Key Information Booklet HANFORD PREP, YEARS 3-8 2026-27
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Governors
Hanford Prep Senior Leadership Team
Chair C.H. Samler Governors R. Backhouse J.S. Blanch S.A. Craig-McFeely Canon N.J. Edwards A.L. Harris A.L. Hughes N. Isaac Esq N.L. Jones Esq R.A.L. Leach Esq The Reverend M.P. Lee J.S. Massey W. Paul A.J.D. Pralle Esq S.M. Spearing Esq G. Staley M.C. Taylor Esq A.P. Williams Clerk to the Governors S.C. Worthy
Head Sophie Blewitt, BA Hons, PGCE, MSc Assistant Head, Teaching and Learning Alex Bratby, BEd Hons, Dip SpLD APC Assistant Head, Curriculum and Planning Sara Northey, BA Hons, MSc, PGCE Assistant Head, Pastoral Helen Beal, BEd Hons Head of Boarding/Designated Safeguarding Lead Susie Askew
SHERBORNE SCHOOLS GROUP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Head Hanford Prep Sophie Blewitt, BA (Hons), PGCE, MSc Headmaster Sherborne Boys Simon Heard, BA (Hons), PGDip, QTS Head Sherborne Girls Dr Ruth Sullivan, BSc, PGCE, MSc, PhD Head Sherborne Prep Annie Gent, BA (Hons), MEd, BA, QTS Director of External Affairs Katherine Massey, BA (Hons) Chief Operating Officer Simon Worthy, BA, MBA
Christian Ethos Hanford Prep is proud of our Christian foundation. It gives us an inherited faith and values on which to draw in the contemporary world, grounding our community in a culture of compassion, courage, integrity and generosity. Girls are encouraged to connect with their spirituality, in ways that suit their needs, habits and beliefs. For those of other faith traditions, we honour their beliefs and encourage their expression, knowing that we can all learn from the differences between us. For the full list of Governors for Sherborne Schools Group, which includes the small number of co-opted members of individual committees, please visit https://www.sherborneschools.group/governors-and-executive-committee
Vision + Aims Fulfilling Potential To recognise the breadth of academic capabilities and requirements and enable each girl to do the very best that she can. Nurturing Talent To provide the opportunity, encouragement and support for each girl to pursue and expand her interests both within and beyond the classroom. Valuing Individuality To recognise that each girl develops at her own speed, with her own interests, abilities and needs; to maintain the flexibility to respond accordingly. Encouraging Respect To help the girls to look beyond themselves, to learn about living with others, being part of a wider group and taking care of each other’s needs. Cherishing Childhood To provide the time, the opportunity and the environment for free play. Since the formation of Sherborne Schools Group (SSG) in 2024, we have been developing a strategy for both the Group and each individual school. Our shared vision is to be recognised as the UK’s leading group of independent schools, known for a character-led approach that blends academic excellence, personal growth, wellbeing, and 21st-century skills. To bring this vision to life, we are working on a Strategic Framework built around five Key Pillars. Strategic Framework 2025-2035 Our aim is to deliver a forward-thinking, Transformative Education that respects tradition while boldly embracing the future. Grounded in excellence, driven by character, and powered by innovation, we prepare every pupil to be not just successful, but significant leaders, creators, and changemakers in a fast-evolving, globalised world. Our strategic priorities deliver The Sherborne Difference on the ground, translating the Group vision into daily learning experiences, character development, and innovation, equipping pupils to solve complex challenges and make responsible, measurable contributions to society.
Key Pillars
1. Character + Wellbeing We will embed character development and wellbeing across all aspects of school life, through daily experiences that teach resilience, kindness, creativity and responsibility. 2. Academics + Futures We will deliver a personalised, innovative education that equips pupils with the knowledge, practical skills, and mindset to thrive in a complex, rapidly changing world. 3. Innovation + Entrepreneurship We will embed creativity, entrepreneurship, and future-ready skills across all years, giving pupils the confidence to try, experiment, and learn from both successes and setbacks. 4. Partnership + Community We will ensure community remains at the heart of a Hanford education; cultivating a warm, family-like environment where every girl is known and valued. 5. Sustainability + Humanity We instil care for the environment and awareness of global responsibility from an early age, ensuring cherishing childhood goes hand in hand with protecting the world around us. Through The Sherborne Difference, we will cultivate ethical, innovative, and globally-minded leaders prepared to navigate and shape the challenges of the 21st century.
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Academics A Hanford education offers a truly personalised approach which brings out each girl’s talents, encouraging their natural curiosity and instilling a life-long love of learning. We offer an enlightened, innovative education which results in outstanding academic performance as evidenced by the number of scholarships award to Hanford girls by senior schools in recent years. Character Education Character education has always been at the heart of Hanford life, not as an added programme but as something that happens naturally through the rhythm of the school day. Character is shaped in many small, everyday ways as well as through planned activities. Examples include: • Daily responsibilities such as clearing up after meals, looking after ponies and other animals, and tending to garden plots. • Handwork and making, where the process matters as much as the finished product, and perseverance is encouraged. • The boarding environment fosters independence, social resilience and emotional growth. • Chapel services, which provide opportunities for reflection and reinforce our Christian foundation. • Academic and co-curricular life, where girls are encouraged to “give things a go”, to support one another, and to learn from mistakes. • Leadership and service opportunities, such as committees and roles of responsibility, where collaboration and contribution are valued. • Pupils are taught English, Maths, Science, French, Latin, History, Geography, Religious Studies (and Philosophy), PHSE as well as Art, Drama, Handwork (Design and Technology), Music and Art Appreciation.
Small classes together with specialist subject teachers from Year 5 and above ensure the girls benefit from an individualised approach and support. This year Hanford is introducing Individual Projects (iPQ) in Year 8 to encourage pupils to explore their own interests and to take more responsibility for their own learning. End of year exams in Year 8, alongside standardised assessments in English and Maths, the iPQ and a Hanford 100 review will make up a final award for our Leavers; a comprehensive qualification that reflects a girl’s time at Hanford. Our approach to behaviour is based on giving girls the time and space to reflect on poor choices and to put things right. Consequences are restorative rather than punitive, helping girls to learn from their mistakes and understand the impact of their actions on others. Extra Curricular and The Hanford Hundred During the school week and at weekends, we offer a wide range of activities seeking to build a variety of skills, some of which are included in the school fees and some as paid extras. Sitting proudly alongside our extensive Extra Curricular activities offer, the Hanford Hundred is a new skills-based enrichment programme. The Hanford Hundred are a set of 100 goals encompassing physical, emotional, academic and life skills. Girls track their skills in their scrapbook,
Examples of the Hanford Hundred goals include: Fundraise
Disagree well
Follow a map
Climb a tree (and get back down)
Show compassion
Change a plug
Pool life saving
Sew on a button
Apologise sincerely
Write a thank you letter
Tie shoelaces
Share
working with their personal tutor to achieve the ‘Hanford Hundred’ by the time they leave Hanford. The programme is woven into the whole curriculum at Hanford and further developed through bespoke enrichment activities. The three key principles lie at the heart of the programme, designed to: • E xtend knowledge and skills beyond the classroom in a supportive environment. • Explore and encourage new interests. • Engage imagination and creativity.
Destination Schools Each year Hanford Leavers move on after Year 8 to a large number of leading senior schools across the country with many choosing Sherborne Girls. We liaise closely with parents, helping them select the right school for their daughter. In recent years pupils have moved on to schools such as: Sherborne Girls, Benenden, Bryanston, Canford, Dauntsey’s, Downe House, Millfield, Milton Abbey, Oundle, St Mary’s Ascot, St Mary’s Calne, Tudor Hall, Wycombe Abbey.
Scholarships Since 2015 Hanford girls have received over 100 Awards and Scholarships in all disciplines - all round, academic, art, music, drama and sport to a wide range of senior schools. Success at Hanford is not just qualified by awards and prizes. It is also about personal milestones, overcoming fears and reaching personal goals whatever they may be. Scholarships awarded 2026 Art Scholarship Sherborne Girls Art Scholarship Sherborne Girls Art Scholarship Dauntsey’s Sport Scholarship Canford Performing Arts Bryanston Equestrian Exhibition Bryanston
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Admissions Process We recommend starting the admissions process at least one year before a pupil’s anticipated start at Hanford, where possible. Our admissions approach is very personal, speaking to parents to find out as much as possible about their daughters, their interests and education to this point. As a non-selective school, we do not usually ask girls to sit entrance exams or assessments. Instead, our Admissions Manager guides parents through every step of our admissions process, explaining boarding and day options - including Hanford Core and Hanford Plus - and advising on the appropriate year group and entry point. Individual Visits, Open Mornings + Activity Mornings Families are encouraged to visit Hanford for a personal tour. We tailor visits to suit each family including a full tour, as well as opportunities to meet our Interim Head, Mrs Sophie Blewitt, as well as pupils, staff and ponies. Our termly Open Mornings are an excellent opportunity to experience Hanford in action. Visitors can observe lessons and activities, enjoy a short concert, and chat with the Head and key staff over coffee and refreshments. We hold regular Activity Mornings throughout the year which your daughter may be invited to attend. Visiting children will have the opportunity to join in with fun activities and experience a snapshot of Hanford first hand.
Registration Parents are invited to complete a Registration Form and submit the £120 Registration Fee (£300 for international pupils). Once received, their daughter is added to our entry list. Parents are asked to send a copy of their daughter’s most recent school report and a reference. This helps us gain a better understanding of prospective pupils’ academic progress and broader interests. Taster Day/Stay Once registered, prospective pupils join us for a Taster Day and, if they are considering boarding, stay overnight. Spending a day in lessons with the relevant year group allows prospective pupils to meet future teachers, engage with the curriculum and begin forming friendships. Offer of a Place Once we have all relevant information, parents are sent a formal Offer Letter, along with an Acceptance Form and the school’s Terms & Conditions. The Offer Letter will include details of the deposit payment. Acceptance A girl’s place at Hanford is confirmed once we have received the completed Acceptance Form and deposit payment.
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General Information Boarding At Hanford Prep approximately 60% of girls are boarders and school life is just as full and busy at weekends as during the school week. Girls share dormitories with their peers, sit down to eat together with friends and staff, and are wonderfully cared for and supported by our pastoral team who create a homely experience for everyone. Weekend activities are mostly home-grown games and adventures, making sure that there’s time to rest and unwind before the busy week ahead. Nearly all our day girls choose to board flexibly or, as they get older, to become full boarders. Parents and carers are asked to complete a Flexi Boarding form each week so the boarding team can manage and prepare dormitories. Communication The first point of contact for parents is the School Office or, for pastoral and boarding matters, the Boarding phone, monitored by the Head of Boarding, school nurses and matrons. Weekly bulletins from the Head are sent via email to all parents on a Friday afternoon during term time, and a school calendar is available online. Hanford Headlines, our newsletter written by senior girls, shares news and events. Boarders can call home or arrange Zoom or Teams calls with staff support. They do not have personal mobile access during term but write letters each weekend and can email home in supervised sessions. Equality Hanford Prep fully endorses the fundamental principles of equality and justice. The School provides a moral framework for pupils’ personal development so that they mature into principled, kind, inclusive and supportive members of the communities in which they live and work. The School encourages all members of its community to have respect for one another, regardless of race, gender, creed, social status, age or disability and is opposed to words or actions which display unkindness, prejudice or discrimination of any sort against any individual.
Education Guardians All girls whose parents are resident abroad, or who live more than 2.5 hours away must have a guardian in the UK. Education Guardians are responsible for your daughter’s welfare while she is at boarding school, travel arrangements, accommodation at closed exeat weekends and half-term holidays and represent parents at meetings with teachers. In the event of an emergency, illness or disciplinary matter the Education Guardian will be called on by the School to collect your daughter and therefore should live within reasonable travelling distance. We recommend no more than 2.5 hours away. The appointment of an Education Guardian is the responsibility of the parents. Where an Education Guardian is not a close relative or family friend, the appointment must be made through a reputable guardianship organisation accredited by either the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) or the Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students (AEGIS). Inspections The most recent inspection was the ISI Inspection Report 2025. This report, along with previous Boarding Inspections can be viewed in full at: hanfordprep.group Pastoral Care The pastoral care at Hanford provides a supportive and nurturing environment in which the girls feel a deep sense of belonging and are known and cared for as individuals. Its small size means that each girl is known very well by all the staff who each play a part in supporting the girls’ wellbeing. There are two qualified nurses at school every weekday and the local school GP holds a surgery once a week. The mental health and wellbeing of the girls are of paramount importance. In addition to the Head of Boarding, matrons, school nurses and the Head - who is very involved in boarding life - every girl is assigned her own tutor when she arrives at Hanford. This may be a teacher or a member of the pastoral staff. They act as a sounding board and mentor, working hard to prevent problems from arising and encouraging the girls to make the most of the opportunities on offer at Hanford, whilst helping girls fulfil their academic potential and personal development.
Policies The following policies and documents can be found on the School website hanfordprep.group
• Admissions Policy • Anti-Bullying Policy • Behaviour Management Policy • Curriculum • EAL Policy • First Aid Policy • Gender Pay Gap Report 2024 • Relationships & Sex Education Policy, PSHEE Policy • SEND Policy • SSG Allergy • SSG Bursary Award Policy • SSG Data Protection Policy • SSG Educational Guardianship Policy • SSG Environmental & Sustainability Strategy & Action Plan
• SSG Equal Opportunities Policy for Staff • SSG General Privacy Notice • SSG Health & Safety Policy • SSG Parental Complaints Procedure Policy • SSG Pupil Attendance, Registration & Absence Policy • SSG Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy • SSG Taking, Using and Storing images of pupils • SSG Website and Cookie Policy For further policies concerning the safeguarding and welfare of pupils, inclusion and accessibility, behaviour and pastoral support, medical and mental health provision, online and data safety, boarding arrangements and recruitment practices, which are available on request, please contact the Policies, Inspection & Strategy Co-ordinator (policies@ sherborneschools.group). Privacy Notice The Sherborne Schools Group Data Protection and Privacy Notice is available to view on the School Policies page of our website: hanfordprep.group By registering or providing personal information to Hanford Prep, parents agree to Hanford Prep using this information in relation to their enquiry and to contacting them via email, direct mail and telephone. All the personal information provided to Hanford Prep will be held securely and used strictly in accordance with data protection regulations.
Safeguarding Hanford Prep is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The School aims to provide a warm and secure environment, with an open and frank atmosphere, in which girls can feel supported. The fundamental right to be protected from harm is an essential part of the School’s pastoral responsibility and necessitates a clear child protection policy and procedures. Further information can be found on the School website. At Hanford every member of staff regularly attends Safeguarding training and there is a robust internal and external structure in place to promote child safety and to raise concerns. All staff also have a summary leaflet and card with key contact details. Technology for Learning We embrace the use of technology for teaching and learning where it can enrich the educational experience, equipping girls with the skills to use technology safely. By the time they leave Hanford, our girls are not only technologically capable but also digitally creative and practically skilled, ready to take on the computing challenges of senior school and the wider world. Travel For girls who live abroad there is a school-organised supervised coach/minibus at the beginning of term, half terms and exeats. For fixed exeats and half term holidays there is a private coach to London on which girls are accompanied by a member of staff. This coach stops at Andover and Fleet before ending at Richmond. The same coach service also brings girls back to Hanford after exeats and half terms. Parents are asked to complete a travel form ahead of each break, and may book transport directly with the provider Vectare. Visa Requirements Parents must ensure that their child is in possession of a valid visa before the start of their first term. If a pupil has a UK passport, they will not require a visa to study in the UK; however, if they do not have a UK passport, even if they live in the UK, they may still require a visa. Parents are asked to check a non-UK passport carefully to see whether the child has ‘Right of Abode’ in the UK. A child intending to study at Hanford Prep should apply under the Child Student Visa route. This visa has replaced the Tier 4 Child Student Visa. If applying from outside the UK, the earliest one can apply for a visa is six months before starting at Hanford Prep. More information is available on the UK Visas and Immigration section of the gov.uk website.
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Fees Registration Fee A Registration fee of £120 (£300 for international pupils) is payable by all parents wishing to register their daughter for entry to the School. The fee is non-refundable. Deposit A deposit of £1,000 is payable on acceptance of a place. Overseas parents pay a deposit of £1,000 plus one term’s fee credited against their first term’s bill. Sibling Fee Discount Scheme Sherborne Schools Group operates a sibling fee discount arrangement across Sherborne Boys, Sherborne Girls, Sherborne Prep and Hanford Prep: a 5% remission for the second child, 10% for the third, and 15% for the fourth and subsequent children who are concurrently at schools within the Group. Other conditions apply; please contact Billing for more information about eligibility and how the discount works. The fees per term from 1 September 2026* including VAT (where applicable) Year Core Plus/ Senior Day
HM Forces From September 2025, the total amount payable for CEA funded pupils will be the CEA allowance plus 10% of the prevailing (full) boarding fee (inclusive of VAT). All the Schools within the Sherborne Schools Group also offer a 10% discount off day and boarding fees for those families currently working in the armed forces, who do not qualify for the CEA allowance. Fees in lieu of notice Under the School’s Terms and Conditions a term’s written notice must be given to terminate the Parent Contract, given no later than the first day of the term which is to be the girl’s final full term at the School. If proper notice is not given then fees in lieu of notice will be payable in lieu as a debt.
Boarding
Year 3 £5,475 £6,695 £8,055 Year 3 daytime feeding £300 £300 £300 Year 4 £6,070 £7,300 £9,290 Year 5 £6,725 £7,935 £10,450 Year 6-8 8,005 £10,550 International £13,795 Year 4-8 daytime feeding £350 £350 £350 * To help with financial planning, the Sherborne Schools Group offers a nine-monthly direct debit payment option and a fees-in-advance scheme (T&Cs apply). Parents may also opt to pay the full annual fee at the start of the academic year. Please contact billing@sherborneschools.group for further information.
Extras Charges ADMISSIONS CHARGES
Excluding VAT
Including VAT
Registration (non-refundable)
£100.00
£120.00
International pupil registration (non-refundable)
£250.00
£300.00
Deposit (non-refundable) VAT-applicable when used against VAT-able fees and extras
£1,000.00
EXTRAS AND ACTIVITIES Overnight boarding One night (subject to availability) £47.50 £57.00 Riding Lessons (per term) Term-time full livery fee (per week) Holiday full livery fee (per week) Those pupils with ponies at school on livery will receive a 50% discount on termly riding fees
£335.00 £70.00 £80.00
£402.00 £84.00 £96.00
Dance lessons (per term)
£162.00
£194.40
Tennis lessons (per term)
£68.00
£81.60
Learning a Musical Instrument Lessons (per term) Musical instrument hire (per term)
£250.00 £26.00
£300.00 £31.20
Daily Extras (charged per day) Hanford Core (Years 3-5) - Evening activities and supper Hanford Core (Years 3-5) - Saturday morning activities Day Girls (Years 6-8) - Supper and late collection VAT exempt
£33.25 £46.75 £22.50
£39.90 £56.10 £22.50
LEARNING SUPPORT Level A (typically 2 small group sessions per week) Per term £220.00 £264.00 Level B (typically a 1:1 session + 2 small group sessions per week) Per term
£330.00
£396.00
Level C (typically 2x 1:1 + 2 small group sessions per week) Per term
£445.00
£534.00
Full diagnostic assessment
£370.00
£444.00
Additional 1:1 lesson As required
£39.00
£46.80
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EXTRA CHARGES CONTINUED
Excluding VAT
Including VAT
ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE Level A (typically 2 small group sessions per week) Per term £220.00 £220.00 Level B (typically a 1:1 session + 2 small group sessions per week) Per term
£330.00
£330.00
Level C (typically 2x 1:1 + 2 small group sessions per week) Per term
£445.00
£445.00
Additional 1:1 lesson As required
£39.00
£39.00
Notes: Extras are charged termly unless otherwise stated. A term’s notice is required to discontinue extras. In the Michaelmas term of a pupil’s first year at the school, half a term’s notice may be given to discontinue extras as at the start of the next term. Musical Instrument Provision and Hire: Where an instrument is required as part of the School’s music curriculum and provided to enable participation in taught lessons, the charge represents classroom materials closely related to education and is treated as VAT‑exempt. Instruments provided on an optional basis, for extended use, or where pupils may reasonably provide their own, are treated as a separate hire service and are subject to VAT at the standard rate
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General / Financial Enquiries General enquiries 01258 860219 office@hanfordprep.group Admissions enquiries 01258 920847 admissions@hanfordprep.group Head Correspondence via School Office, Mrs Sophie Blewitt 01258 860219 head@hanfordprep.group
Financial enquiries Operations Manager 01258 920849 opsmanager@hanfordprep.group Chair of Governors Correspondence should be addressed to: S.C. Worthy Clerk to the Governors c/o The Bursary, Sherborne Boys, Abbey Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3LF
Location 2 hours from London Waterloo 2 hours from Heathrow 1.5 hours from Bristol and Southampton airports 30 minutes from Gillingham train station
M1
Luton
St Albans
OXFORD M40
Chepstow
SWINDON
Newport CARDIFF
A37
Andover
Shepton Mallet Taunton M5
Salisbury
Yeovil Sherborne
EXETER A30
Honiton
Blandford Dorchester A35
Woking
M3 A3
Winchester
Guildford
M2
Maidstone
M23
M20
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Horsham
A36
SOUTHAMPTON
M27
HANFORD PREP
BOURNEMOUTH
Isle of Wight
Weymouth A38
M25
Waterloo Basingstoke
BATH
A303
LONDON
Reading
M4
BRISTOL
Weston-super-Mare
M11
Chichester PORTSMOUTH
A27
BRIGHTON
Hastings Eastbourne
Hanford Prep Child Okeford Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 8HN admissions@hanfordprep.group 01258 920847
hanfordprep.group PA R T O F T H E S H E R B O R N E S C H O O L S G R O U P Sherborne Schools Group is a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, No. 4002575 and registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, No. 1081228