A UNIQUE BLEND OF TRADITION + INNOVATION
Welcome
Katherine Massey Director of External Affairs
For Boys
Welcome to Sherborne Boys and to our thriving, happy community. Boys join us from many different schools; traditional prep schools, middle schools, secondary schools and international schools, and it is this variety and diversity that makes being a pupil at Sherborne so enjoyable. No matter where you are at school, you will find a very warm welcome and a homefrom-home with us.
For Parents
We appreciate that choosing a senior school for your son is a major decision. Choosing Sherborne is one which will provide him with a superb foundation on which to build future success. Sherborne exists to support our boys in making a positive difference, whether locally, nationally or internationally. We help them to develop the necessary skills, resilience, and flexibility they will need to make their way in an increasingly competitive and globalised world. We encourage them to have a clear set of values that enable them not just to enjoy their own success, but to also contribute to the happiness and wellbeing of those around them.
For All
Although we are a single-sex school for boys, we enjoy many wonderful co-educational and enrichment moments with Sherborne Girls. This is an important and unique part of our two schools; the boys and girls join together for many sports, clubs and academic societies including CCF, Duke of Edinburgh, tennis, and sailing, as well as every Saturday night for house and/or year-group socials – it really is the best of both worlds.
Many Sherborne families have boys with us and their sisters at Sherborne Girls. Our proximity to each other ensures that they have plenty of opportunity to meet up as siblings, whilst allowing each to have their own, unique education.
My team and I are here to support you at every step of the way, and we look forward to welcoming you to Sherborne.
It is a real privilege to be leading this wonderful school in the next phase of its development, as together we write the next chapter of Sherborne’s history.
Simon Heard Headmaster
It is an extraordinarily exciting time to be a pupil here and I hope that you will discover the sense of excitement and myriad opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, particularly in the stories you hear and in the people you meet.
The boys are very fortunate to benefit from an outstanding body of staff, both teaching and operational. They are dedicated and professional, have the boys’ best interests always at heart and provide an all-round holistic education and environment. At the centre of this 21st century full-boarding experience is a commitment to the development of a boy’s whole character, to prepare him for the world, give him the skills and experiences to flourish and to give him the humility and perspective to give more to the world than he takes.
At Sherborne we have the best of both worlds; an outstanding single-sex educational experience, set in the context of a wider school group which brings benefits of scale and opportunity, especially within a co-educational sphere. Geographically located in one of the most beautiful and desirable towns in the UK, the co-location of Sherborne Girls means we are separate, yet together, providing an outstanding preparation for life.
The history of the School stretches over many centuries, yet, whilst we respect and understand the importance of the past, we remain focused on the next stage of Sherborne’s existence in order to create an inspirational and innovative educational offering for the boys, preparing them to be the world’s future leaders.
“My son has been given a unique combination of direction and freedom to grow into himself as a curious, kind, confident and attentive teenager.”
Parent
A UNIQUE BLEND OF PERFORMANCE + FOCUS
“Pupils have excellent study skills. They are analytical thinkers, well organised and will readily hypothesise.”
ISI Inspectorate 2023
Academic Studies
At Sherborne Boys, pupils are encouraged to thrive academically while also developing the confidence to enjoy the process of learning. Our close relationship with Sherborne Girls ensures a balanced experience that reflects life beyond school. The timetable is designed to be flexible so that each individual is supported. With a wide range of GCSE, iGCSE, A Level and BTEC options, together with a rich programme of academic enrichment, pupils receive a wellrounded education that prepares them for an ever-evolving world.
Academic outcomes are excellent, as one would expect from a top UK boarding school, but the value-added routinely places Sherborne in the top 5% of schools in the country. We are a selective school, but not highly so, and therefore the results that boys can and do achieve are outstanding, and proof were it needed that our teaching and our approach to academic studies is first rate.
Following excellent pathway provision from our Sixth Form support team, at the end of their studies the majority of our boys leave to take up places at top universities in the UK, including Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Bristol, Imperial College and the London School of Economics. Whilst three quarters of our boys head off to Russell Group universities, global universities (and especially those in USA, Canada and Europe) are becoming attractive options. Vocational courses at The Courtauld, Royal Academy of Music and Royal College of Music, and Degree Apprenticeships are also popular choices, but whatever path they choose, it is the result of expert guidance from Higher Education specialists, a broad curriculum and outstanding opportunities both in-and-out of the classroom.
Our academic enrichment programme is wide ranging, and is designed to help boys grow into independent learners – curious thinkers who want to know more, and have the skills to explore. The programme welcomes Olympians, politicians, mountaineers, entrepreneurs, educationalists and authors as visiting speakers, and to further enhance boys’ habits of learning, we offer various subjects as enrichment options at AS Level. Allied to the Extended Project Qualification that boys can complete in the Sixth Form, we believe our overall culture at Sherborne is more akin to that of a university environment than of a school – making it the ideal preparation for a boy’s next steps.
Sport
There are a huge number of sporting options for boys at Sherborne, whether they are part of our high-performance pathways or just wish to take part in the plethora of sports that the School has to offer.
As well as bringing out the very best in our elite sportsmen, we are just as committed to the participation in sport of every single boy.
For us, sport is a success if a boy finds an activity that he enjoys and will stick with once he leaves School. We want our boys to form habits of healthy living; shaping a commitment to regular exercise, because we recognise its importance to both physical and mental wellbeing, and our state-of-the-art sports centre with swimming pool, climbing centre, sports halls, squash courts, multi-purpose studios, golf analysis suite, physio
centre, fitness suite and dedicated performance gym is integral to this.
We foster strong partnerships with external providers, allowing our high-performance pupils the opportunity to train and compete at a level beyond the school environment. We have built strong relationships with numerous partners including Bath and Exeter Rugby, Dorset and Somerset Cricket, Dorset Football, and Dorset Athletics. The High-Performance Programme ensures that pupils receive personalised strength and conditioning plans, as well as seminars and lectures about nutrition, sleep, psychology, culture and values, leadership, teamwork, performance lifestyle, time management, and video analysis. This comprehensive approach provides our athletes with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive both on and off the field.
A UNIQUE BLEND OF COMMUNITY + SERVICE
Music Drama
Music runs right through the heart of Sherborne and is considered by many to be the top non-specialist school for music in the country. Fantastically equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the Music School boasts spacious practice rooms with pianos, performance studios that have tie-lines to the Recording Studio, and two music classrooms that contain thirty composing workstations between them.
From the 109-strong Choir that sings in the Abbey, the Chamber Choir and Close Harmony group –singing is ‘cool’ at Sherborne – to the smallest instrumental duo, there is quite literally something for everyone. The Wind Band is enormous but there are smaller groups that cater for all standards of musician. The auditioned Swing Band is one of the finest big bands in the South of England and the two orchestras are joint with Sherborne Girls
and The Gryphon (our local secondary school). Chamber Music proliferates with several ensembles entering national competitions each year with great success. Rock and Pop groups are pupil led and focus upon the annual CourtsFest (a large screen open-air performance each summer), whilst there is a further performance opportunity each term and at least two ‘Unplugged’ events per year.
For advanced instrumentalists there are performance opportunities every Friday lunchtime in public concerts held in a nearby church, and informal concerts and masterclasses, competitions, and internal workshops are open to all. As the School that Chris Martin of Coldplay attended, Sherborne provides musical opportunities for every level and genre.
Unsurprisingly in a School that has produced many fine actors, boys have the chance to participate in annual House plays, as well as School plays and joint productions with Sherborne Girls. With the purpose-built Powell Theatre, boys gain valuable experience of performing on the big stage and if they prefer not to be in the limelight, there’s ample opportunity for them to develop skills behind the scenes too. LAMDA lessons are hugely popular at Sherborne, and boys enjoy great success, with over 75% gaining a Distinction in their exams at Grade 8.
Here you’ll discover creativity around every corner, because the creative arts are vital to Sherborne’s culture and to a boy’s future, and equally important as academic success. Our drama School alumni include Hugh Bonneville, Jeremy Irons and James Purefoy.
Art & Design
Sherborne has a culture in which all creative endeavour is prized. With an art gallery on site exhibiting work by artists of international renown, and with teachers who are professional artists themselves, there is much to inspire the boys to pursue their own enthusiasms, and many demonstrate real flair for drawing, print making, pottery, photography or digital design.
In both Art and Design, boys work on real-world projects, focussing on relevant, effective and structured problem solving. We believe that boys who learn how to be imaginative and creative are better prepared for the future; they can think on their feet and have confidence in their ability to formulate ideas and influence people.
“No-one is pigeon-holed at Sherborne. We’re given so many opportunities to develop our passions both in and beyond the classroom. Everyone’s talents are appreciated, and whether artistic, academic, musical, great at sport or brilliant at debating, you’ll find your niche in this community.”
Co-Curricular Activities
There is never a dull moment at Sherborne! Boys are encouraged to take part in a wide range of co-curricular activities, from debating to archive club, from campanology to radio broadcasting, as well as opportunities to support others through charity work and volunteering.
“From sports to CCF, the list of possibilities goes on and on, for all to enjoy whatever they find interesting. The abundance of opportunity sets this school apart from any other, not to mention the value of the opportunities for self-improvement.”
Veljko, Sixth Form
For a full list of co-curricular clubs and activities please visit our website.
Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
Sherborne CCF is a joint endeavour with Sherborne Girls. We have three sections in the CCF: Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Army. Each section does something different whether sailing, field craft and tactics, military knowledge, or handling a weapon safely. CCF provides leadership opportunities that are not on offer in other areas of school life, and we enter national competitions such as the Rifles Cadet Cup, the Pringle Trophy and the CCF Sailing Regatta. The CCF will parade for Remembrance Sunday and their Biennial Inspection, and intrepid cadets can join camps and courses, including adventure training in Norway and Transylvania or parachuting!
Outdoor Education
In addition to CCF, our Outdoor Education programme gives boys the opportunity to extend their experiences beyond their comfort zone. We aim to provide opportunities to learn skills such as navigation, campcraft and rope work through activities such as sport or challenges. The main opportunities available include Ten Tors, Duke of Edinburgh and climbing and, like CCF, are jointly run with Sherborne Girls. Climbing is a sport option all year round and held in our state-of-the-art climbing centre. Whether using the climbing wall, or opting for bouldering, our boys compete both locally and nationally in events such as the annual Independent Schools’ Climbing Competition.
A UNIQUE BLEND OF PURPOSE + PASSION
Boarding Life
Sherborne is a full-boarding School, and our boys live within a close, supportive community. Everyone knows that they play a role in helping the whole community to thrive, and acquire habits of kindness, compassion and thoughtfulness that set them up for life.
Sherborne believes that every boy has the right to feel safe, happy, and valued as an individual. Pastoral care has the highest priority in the incredibly supportive House system. Resident House staff and a team of tutors provide guidance, support, and encouragement in all areas of school life.
Pupils form strong bonds across the year groups, underpinned by mentoring between the junior and senior boys. With the boarding house at the heart of their experience, it quickly becomes a place to call home – somewhere boys are encouraged to
be themselves, to unwind and grow in a safe and trusting environment, and to relish the fellowship of their friends. By living alongside our boys and watching them grow together, we can provide unrivalled pastoral care and work closely with parents to give every boy the very best possible chance to thrive.
Boarding houses are busy places! Unlike many other boarding schools, we do not offer weekly or flexi-boarding, meaning that each House is as full at weekends as it is during the week. A typical weekend will start with Saturday morning lessons, usually followed by a whole School lecture. Saturday afternoons are given over to the School’s extensive sports programme, in which every boy has a chance to participate, before they gather in Houses for Assembly in the evening. Supper is followed by a programme of social
activities, together with Sherborne Girls. On Sunday mornings, breakfast/brunch is followed by quiet time in Houses, during which boys catch up with work, prepare for the week ahead or simply relax. Various trips take place on Sundays, including outdoor activities like paintballing, go-karting, zorbing, or visits to watch professional sports matches or perhaps the cinema. Inter-house competitions are regularly scheduled for Sunday afternoons, as well as during the week, and in activities as diverse as debating, football, and water polo. Most weeks, the whole School comes together on Sunday evening for a service in the Abbey.
The food at Sherborne is plentiful and is of exceptional quality and mealtimes are eagerly looked forward to. Meals are taken in the Dining Room, with boys enjoying homemade morning
“The welfare of the boys in this busy environment is placed centre stage.”
Good Schools Guide
and afternoon snacks in their House. With food locally sourced wherever possible and a strong emphasis on freshness, there is a choice of several delicious hot options every day, as well as homemade soup and bread, a pasta and baked potato bar, a huge salad bar, and a range of hot and cold desserts. Fresh fruit is available at every meal and in House. Vegetarians, vegans, halal, and specific dietary requirements are all catered for, and we celebrate special cultural events from around the world.
As a result of the encompassing nature of boarding life, above all, Shirburnians know that they are cared for, that the whole community is looking out for them, celebrating the highs and supporting them during the challenges of teenage years.
A Safe Location Wellbeing Travel & Transport
Sherborne is a thriving yet peaceful town with a tangible community spirit, making it an enviable location for a school like ours. It is a safe environment in which our boys can grow up, knowing that the dangers and aggressive pressures of a busier, urban setting are unlikely to arise. We hope that by providing opportunities for the boys to mix and engage with the town, the local community and other schools, they will develop a respect for others, a sense of belonging not only to their School but to an ever-changing community beyond, and that they will learn habits of hospitality and service that they continue to practise beyond School and on into their lives.
Our 24-hour, on-site Health Centre provides a high-quality medical service for all boys during term time. Registered nursing staff provide 24-hour cover in this clinical setting which is fully equipped to manage day-to-day medical and nursing appointments, as well as comfortable accommodation for those needing extra care.
The School Doctor holds surgeries each morning to facilitate any medical assessments or medications required, and physiotherapy is also available. Mental and physical health often go hand in hand, and all staff in the Health Centre are trained professionals, ready and willing to support any mental health concerns. The range of support is vast and always takes an individual approach. It may be as simple as talking and being supported by the duty nurse, speaking to the School Counsellor or it may require a referral for more specialist help, but in every case, the boy’s needs are our priority.
The ‘Pupil Listening Service’ is a wonderful additional layer of support available to boys at peer level. This is a real cause for celebration and is testimony to the caring and empathetic boys we have here at Sherborne. All Pupil Listeners have undergone specialist training to undertake the role and are prepared to support any pupil who would like to talk to another pupil about their feelings.
Sherborne is very well placed and benefits from a mainline train station just four minutes’ walk from School, with trains running to London Waterloo every hour. The station is a hive of activity at exeats and the end of term as pupils gather for the train ride home or ‘Hogwarts Express’, as it is known.
“ We want our children to be humble and polite and we feel that Sherborne shares these values.”
Parent
Onward transport arrangements can be made for those travelling to/from Bournemouth, Bristol, Exeter, Gatwick, Heathrow, London City and Southampton airports, as well as to central London. These services are usually run by a local taxi company. With a dedicated school-based Travel and Transport Officer, our international families can take comfort knowing that their son can be supported with travel to and from School, if required, and we provide supervised coach services to/from London Heathrow at the beginning and end of each term and half term.
How to Join us
ENTRY TIMELINE FOR 13+
September Year 6 or Year 7
October – December Year 6 or Year 7
January Year 6 or Year 7
September Year 7
June Year 7
October Year 8
November Year 8
January/February Year 8
Sherborne at Work
Boys to take ISEB Pre-Tests at current school*
A ssessment day/interviews*
Sherborne in Action
Super Sunday
Boarding Open House
Scholarship application and/or bursary deadline
Co-Curricular Scholarships
February Year 8 Academic Scholarships
Easter Year 8 House allocations
June Year 8 Common Entrance
June Year 8
ENTRY TIMELINE FOR 16+ 2026 ENTRY
24 September 2025
New Boys’ Day
Sixth Form Tour Afternoon
20 October 2025 Registration deadline
18 November 2025
Sixth Form Assessments and Scholarships
1 December 2025 Place decisions
8 December 2025
Spring Term 2026
Acceptance deadline
Subject choice confirmation
April 2026 House allocations confirmed
June 2026
Summer 2026
August 2026
September 2026
New Boys’ Day
New Boys’ Webinar
GCSE results (forward to Sherborne for verification)
Welcome to Sherborne!
Fees & Charges
Inclusive of VAT (where applicable)
SEPTEMBER 2025 – AUGUST 2026
(non-refundable)
(refundable against final account) TERMLY FEES
TERMLY EXTRAS
English as an Additional Language (45 minute lessons)**
Individual Tuition
Group of two
Group of three
Learning Support (45 minute lessons)
Individual
Group of two
Group of three
Extra support group
£60 per lesson
£35 per lesson, each
£25 per lesson, each
£60 per lesson
£33 per lesson, each
£24 per lesson, each
£24 per lesson, each
Language lessons 1-1 £57 per lesson, each
*VAT applicable when used against VATable fees and extras.
**Exempt from VAT.
Sherborne Boys
Abbey Road
Sherborne
Dorset DT9 3LF
United Kingdom
admissions@sherborneboys.group +44 (0)1935 810403
sherborneboys.group
PART OF THE SHERBORNE SCHOOLS GROUP
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