings, Class of 1957) reflects on his sisters life and shares photographs taken during her school years:
Esher, Class of 1955
Claremont School
Cynthia Häfeli-Wells (Wells)
Written in the Claremont School magazine that was published during the school's Jubilee year celebrations in 1972, the late Cynthia recounted her school years at Claremont from 1934-1939. It appears that we still have the back stairs she speaks about in her tales:
Stuart, Class of 1942
Claremont School
Alexis Affonso
Interviewed for the 2023 annual Alumni Review, Alexis recounted his favourite moments of working at the school and shared his plans for life after Claremont:
Former staff, 2007 - 2023
Claremont Fan Court School
Clara Monckton – Rubin
Interviewed for the 2023 annual Alumni Review, Clara shares her memories of performing in 'Sweet Charity' on Claremont's JGC stage and offers valuable advice for any soon-to-be alumni who are considering a career in hospitality:
Esher, Class of 2005
Claremont Fan Court School
Lewis Cornay
Interviewed for the 2023 annual Alumni Review, Lewis tells us about his journey from treading the floorboards of Claremont’s JGC stage to performing in London’s West End and offers valuable advice for any budding Claremont actors:
Longcross, Class of 2014
Claremont Fan Court School
Chris Sage
Chris was the Music School's administrator for nineteen years. Chris recounts memories of Rockfest and when the school community unified for a vigil on the tragic day of the 9/11 attacks:
Former staff, 2000 - 2019
Claremont Fan Court School
Robin Baker
Robin shared an insight into his memories of his Prep School years at the 'Back to Fan Court' reunion in October 2023:
Cayley, Class of 1954
Fan Court School
Lauren Flynn
Lauren came back to Claremont in September 2023 to run a series of drama workshops created around costume, set design, sound and lighting with pupils from years 11-13. Lauren has been working as an LX Technician at Royal Opera House but her love of the stage started in Claremont's JGC theatre:
Esher, Class of 2015
Claremont Fan Court School
Daphne Howell (Wells)
Written by her daughter and fellow Claremont School alumna, Jackie Elphick nee Howell (Norwood, Class of 1977) pays tribute to her late mother Daphne who was a longstanding member of our school community. Daphne was evacuated with Claremont School to Llandrindod Wells in Wales during the War.
Stuart, Class of 1945
Claremont School
Laura Buttanshaw
Laura was Head Girl in upper sixth. Alongside a snap performing ABBA's Super Trouper in the school talent show, Laura recounts fond memories of playing lacrosse and her favourite teachers:
Radnor, Class of 2020
Claremont Fan Court School
Bob Longman
Bob shares memorable anecdotes from his five happy years as a boarder during the 'Back to Fan Court' reunion in October 2023:
Cayley, Class of 1963 & Former Staff 1983 - 2017
Fan Court School & Claremont Fan Court School
Peter Watters
Whilst Peter was Director of ICLT for ten years at Claremont Fan Court School, he was at the forefront of introducing the laptop programme to pupils in Year 4 and above. Alongside photographs, Peter recounts memories of Nicholas Cage filming 'National Treasure' in Claremont's Drawing Room, his performance in the Community Play of 2005 and life in the ICLT department:
Former staff, 2004 - 2014
Claremont Fan Court School
Lynn Baker (Woodworth)
Lynn was a boarder at Claremont School for a year in Upper Sixth. She shares happy snaps taken at Claremont, including a visit from near by neighbour George Harrison's cat Corky, also known as 'GC':
Radnor, Class of 1970
Claremont School
John Wilkinson
Alongside photographs, John shares his memories of Fan Court School, the Second World War and his account of the school's foundation:
Cazalet, Class of 1947
Fan Court School
Joy Hicks (Cattle)
Joy shares happy memories and photographs of her time at Fan Court School and later Claremont Fan Court School during the 'Back to Fan Court' reunion in October 2023:
Cayley & Esher, Class of 1986
Fan Court School
Nigel Hutchinson-Brooks (Brooks)
Whilst Nigel is an Old Boy of Fan Court School, his sister Rosemary (Esher, Class of 1960) attended Claremont School. Nigel shares stories of first learning to play the trumpet at Fan Court School, returning as a temporary member of staff in 1966 and restoring an old car into the 'Leo Machanicus':
Class of 1957
Fan Court School
Brian Cockburn-Smith
Brian shares cherished photographs and highlights from ten very happy terms at Fan Court School. For Brian, the love and care he received at Fan Court was such a contrast to his time at school in South Africa. Memorable tales amongst many others include showcasing his talent at playing cricket, playing football in the yard outside the Gym and a funny nickname:
Cayley, Class of 1962
Fan Court School
Michael Basman
Siblings Arjan (Esher, Class of 2024) and Diya (Esher, Class of 2022) share their favourite memories of learning how to play chess with International Master, the late Michael Basman:
Former staff, 1983 - 2022
Claremont Fan Court School
Cathy Bradley (Edyvean)
Cathy and her sisters Mary (Norwood, Class of 1970) and Lucy (Norwood, Class of 1973) each attended Claremont School. Cathy shares a memorable Biology lesson where Miss Ison's swarm of bees became a little unruly for herself and friends, Diana and Tish to handle:
Norwood, Class of 1966 Former Staff, 1986 - 2023
Claremont School & Claremont Fan Court School
Neil Grey
Whilst his sibling Claire (Norwood, Class of 1967) attended Claremont School, Neil was a boarder at Fan Court School. Funny memories include a drama performance on Fan Court Day halted by thundering planes enroute to Heathrow, unpicking the sports team list scrambled into anagrams by a Master and the race for the comfortable leatherback chair in the library, the distinct smell of the cricket pavilion:
McGregor, Class of 1966
Fan Court School
Nina Jones (Noël)
Nina shares her favourite photographs and memories from her four years as a boarder. Amongst other stories, Nina proudly remembers co-founding the Year Book Committee:
Norwood, Class of 1990
Claremont Fan Court School
Claire Grey
To celebrate fifty years since leaving Claremont School, Claire bound a book of photographs taken during her school days. A copy of this book has been donated to our school archive. A keen photographer at Claremont and later a photography teacher, Claire remembers her negatives were developed on the platform around Clive's Bath. She shares snapshots including Summer Meeting, snow days, outside The Close and with friends on her final school day:
Norwood, Class of 1967
Claremont School
David Hawley
Upon his arrival at Fan Court School, 'Cub' David was allocated to his already long-standing friend Garth, who was already at the school, as his 'Lion'. Memorable stories include his train journey to Chertsey from Rochester via Waterloo, the gong at the bottom of the stairs which was sounded for meal times, happy hours listening to the early Beatles' records in the prefects' room, and making fires on Sunday afternoons in the shrubbery:
Cazalet, Class of 1966
Fan Court School
Gillian Scanlon (McCaw)
During Covid lockdown, Gillian reminisced on boarding at Claremont School and compiled a book of her memories. Gillian shares extracts including the order of the school day and winning the South of England Schools’ Trophy in lacrosse:
Astor, Class of 1967
Claremont School
Peter Worrall
Peter remembers his seven years at Fan Court School as "very happy days". He shares a video 'The Year at Fan Court' made by Friends of the school. Funny tales include an attempted trip to the local sweet shop, being the back half of the donkey in the school play (and separated from the front!), an encounter with a Tiger Moth biplane and adventures in the shrubbery:
McGregor, Class of 1968
Fan Court School
Venetia Cowling (Chase)
Venetia remembers first arriving at the Coach House, now the Prep School, as a boarder. Her memories include her matron Mrs Pekelharing bidding the girls goodnight in Spanish and her life long friendships made at Claremont:
Astor, Class of 1969
Claremont School
David Hassard
David's father-in-law, the late Charles Plantin worked alongside Sir Sydney Camm when Hawker Aircraft occupied Claremont from 1940 to 1945. Charles was in charge of the Upper Stress office where the room 'Louise' is today. David shares photographs, memorabilia and anecdotes from Charles' time at Claremont and the variety of historic planes designed here:
Aeronautical Engineer
Joint Project Leader at Kingston Aviation & Member of The Hawker Association
Diana Allen (Pope)
After leaving Claremont School in 1962, Diana was PA to the Chairman of Heinemann Educational Books. Eight years later she became Headmistress of Fan Court Junior School and thereafter, Headmistress of the present Pre-Prep and Nursery in 1978. Diana’s tales include her bus journey to school in pea souper fogs, the 1976 heatwave to designing the current Pre-Prep and Nursery building:
Radnor, Class of 1963 Former Staff, 1970-1982
Claremont School, Fan Court School & Claremont Fan Court School
Peter Sisson
Peter's six years as a weekly boarder at Fan Court School are important to him. They provided him with great life lessons, lasting friendships and memorable tales! Peter shares stories of midnight feasts, the arrival of the pocket calculator, conker fights and learning to tie his shoelaces:
Lings, Class of 1969
FAN COURT SCHOOL
Emma Veiga-Malta (Downes)
Emma shares her first memory of sitting her 11+ examination in Mrs Brocklehurst's classroom, making lifelong friendships and learning within Claremont's unique environment:
Longcross, Class of 1992
CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL
Roger Cannon
Roger was the first non-Christian Scientist day boy to attend the school. Six happy years of playing sport and enjoying friendships, Roger shares stories of Firework Night (with two boxes of fireworks!), Brian Andreae's surveillance whilst eating lunch, Ray Willcox's handwarmers, inky snow ball fights and a Latin book with an artistic flare:
Cayley, Class of 1967
Fan Court School
Gordon Hunt
Gordon has had a long association with the school. He remembers joining as a house parent at Fan Court School in 1976, the merger with Claremont School in 1978, the 1998 Cycle France trip and his role as head of the Senior School from 1994:
Former staff, 1976 – 2005 Governor 2012 – present
FAN COURT SCHOOL & CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL
Ken Kimber
Ken shares his highlights from fifteen years as head of drama. Among other memories, Ken remembers his first day, a school inspection, the community play and a locked studio door:
Former Staff, 2000 – 2015
CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL
Cynthia Lempert Hoye (Lempert) & Elizabeth Lempert Soderholm (Lempert)
Sisters Cynthia and Elizabeth share memories of fun times including school trips, learning to knot a tie, dedicated teachers, drama productions and getting lost in the fog on their walk back home:
Classes of 1977 & 1973, Norwood
CLAREMONT SCHOOL
Ian Kynoch
Ian attended Fan Court School with his brother Alastair (McGregor, Class of 1956). Along with photographs, Ian remembers the boys' indoor and outdoor shoes, learning about the Egyptians with Mary Willcox, drama performances and missing the bus home at the end of term:
McGregor, Class of 1954
FAN COURT SCHOOL
Linda Cox
Linda has a long association with the school. She first taught the lowest form at Fan Court School and in later years, she was head of the Middle School. Alongside photographs Linda remembers her early teaching years, the history of Fan Court School and pays tribute to former principal, the late Patricia Farrar:
Former staff, 1968 - 2007
FAN COURT SCHOOL & CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL
Chris Green
Chris shares memorable snaps and stories of fun times including falling off his chair in his first lesson, re-designing the Senior School blazer, exploring the grounds and making life-long friends:
Esher, Class of 1988
CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL
Pamela Rider (Millican)
Pamela shares her favourite moments from her school days to joining the staff body at Claremont Fan Court School in 1988. Pamela remembers running around Claremont lake, her induction day, elocution with Miss Williams, Miss Cooper’s corgi, teaching and school trips abroad:
Astor, Class of 1964 Staff, 1988 - present
CLAREMONT SCHOOL & CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL
Tim Pope
Tim remembers his three happy years at Fan Court School. Memorable times include bread eating competitions at lunchtimes, model aeroplane making, pinching chocolate eclairs at Fan Court Day and a parent's trouser turn up on fire:
McGregor, Class of 1961
FAN COURT SCHOOL
Mary Willcox (Burt)
Found on a reel in the school archive, the late Mary shares memories of her first interview with headmaster T.C Elliott in 1935, her class, the Spring term, the swimming pool, Sports Day and the "Egyptian Feast":
Former staff, 1935-1968
FAN COURT SCHOOL
Moorad Choudhry
Now a school governor, Moorad joined Claremont Fan Court in lower sixth. Highlights for Moorad were winning the Poetry prize and playing Frederic in Mr Simpson's production of The Pirates of Penzance:
Radnor, Class of 1985 Governor, 2021 - present
CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL
Margaret Willis (Stillwell)
Margaret shares treasured photographs taken on her brownie box camera. Fun times include being chosen as the youngest Claremont girl to attend the Queen's Coronation Parade, her first day, a hockey game with movie stars, pet's corner and performing on the outdoor stage:
Radnor, Class of 1959
CLAREMONT SCHOOL
Peter Brown
Along with games of flagging, snow days and his train journey from Lincolnshire at the start of term, Peter remembers his school years at Fan Court School as a "great opportunity". He looked to replicate the school's nurturing ethos in a school for his two sons in New Zealand:
Cazalet, Class of 1955
FAN COURT SCHOOL
Susan Walton (Hodge)
Whilst Susan was a day girl, she remembers cycling to school with her sister Jill (Norwood, Class of 1956) from Milbourne Lane in Claygate. Susan shares a tapestry of fun memories including a day in the life of a Claremont boarder:
Norwood, Class of 1959
CLAREMONT SCHOOL
Sir John Elliott
The late Sir John remembers his parents, headmaster T.C and Janet Elliott’s service to Fan Court School between 1933-1957. For Sir John, his history teacher Mr Guy Snape’s enthusiasm sparked a lifelong interest in the subject:
McGregor, Class of 1943
FAN COURT SCHOOL
Lucy Edyvean
Lucy's school memories are intertwined by experiences shared with her siblings, Cathy (Norwood, Class of 1966) and Mary (Norwood, Class of 1970). A lively time full of laughter, a performance of The Rivals at Claygate Village Hall, visits from Pattie Boyd and George Harrison's cat Corky, re-designing the school tie and formal dances with local boys schools:
Norwood, Class of 1973
CLAREMONT SCHOOL
Lindsey Cole (Lane)
Lindsey recalls swimming in the school pool, the girls’ changing room situated next to Clive’s bath, language lessons with Miss Bradley and a cup of coffee spilled over an important teacher’s head:
Esher, Class of 1973
CLAREMONT SCHOOL
Philip Brooke
Philip shares stories from his five years as a boarder at Fan Court School. Philip's highlights include watching Top of the Pops in the television room, drama productions directed by Mr Robin Barton, running around The Triangle and a chance encounter with a rock band:
Cazalet, Class of 1972
FAN COURT SCHOOL
Anne Sebba (Rubinstein)
The opportunity in sixth form to give guided tours to members of the public around Claremont sparked a lasting interest in history. Anne remembers the dedication of her teachers and performing on the outdoor stage:
Norwood, Class of 1969
CLAREMONT SCHOOL
David Ford
David shares memories of joining the school after teaching at an American Air Force base in Essex. Forty enjoyable years include working alongside former principal Patricia Farrar, the 1983 Europe Football Tour, pets in the classroom, visits from grandparents and a resident Claremont pigeon:
Former staff, 1981 - 2012 Governor, 2018 – 2023
CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL
Kathleen Moore
Former head girl Kathleen describes her memories as "boundless". Kathleen shares stories of Guy Fawkes fireworks outside the mansion, dorm inspections, her first day and what her school years mean to her:
Longcross, Class of 1988
CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL
Michael Pilling
During lockdown Michael transcribed the diary he had at Fan Court School. Michael remembers building dens in the shrubbery, Guy Snape's TV, tuck and a train from Waterloo to Chertsey nearly missed!
Cayley, Class of 1961
FAN COURT SCHOOL
Helen (Nell) Mary Baker (Bean)
Nell’s daughter Shirley (Esher, Class of 1962) kindly shares photographs of her mother whilst she was a pupil at Clear View School, and later Claremont School:
Class of 1933
CLEAR VIEW SCHOOL & CLAREMONT SCHOOL
Charlotte MacDonald (Clegg)
Charlotte shares a tapestry of memories from Claremont School, including 'Beatle Mania', the big freeze of 1963 and English lessons with Mrs Becker:
Norwood, Class of 1966
CLAREMONT SCHOOL
Marie Louise Petersen
Marie Louise joined Claremont Fan Court School in its first year as a newly co-educational school. She remembers learning how to knot a tie, hastily changing after games classes and the sports teacher's dog:
Longcross, Class of 1985
CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL
Peter Fuller
Peter remembers leading the annual ‘Cycle France’ trip with Senior School pupils:
Former staff, 1997-2015
CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL
Jan Caruth
Jan remembers her years teaching in the Senior School, her time as head of Norwood and extra-curricular trips:
Former staff, 1998 - 2016
CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL
Charlie Bedell (Chaplin)
Charlie recollects on her school years at the 1975-1985 reunion in April 2022:
Esher, Class of 1982
CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL
Vivien Heffernan (Lack)
Vivien shares photographs of a cycling trip to France, art lessons and an end of year school dance:
Norwood, Class of 1959
CLAREMONT SCHOOL
Isobel Anable (Peacock)
Isobel was Head Girl during her final year at Claremont School. She shares her favourite stories and photographs from her seven years as boarder at Claremont School:
Esher, Class of 1956
CLAREMONT SCHOOL
Richard Moon
Richard's highlights include Fan Court School’s Guy Fawkes night, The Pirates of Penzance production and the rhododendrons in bloom:
Cayley, Class of 1958
FAN COURT SCHOOL
Carol Freeman (Stone Pearn)
Carol remembers one morning sneaking up on the mansion roof to ring the bell and her school uniform:
Radnor, Class of 1958
CLAREMONT SCHOOL
Zara Mason (Noble)
Zara shares her memories of performing in The Pirates of Penzance and a Claremont snow-day:
Longcross, Class of 1986
CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL
Annie Bates
Annie remembers when an unexpected remnant of the War was found in the school grounds, and Claremont used as a film set:
Esher, Class of 1981
CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL
Giles Talbot
Giles remembers moving from Malawi to Fan Court School in 1956 and shares anecdotes on T.C Elliott, Mary Willcox and Guy Snape:
Cayley, Class of 1959
FAN COURT SCHOOL
Ann Smith (Meredith)
Ann remembers her typing lessons with Mrs Bevan:
Longcross, Class of 1986
CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL
Margaret A P Jones (Puxty)
Margaret recounts a game of hockey with a movie star umpire, school lessons and Sunday reading:
Radnor, Class of 1958
CLAREMONT SCHOOL
Cathy Hogg (Pekelharing)
Alongside an array of treasured photographs, Cathy recounts her final day as a boarder at Claremont School:
Astor, Class of 1966
CLAREMONT SCHOOL
Zoë Ann Graves (Wasson)
Zoë remembers fondly her years at Claremont School after the War and boarding in ‘The Vic Dorm’:
Radnor, Class of 1953
CLAREMONT SCHOOL
Definitely some of my happiest school days were at Claremont!
Lindsey Cole (Lane) Esher, Class of 1973 CLAREMONT SCHOOL
The views, opinions and thoughts expressed in these alumni profiles are the individual’s own, and do not reflect the view of Claremont Fan Court School.
