Raising the academic bar through five decades of co-ed excellence and innovative academics

Huw jones, deputy head academics discusses the positive impact of Claremont’s strategic drive to raise academic standards, and the scale of the progress. 

As a school that has successfully educated boys and girls for almost 50 years in a truly balanced and forward-thinking learning environment, Claremont clearly stands out. This depth of experience has shaped a school culture that instinctively understands how to bring out the best in every pupil. With a curriculum that inspires and pastoral care that ensures every child feels supported and stretched, pupils are thriving from the early years to sixth form. The results speak for themselves: measurable progress is accelerating; outcomes are rising and pupils’ confidence as learners is stronger than ever.

2025 saw the school’s strongest ever A level results setting a new standard of academic excellence in the school’s academic journey. These record-breaking grades reflect not only the dedication of pupils and teachers, but the school’s long-term commitment to broadening opportunity, raising expectations and enriching the academic culture across the school. Ambition is championed, achievement is celebrated and every pupil is supported to aim higher.

Academic Value Added measures the progress pupils make compared with national expectations. At Claremont, pupils achieve almost a full grade higher in every GCSE subject than predicted from their starting points. That is the equivalent of eight to nine grades across all their GCSEs. This outstanding Value Added measure places Claremont among the country’s leading schools for improving pupil performance.

What makes this achievement particularly significant is the breadth and diversity of pupils the school welcomes. Claremont is not selective by learning profile alone, yet it is unapologetically committed to nurturing potential and continuously evolving the school’s progressive and innovative academic approach.

This year Claremont introduced a three-year GCSE study model, meaning pupils have the time to build deep understanding, explore enrichment opportunities and develop creativity and personal skills. This structure also gives pupils space to be stretched in an academically deeper and more meaningful way building skills and knowledge beyond GCSE. The result is a stronger stepping stone for A level study, greater confidence, sustained academic progress and exceptional outcomes. Ultimately, this story is not just about grades, it is about the journeys behind them: talented young people who are ready to embrace every opportunity the world presents.

Further up the school, Claremont has reimagined our sixth form offer over the past five years, implementing targeted initiatives that help pupils excel, delivering measurable results. 2025’s record A level results show Claremont’s pupils are strengthening their academic potential, alongside their confidence and ambition, as a result. Central to this momentum is Claremont Student Futures, transforming outcomes through a suite of programmes designed to give pupils the tenacity to persevere and discover their strengths allowing them to shape their own path to success. With over 50% of pupils achieving A level grades A*-A, 92% of pupils securing their first-choice university offer and over 60% heading to Russell Group institutions, alongside Oxbridge, apprenticeships and US sports scholarships, the impact is clear.

For parents seeking a genuinely progressive senior school and sixth form, where every pupil is known, supported and inspired, Claremont stands out. The school moves confidently into the future while remaining true to its enduring values: a nurturing ethos that combines ambition with care, raises aspirations, helps every pupil fulfil their limitless potential and celebrates that happy children will achieve remarkable results.

Find out more. Visit: www.claremontfancourt.co.uk/claremont-life