Preppers’ Annual
2025-26
Preppers 2026
Well, haven’t we had another exceptional year at Sherborne Prep?! As you turn the pages of this book, you will find a myriad of adventures to explore. This year, almost entirely put together by the children themselves, Preppers will give you a little insight into the magic of our school: from Art to Music, Drama to Sport, Adventure to Academics, the children bounce through school life never having one day the same.
Every year we challenge ourselves to improve our offering, to give the children breadth, adventure, and to have the opportunity to push beyond their
comfort zone. All we ask is that they give that new thing a try, to be brave in their learning and experiences and do everything with kindness in their hearts. Every year all our children surpass our expectations. We simply could not be more proud of them all.
I wish I could have come to Sherborne Prep when I was at school!
Mrs Annie Gent, Head
NNursery
What a wonderful year we have had in Nursery!
It has been a year filled with fun, friendship, laughter and unforgettable memories.
We have spent our days painting colourful masterpieces, creating exciting crafts, singing our favourite songs and dancing with huge smiles on our faces; from splashing during our water days to enjoying cosy pyjama days, every moment has been packed with excitement and joy.
We were incredibly proud to perform our fantastic Nativity at Christmas, sharing the festive spirit with our families, and later wowing everyone again with our wonderful Summer Concert. We also ran our socks off during Sports Day, showing great determination, teamwork and enthusiasm.
Throughout the year we have learnt so much. We have explored sign language, discovered new French words, developed our Phonics skills and built confidence with Maths through lots of hands-on learning and play.
One of our favourite things has been spending time outdoors. Whatever the weather, we have wrapped up, put on our wellies or sunhats and headed outside for adventures. We have dug, explored, investigated and often ended up to our elbows in mud!
Along the way, we have built friendships, grown in confidence, learnt to be kind and caring, and become more independent every day.
Most importantly, we have had so much fun! It has been a fantastic year full of happiness, learning and laughter, and we are so proud of everything we have achieved together.
RReception
Reception began the year with a strong focus on developing independence and building an understanding of ourselves, our families, and the beliefs and values of others. One of the highlights of the first term was the topic on Space, where the children explored the planets, learned about space missions, and discovered astronauts from both the past and present, as well as showing great enthusiasm for rockets! The term concluded with a fantastic Christmas play, where the Reception children demonstrated their growing confidence and enjoyment of performing on stage.
As the year progressed, the children explored a Transport theme, which provided exciting opportunities to deepen their learning. One of the highlights of the Lent term was a visit to Haynes Motor Museum where the children discovered how transport has changed over time. Celebrating Chinese New Year was another memorable experience, as the children learned about different cultures and traditions; they especially enjoyed tasting Chinese food and taking part in their own celebration with dragon dancing and music.
By the final term, the children had grown into independent and confident learners. They explored a range of engaging topics including Castles, Under the Sea, The Seaside, and Minibeasts. A visit to the Sea Life Centre allowed them to see many of the sea creatures they had been learning about, and the year ended with a beach trip and a wonderful end of year performance of Rock Pool.
Reception’s year has been full of fun, learning, growth, and increasing independence, with the children making fantastic progress.
Year 1
The year began with our topic ‘We Are Britain’. The Michaelmas Term was packed full of learning about our brilliant Isles, famous Brits and what makes us British.
YValues of fairness, respect and the rule of law were applied throughout the Pre-Prep and the playground! The term culminated in our brilliant nativity The Fleece Force, with some marvellous performances from all. Lent term was all about Superhumans; learning about our amazing bodies and bones,
comparing them to other animals, discovering some super humans and what made them special. Trinity was all about the Rainforest, sustainability and lifecycles. As I write this, we hope the eggs hatch and our Save The Rainforest march through Sherborne goes well! Trips to Launceston Farm through the
seasons, Abbotsbury subtropical gardens, Glastonbury Tor and the Roman villa at The Newt all provided ‘wow’ moments that underpinned our learning. A year of laughter, learning and growing; exactly what Year 1 is all about!
We created our favourite jungle animals!
Year 2
Year 2 have had a wonderfully busy and rewarding year, with growing independence at the heart of all they do. Our journey began with a study of Britain, where the children explored key landmarks, influential figures and the shared values that shape our community.
YThe first term concluded a fantastic performance Fleece Force, where the 2 children took centre with confidence, humour impressively secure line
As the year progressed, focus shifted to the human body and those who achieve extraordinary things, before moving on to the wonders
concluded with performance of The the Year stage humour and line learning.
progressed, our human achieve before wonders of
the rainforest, considering life cycles and the importance of caring for our world. A wide range of experiences enriched our learning, including visits to Launceston Farm, Abbotsbury, Glastonbury Tor and The Newt, as well as our Explorer Day and whole Pre-Prep trip to the beach.
The children also delighted in performing at the music recital,
showcasing the breadth of talent across the year group. The year ended with a second, equally fabulous summer production. The children now move on to Year 3 ready and excited, looking forward to key cards, collecting their own lunch and representing the school in sports matches against other schools.
Animals we love!
Year 3
Year 3 have had a wonderful year with pupils rising to new challenges with enthusiasm and growing independence.
Y
Over the year, the children have flourished academically, making strong progress across reading, writing and maths while developing greater confidence, resilience, and a love of learning. Highlights have included the joyful Year 3 and 4 production of Superstan, where every child took to the stage with infectious enthusiasm, filling the hall with colour, music and laughter.
Forest School adventures encouraged curiosity, cooperation and courage, while the House Music event saw the children rock out with confidence and pride. A memorable trip to the Roman Baths brought history to life, with pupils exploring the past and dressing up as Romans, followed by the exciting school sleepover. As the year draws to a close, our Year 3 pupils are confident, capable and ready to spread their wings as they head into Year 4.
We drew ourselves as a superhero or character!
Year
Year
4 has been a vibrant and enriching year, full
Pupils have shone in SuperStan confidence, creativity and teamwork, through thoughtful class assemblies. explored inspiring texts such as Your Dragon and Iron Man, alongside has been highly practical and states of matter, electricity and problem solving, games and quizzes Geography focused on
Learning beyond the classroom exciting enrichment opportunities, Abbey, Saturday Activities, independence and friendships, to Hooke Court. Hot chocolate celebrated effort, teamwork and
These visits, residential trips and helped shape a truly fabulous year, excited for transition
Year 4
full of curiosity, resilience and respect in all we do.
SuperStan, the Year 4 musical, developing teamwork, and shared their learning assemblies. In English, pupils have as The Butterfly Lion, How to Train alongside stories and poetry. Science and investigative, covering digestion, and more. In Maths, children enjoyed quizzes linked to real-life contexts, while map skills and water systems.
classroom has been a real highlight, with opportunities, including visits to Sherborne a Year 4 boarding night that built friendships, and a memorable residential trip chocolate rewards and cinema visits have also and achievement throughout the year. and wider enrichment experiences have year, leaving pupils well prepared and transition into Year 5.
“
4A’s six-word
LUCIAN – 4A HAD THE
Freddie – dioramas with coral
Isaac – pussy buboes
Nell – got wet and Bella – coordinates and Phyllis – Zootropolis with popcorn
Xanthe – I’m SuperStan,
OLIVIA – ECCO GELATO FUN WITH Ilana – Bertie finds an
Kit – Dragon Egg hunt
Raffy – denominators, hundredths and JASPER – HICCUP HAD A
six-word stories
BEST ASSEMBLY EVER
coral pipecleaners, googly eyes
appear on your body
squirted with paint and OS maps in geography
popcorn and school friends
SuperStan, I’m just in time!
WITH FROTHY HOT CHOCOLATE an orphaned white lion
hunt with baby dragons
denominators, numerators, tenths, and decimals
A COMMON OR GARDEN
“ 4H’s six-word
OLIVER – EXTREME FUN, COLOUR
India – Eco, caring about environment,
Valentine – The school
Felix – really enjoy boarding
Poppy – Fun swim
Wilf – Residential at Hooke
Jack – I love sport, especially KATY – IN BREAK TIME I
Willa – Art is full Ottillie – My best moment
six-word stories
COLOUR RUNNING WITH FRIENDS
environment, plants and wildlife
school lunches are very tasty
boarding at Sherborne is my favourite time
Hooke Court, so exciting especially summer cricket
PLAY WITH MY FRIENDS of bright colours moment was being Stanley!
Year 5
Year 5 has been full of exciting learning and memorable experiences.
In History we explored the life and times of the Tudors, discovering powerful monarchs, dramatic events and what everyday life was like during this fascinating period. In English, we set sail with Treasure Island, enjoying its adventure and suspense, while our class reading of Kensuke’s Kingdom and The Boy at the Back of the Class encouraged us to think deeply about friendship, courage and kindness.
We investigated a wide range of topics in Science, including mixtures, life cycles, evolution and forces, carrying out experiments and asking thoughtful questions along the way. Our Forest School sessions gave us the chance to learn outdoors, building shelters, playing team games and developing practical skills in nature. We also thoroughly enjoyed our residential trip to The Purbecks, where the children took part in a range of exciting activities, ending with a memorable camp out back at school.
Y Year 6
6I
I often joke that we are 6I with the ‘I’ being for ‘Incredible,’ – a word which really suits this fantastic group of children. It has been a privilege to be form tutor to such a wonderful class; kind, compassionate, hardworking and highly entertaining (teddy corner and gonks have been a welcome addition to the classroom!), they are remarkable. It has been a joy to watch them grow in confidence, embracing every opportunity across the school.
We have shared an action-packed year, full of memorable highlights; from the much-anticipated residential trip to London to the superb acting, singing and teamwork in The Lion King, their enthusiasm has shone throughout. World Book Day showcased fantastically creative costumes – from fairies to hot dogs – while a Colour Run, House Singing and a multitude of sporting endeavours brought teamwork and collaboration to the fore.
6I has shown real academic dedication, adapting to the senior model with impressive independence and resilience; they are more than ready for Year 7. Thank you for a superb year!
6R
What an amazing year it has been in 6R. The form has grown into a happy, lively and supportive group, made even brighter by welcoming new students into the fold, all of whom have brought great humour and plenty of smiles. Highlights have included a high energy House Singing spectacle where we rocked out, and an inspiring visit to the Science Explorer Dome, exploring the Moon. The pupils shone in their own joyful performance of The Lion King, while music concerts throughout the year reflected real confidence and teamwork. A fantastic residential trip to London took in iconic sights, such as Buckingham Palace, and pupils enjoyed the hilariously chaotic Goes Wrong Show. Alongside this came spirited participation in numerous sports fixtures; rugby, netball, hockey, cricket, athletics and swimming galas. A thoughtful form led an assembly on democracy, a ‘Bikeability’ course and a languages morning at our senior schools rounded off a truly fun filled and memorable year together.
If this year had been a film …
Year
7C
A nervous Year 7 cohort arrived in September, stepping into their new year group with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. Very quickly, smiles replaced nerves, helped by the thrill of having their own laptops to use every day. New pupils were warmly welcomed in 7C and quickly felt fully a part of the school community, as well as welcoming visitors from South Korea and China. Alongside focused academic effort, there has been plenty to celebrate; competitive sports matches, an atmospheric performance of A Christmas Carol, and a memorable class assembly featuring magic tricks with an impressive pyramid of cards. World Book Day brought amazing costumes, while an awesome residential week in Shropshire built on resilience and teamwork. Music concerts and the much-loved House Singing event filled the year with joy. Friendships have blossomed, confidence has grown, and this wonderful class now looks ahead to taking on greater responsibility at the top of the school next year as confident leaders with enthusiasm and pride for our school.
Year 7
7P
What a year it has been! Form 7P arrived in September as a glorious but unformed unit, and depart – with one more having been added to the team – as a cohesive and tight community, each bringing wonderful attributes to bear, revelling in each other’s quirks and foibles.
Highlights have included a rather raucous assembly, some fine acting and debating throughout PSP lessons, a joyous and powerful performance of A Christmas Carol, some spirited displays with the netball, rugby and cricket balls, and frenzied efforts with the hockey stick, as well as on the track and in the pool. We welcomed both Koreans and Chinese to our classrooms, albeit briefly, and ventured to both Bristol and Shropshire, the latter being a real culmination of our time together. I leave them with a tear in my eye, but happy in the knowledge that next year, at the top of the tree, we are in good hands. Onwards!
7C Class
FINN B
We stepped out of the classroom into the muddy wet rugby pitches or the dry sandy tennis court. No matter what sport it is, it has been a world of excitement, contest, and developing skills and game play.
GEORGIA C
At the start of the year, walking in remembering how things looked. Soon came laughter and fun, World Book day, all Year 7 girls dressed as crayons. Running together on the colour run. Christmas disco dancing and house music on stage.
MAX D
I came back to Sherborne nervous but excited. Then we went to the SS Great Britain, where there was a room that smelt like rotten cheese. Then Shropshire, everyone dancing and having fun. Year 7 is the best year.
HERBIE F
When I first walked through the door of are new classroom, I was excited and nervous for my first day as a year 7. When we went to the SS Great Britain we were all so excited it was so much fun.
HUGO G
I came at the beginning of the year brimming with excitement. It only got better through all the fun days, endless laughter, plays, and school trips. All the fixtures through sun and mud. I wish I could stay forever.
BEATRIZ
It was an exciting Saturday morning. to go or what to do but after an excellent time to get colourful. People running squirted with paint and water.
RYAN
Every lesson is packed with fun and always enthusiastic and never fail Every topic is always interesting. and always
SYLVIE
From being in a classroom, acting hockey pitch in IAPs or running been taught how to play a character, or change my running
ISLA
The year began with a freezing with a Christmas disco spin. We blasted as crayons for World Book Day, energy, this all managed
ELLA
A nervous start soon turned into spending time with friends, learning school trips. As we come to the Year 8 and
Class stories
BEATRIZ G morning. Everyone worried about where excellent morning of activities it was running from obstacles people getting water. It was a great time.
RYAN H and information. The teachers are fail to bring a smile to our faces. interesting. The students come in prepared always focused.
SYLVIE I
acting in ‘Les Mis’ or being on the running in athletics competitions. I have character, adapt my hockey skills, running technique.
ISLA K
freezing 7am swim and ended blasted house music on stage, dressed smashed our sport at IAPs with managed to fit in one year!
ELLA N
an exciting year. The highlights –learning new things and going on the end I am looking forward to and the SPQ.
CECE S
It was Friday evening. I was backstage with Isla and Elise. I had a pretty big part and was quite nervous. I felt like I did it well and it was my first play at this school and my first proper play ever.
I had so much fun and I definitely feel like ‘A Christmas Carol’ was a highlight of the year.
LOUIS W
The noise of people running for breakfast on a Wednesday morning after cricket training. Then heading into lessons, but when you get in class it is fun and exciting. Then next day you’re on a trip to the SS great Britain in Bristol.
HENRY W
Instead of going to school and switching classrooms, we play outside with our friends and practice a wonderful play before the big day comes. We show everyone how great year 7 is at drama and feel so much Christmas joy.
MILO W
When I first joined Year 7 I was nervous because I was nearly head of the school. After the first day, it felt like I had been there for ages. I knew it was going to be a great year because the first sport we were doing was rugby, then hockey and cricket. So fun!
SHAWN T
I came to Sherborne Prep in April to study. Some things are very hard to me, for example, to say things in a new language and meeting lots of new people and making. Now I feel good and happy.
7P Class
JOSH H
In Friday night choir rehearsal I was told I was going to become joint deputy head chorister on Sunday. I was really excited, that I was going to become joint deputy head chorister at Sherborne Abbey. So, when Sunday came round I became deputy head chorister.
YUHAN L
This Sunday, the boarding house went to the water park and when we were on the lake we all started falling in and pushing each other into the water. This Sunday has been the best house trip.
LEXIE C
This Sunday, the boarding house went to the water park and when we were on the lake. Everyone was pushing each other into the water and it was really fun. I think this Sunday is my best Sunday at boarding house of this term!!!
TOBYN M
The Shropshire trip was really fun but we had to watch Moana over 10 times! We played massive games of manhunt late at night. The colour run and House of Fun have been amazing. This term has been awesome!
JONNY
From the muddy rugby season to Christmas days of summer the whole year highs and lows then the play and and our KAI
The play was really fun because we I actually remembered my line this football a lot in the breaks. I was 3 the boy and a
ELEANOR
The play week- one scene being done fake cry but laughing instead, everyone Christmas posters. Decorating posters Being allowed to
CHARLIE
I tackle Kit he passes to Mungo, who side of the costume room and leaps began, everyone in costume the
XANDER
House music was my favourite course I am a Greek. We have got victory and we have won 3 times we are still on
Class stories
JONNY S
Christmas fun then to the scorching has been fun. The rugby seasons on to the hockey then the cricket our trip.
KAI S
we played lots of drama games and this time. We played basketball and 3 parts in the play: the gentleman, a charity man.
ELEANOR M
done about 100 times. Elise trying to everyone else on their laptop making posters and painting props. Fake snow. go on the balcony.
CHARLIE C
who runs on his knees to the other leaps to the tryline. Later the show crowd cheers as we ran on stage.
XANDER G
favourite bit as the Greeks won and of got Miss Gates who drove us to times in a row and believe it or not on our streak.
EMILIA T
The rain was pouring, and shivers spread. Reluctant screams to go in the cold, cold water, after we realized it was warmer than the rain...... the battle began, screams of “MR PATCHING IS COMING” me, Elise, Isla R all in once got pushed in!!
ELISE L
If this year was a story, then the best parts would be: the residential, the play and sports day. I picked these options because the residential was so fun being with my friends. The play because I loved acting on the stage. And sports day because I loved running all the races and I even came first in my sprint.
ISLA R
We went to a safari park, and there was animals and a theme park, I was screaming the whole day, there was even a drop ride (I did not go on it).
SEB B
In year 7 our Shropshire trip, was very good because we got to do incredible things the whole time we were there, and every time we went anywhere we got to do something really fun.
The end of the year is a wistful joy for the pupils of Year Eight, their teachers and families, wistful from the prospect of separation and change, joyful because the forty-four friends have so many happy memories to cherish.
Above all, they have been kind, hard-working, adventurous and entertaining, and we will miss them hugely. They have won numerous scholarships between them, both academic, sporting, musical, and dramatic, and have led the school with warmth and maturity.
Among their biggest highlights as a group was the residential trip to France, where they visited Paris, Bayeux, Mont St Michel and, perhaps most memorably of all, the Battlefields of The Somme, where their response was impressive.
In the middle of the cultural touring, they threw each other into rivers, whizzed along high ropes, swam in the sea at Calais and bicycled in some rather splendid rail-mounted wagons along an old railway line, not forgetting as many ice creams as the French would sell them, all with superb good humour.
YEAR 8
YEAR 8
They produced truly exceptional performances in two contrasting genres of play, performing Macbeth on the lawn at the end of one half of the Trinity term, and School of Rock at the end of the other- what versatility! They have been exceptional musically, with the Chamber Choir one of the best ever and the chamber music outstanding; they have been successful and inclusive on the sports field, brave and steadfast in rugby and hockey and almost all-conquering in the summer playing cricket; they contributed hugely to the Art Exhibition; they have found time to visit Wild Woodbury and put on a superb ‘Trashion Show’; they have composed music and written poetry and created superb extended projects in writing, paint, music, fabric and woodwork. Phew!
To end where I began, they have been considerate and compassionate and scholarly and ambitious; we are proud of them all and will feel wistful joy as we wave goodbye.
Macbeth
On the 22nd of May, Year Eight performed Macbeth on the front lawn, with one performance to the school in the afternoon and another to families in the evening.
The children presented a memorable interpretation of the tragedy, and the audience was gripped by the pace and pathos of the play. Characters were portrayed with great conviction: the witches intensified their key role in the plot with a clever combination of mystery and hostility, their movements beautifully designed by Corinna, Emily and Bea. Kit, as Banquo, and Hector as the first Macbeth, clearly established a mutual affection before and immediately after the prophecies and that made the later murder of Banquo all the more poignant and shocking. Laura and Jemima were exceptional as the manipulative Lady
Macbeth
Macbeth, persuading their husband to reject ‘the milk of human kindness’ and kill the king, whilst Duncan’s court, authoritatively portrayed by Noa, Francesca and Valya, came like moths to the flame to Dunsinane.
The murder itself was graphically executed by Martha in her portrayal of Macbeth first dithering and then acting. She was entirely convincing as she wrestled desperately with the dilemma, but the force of Lady Macbeth’s persuasion, so powerfully portrayed by Jemima and Laura, led him to the first murder. Alexandre was a credible and appropriately frantic Macduff
on the discovery of the murder and, soon after, Banquo and his son, Fleance, met their end at the hands of the murderers, chillingly played by James, Ian and Mencia.
The banquet scene with Banquo’s ghost was highly memorable both for the glacial nature of Kit’s expression and the powerful dialogue between Fiamma as Macbeth and Emma as his lady, responding in their different ways to the apparition seen only by one of them. The drama unfolds further as the witches, again highly convincing under their leader Hecate, well conveyed by Sofia, conjure the apparitions to give
Shakespeare
Macbeth their cryptic warnings. Once he has been told to beware MacDuff, Macduff’s family’s fate is sealed and there is more blood on his hands. Harry was memorable in his eloquent presentation of Macbeth determining this bloody course of action.
The drama reached its crescendo with the scenes in which the murder of MacDuff was reported, with Serena as Ross and Mungo as MacDuff creating a scene of such extraordinary poignance that some
of the audience were in tears. Soon after followed the sleepwalking of Lady Macbeth, in which Emma’s portrayal of the demented Queen, so ably supported by Jack as the Doctor and Marianne as the Gentlewoman, was so extraordinary that it was hard to believe the actor was so young. The climax comes as the forces of revenge converge on Dunsinane, and on Macbeth, now played by Seb with power and spirit. The English nobles and those opposed to Macbeth gather their boughs from Birnham wood and advance,
whilst Seb ponders humanity memorably in his famous ‘Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow’ soliloquy. The battle royal between Macbeth and MacDuff was extremely tense and impressive, as was the performance of Rupert as Seyton, holding them apart for a while. With Macbeth finally dead and Lady Macbeth reported dead, Malcolm, well played by Theodore, returns to the crown he would have inherited from his murdered father.
The Scottish thanes played their parts splendidly, with Etienne and Serena
military and compassionate as Ross and Gwen outstanding as Lennox. Valya played a range of roles with skill and enthusiasm and Lucy was most impressive Lady MacDuff.
It was a memorable occasion, and we would like to thank all those who supported the play so generously with their time and commitment.
Valete!
LEAVERS’ DESTINATIONS:
Etienne B
James B
Emily B
Theodore C
Bea C
Sofia C
Fiamma C
Hector C
Valya C
Seb C
Gwen D
Thomas E
Henry F
Emma F
Sherborne Boys
King’s Bruton
Sherborne Girls
Sherborne Boys
Sherborne Girls
To Be Confirmed
Sherborne Girls
Sherborne Boys
Thomas Hardye’s School
Sherborne Boys
King’s Bruton
Sherborne Boys
King’s Bruton
Sherborne Girls
Kit G
Dominic G
Mencia G
Lucy H
Theophile H
Harry H
Serena K
Alexandre K
Ian L
Torrance L
Thisev L
Jemima L
Jack M
Arthur M
V
The
Sherborne Boys
Sherborne Boys
Returning Overseas
St Mary’s Ascot
Returning Overseas
Sherborne Boys
The Hummingbird Lab
Sherborne Boys
Abingdon School
Canford School
Sherborne Boys
Dauntsey’s School
Sherborne Boys
Sherborne Boys
V
Llewelyn M
Sherborne Boys
Martha N Sherborne Girls
William N Sherborne Boys
Mungo P Sherborne Boys
Francheska P Sherborne Girls
Laura P Sherborne Girls
Corinna P Sherborne Girls
Katie R Sherborne Girls
Noa R Sherborne Girls
Andres S Canford School
Edward S
Sherborne Boys
Rupert S Sherborne Boys
Marianne V Returning Overseas
Freddie W Reddam House Constantia RSA
Where will 2027 take you ... ?
