Governors Sherborne Boys Senior Leadership Team
Chair
C.H. Samler
Governors
J.S. Blanch
S.A. Craig-McFeely
Canon N.J. Edwards
L. Hall
A.L. Harris
A.L. Hughes
N. Isaac Esq
N.L. Jones Esq
A.C. Lane
R.A.L. Leach Esq
The Reverend M.P. Lee
G. Marsh Esq
J.S. Massey
A.J.D. Pralle Esq
S.M. Spearing Esq
G. Staley
M.C. Taylor Esq
A.P. Williams
M.T. Wilson Esq
Clerk to the Governors
S.C. Worthy
Headmaster Sherborne Boys
Simon Heard, BA (Hons), PGDip
Deputy Head (Academic)
Tim Filtness, BA, MA, PhD
Deputy Head (Pastoral)
Allister Sheffield, BSc
Deputy Head (Sixth Form)
Alex Boyd-Williams BA, MEd, PGCE
Deputy Head (Operations)
Ben Sunderland, BEng
Assistant Head (Sports, Activities and Leadership)
Rob Le Poidevin, MA, MA, MSc
Assistant Head (Academic)
Judy Thurman, BA (Hons)
Director of Digital Learning
Dr David Wild, BSc, PhD
Director of Music
Alex Eadon, BA, LRAM, ARCO
Operations Bursar
Lucy MacKenzie, BA (Hons), QTS
SHERBORNE SCHOOLS GROUP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Headmaster Sherborne Boys
Simon Heard, BA (Hons), PGDip
Head Sherborne Girls
Dr Ruth Sullivan, BSc, PGCE, MSc, PhD
Head Sherborne Prep
Annie Gent, BA (Hons), MEd, BA, QTS
Head Hanford Prep
Hilary Phillips, BA (Hons) BEd
Director of External Affairs
Katherine Massey, BA (Hons)
Chief Operating Officer
Simon Worthy, BA, MBA
Vision + Aims
Since the formation of Sherborne Schools Group (SSG) last year, 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 21stcentury skills.
To bring this vision to life, we have drafted 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 + Leadership
We will cultivate resilient, ethical, and socially aware leaders, embedding character and wellbeing across all aspects of school life.
2. Academics + Futures
We will deliver personalised, high-performance learning experiences that equip pupils with the knowledge, 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 as a core element of a SSG Transformative Education.
4. Partnership + Community
We will cultivate dynamic local, national, and international networks that empower pupils to co-create transformative projects with tangible impact.
5. Sustainability + Humanity
We will equip pupils to become ethical, environmentally conscious, and globally responsible leaders.
Through The Sherborne Difference, we will cultivate ethical, innovative, and globally-minded leaders prepared to navigate and shape the challenges of the 21st century.
Academic Results 2025
A Level results
• A* - A 33.4%
• A* - B 63.2%
GCSE results
• 9-8 (A*) 33.5%
• 9-7 (A*/A) 54.1%
• 9-6 (A*/B) 73.4%
• 9-4 (A*/C) 95.3%
2025 leavers top destinations
Exeter
Oxford Brookes
Newcastle Northumbria
Durham
Cardiff
Oxford
UCL
University courses 2025
Science and Maths
Aeronautical Engineering, Applied Sport Science, Architecture, Architectural Environment Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Biosciences, Biomedical Technology Ventures, Chemistry, Economics, Economics with Management, Engineering, Finance, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Engineering with Accelerator Programme, Engineering Mathematics, Mathematical Computation, Motorsport Engineering, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Sport and Exercise Science, Sport Management.
English and Humanities
Anthropology, Classics, English, Economics and Politics, Geography, History, International Business Management, International Relations, International Relations and Politics, Philosophy, Philosophy and Politics, Philosophy, Politics and Economics, Politics and Economics, Politics and International Relations, Sociology and Social Policy.
The Arts and Languages
Computer Animation & Visual Effects, Digital Media, Hispanic Studies and Economics, History of Art, Media Production, Modern Languages with International Placement, Music.
Business and Management
Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance with Industrial Experience, Business and Entrepreneurship, Business and Finance, Business and Management, Business and Marketing Management, Business Management with a Professional Placement Year, Film and Screen Business, Fashion Marketing and Consumer Behaviour, Finance, Marketing, Real Estate.
A Level results
BTEC results
GCSE results
The Lower School curriculum focuses on three key areas: the development of a strong platform of academic skills; a broad range of choice, so that as far as possible boys study the things they enjoy and, therefore, do well in; the provision of different pathways through to GCSE, ensuring the curriculum is tailored to your son’s individual needs and that he is equally supported, stretched and challenged at the level appropriate for him.
In the Sixth Form, our list of A Level subjects and academic enrichment options offer breadth of opportunity with continued academic excellence, extended by our unique collaboration with Sherborne Girls.
Please note that 2018 was the year that GCSE grading 9-1 was introduced and we have placed the new grade 5 in the original grade C category. When making comparisons between schools it is important to know where each school has placed grade 5.
Published school league tables do not accurately reflect our academic results due to the DfE omitting to include iGCSE results in the school results statistics. As such we choose not to take part in published league tables. We are proud of our academic results and are transparent in our publishing of all our results.
Admissions Process
All boys must be registered prior to assessment.
Entry at 13+ (Year 9)
Boys that are registered for a Third Form (Year 9) place are assessed for entry in either Year 6 or Year 7. Boys are required to sit the ISEB Common PreTests (which consists of multiple-choice questions in Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, English and Maths) and they will also have an interview with a senior member of our academic staff and carry out further assessment tasks. Boys’ performances in each of these are then considered along with a confidential reference from the boy’s current school.
Applications in Year 8 for Year 9 entry will also be considered, subject to space please do contact: admissions@sherborneboys.group.
Sherborne Boys invites talented and enthusiastic boys to apply for up to two of the various scholarships and exhibitions we offer. In return for demonstrating high levels of talent and commitment in their chosen disciplines, award holders are given many opportunities to stretch themselves and develop their abilities through involvement in additional tutoring, coaching, lectures, societies and social activities. Before applying for a scholarship, boys should be in receipt of an offer of a place. Scholarship assessments take place in January or February of Year 8 and our decisions are sent to parents in early March of Year 8. Details of the awards are available from the Admissions Office or our website: sherborneboys.group
If applicants sit the 13+ Common Entrance Examination or equivalent at their current schools in the June of Year 8, the results will be used for setting purposes only.
Entry at 14+ (Year 10)
A small number of places may also be offered at 14+ (Year 10). Boys are required to sit online CAT4 assessments, and they will have an interview with a senior member of our academic staff. Boys’ performances in each of these are then considered along with a confidential reference from the boy’s current school.
Entry at 16+ (Year 12)
A limited number of places are offered at Sixth Form. Our general entry assessments (whether in-person or remote) involve an online CAT4 test, two interviews and a supportive reference from the applicant’s current school - and all offers will be sent out on 1 December. This assessment takes place in the November of Year 11 in conjunction with Sixth Form scholarship assessments.
Offer and acceptance of a place at the School
If you are offered a place at Sherborne Boys, we ask you to complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit of £2,000 which guarantees the place. For overseas pupils, a deposit of one term’s boarding fees is payable. New Boy information is sent out in the Trinity (summer) term.
House allocation
Each of our eight Boarding Houses is home to around 70 boys from across all year groups. Day pupils are also allocated to a House and have the chance to participate fully in its life. Families can complete a House Preference Form indicating up to four Houses they would like their son to be considered for. This will be looked at when placing boys in Houses, although no guarantee will be given that a boy will be assigned to a requested House. When allocating the Houses, a number of factors are taken into account, such as interests and personalities to make sure that the boys are placed in a House where they will feel comfortable. Places in Houses will be confirmed during April of Year 8. There are plenty of opportunities to visit Houses before you submit your House Preference Form by February of Year 8.
How to Join Us
ENTRY TIMELINE FOR 13+ (YEAR 9)
Recommended by Year 5 or before age 10 or younger) Visit to the School – either on a Tour Morning or an individual visit
Recommended by the end of Summer Term Year 5
September Year 6 or Year 7
September Year 7
October - December Year 6 or Year 7
January Year 6 or Year 7
June Year 7
Registration
Sherborne at Work – for registered boys
Sherborne in Action
Boys sit ISEB Common Pre-Tests*
Assessment day / interviews*
Super Sunday
November Year 8 Boarding Open House
November Year 8
January and February Year 8
February Year 8
February Year 8
Easter Year 8
June Year 8
Scholarship application and/or bursary deadline
Co-Curricular Scholarships
Academic Scholarships
House Preference Forms submitted
House allocation confirmed
Common Entrance week
June Year 8 New Boys’ Day
ENTRY TIMELINE FOR 16+ 2026 ENTRY (YEAR 11)
September
Sixth Form Tour Afternoon
October Registration deadline
November
Sixth Form Assessments and Scholarships
1 December Offers made
8 December
Lent Term
Acceptance deadline
Subject choice confirmation
April House allocation confirmed
June New Boys’ Day and/or New Boys’ webinar
August
GCSE results (forward to Sherborne for verification)
Our Admissions team will be able to guide and advise you through the whole process from requesting a prospectus and booking a tour morning/individual visit to registration and assessment. For more information, please visit our website: sherborneboys.group
*All dates are published well in advance on our website and registered parents will automatically be notified of key events.
General Information
Boarding
93% of our pupils are boarders and to provide the best boarding experience means that the Houses are just as full and busy at weekends as they are during the School week. Boarding at Sherborne is at the centre of the enriching education that we provide. Saturday morning begins with lessons, often followed by a School Lecture. This is delivered by someone outside the School – we’ve had explorers, mountaineers, athletes, academics and business people. 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 is followed by quiet time in Houses, during which boys catch up with work and reading. Various trips take place on Sundays, including outdoor activities like kayaking and climbing, and visits to football matches or to the cinema. Inter-house competitions are regularly scheduled for Sunday afternoons as well as during the week, in activities as diverse as debating, football and singing. Most weeks, the whole School comes together on Sunday evening for a service in the Abbey. Separate arrangements apply to day boys although they are very much still expected to contribute fully in the broader life of the School.
Equality
Sherborne Boys fully endorses the fundamental principles of equality and justice. The School provides a moral framework for pupils’ personal development so that they develop into principled and tolerant 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 boys whose parents are resident abroad must have an Education Guardian in the UK. Education guardians are responsible for the boy’s welfare while he 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 son and therefore should live within reasonable travelling distance. We recommend no more than 2.5 hours drive 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 Compliance Inspection Report 2023. This report, along with previous Boarding Inspections can be viewed in full at sherborneboys.group
Pastoral Care
Housemasters, House staff, and in particular Matrons, have a key role in providing much of the care which you would give at home. The 24-7 Health Centre provides a high quality medical service for all boys during term; with qualified nurses as well as a Doctor’s surgery each morning from Monday to Saturday, and a School Counsellor.
Policies
The following policies and documents can be found on the School website sherborneboys.group
• Admissions Policy
• Anti-Bullying Policy
• Behaviour Management Policy
• Complaints Procedure Policy
• Curriculum Policy
• EAL Policy
• First Aid Policy
• Gender Pay Gap Report 2022, Gender Pay Gap Report 2023, Gender Pay Gap Report 2024
• Relationships & Sex Education Policy, PSHEE Policy
• SEND Policy
• SSG Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
• SSG Health & Safety Policy
• SSG Privacy Noticy Policy
• SSG Data Protection Policy
• SSG Bursary Award Policy
• SSG Environmental & Sustainability Strategy & Action Plan
• SSG Equal Opportunities Policy for Staff
• SSG Website and Cookie Policy
• SSG Pupil Attendance, Registration & Absence 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.
Data Protection
By providing personal information to Sherborne Boys, prospective parents and other third parties agree to the School using this information in relation to their enquiry. The School will process personal data in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 (as amended or superseded including the General Data Protection Regulation) and other related legislation. The School’s Privacy Notice is available on the website at sherborneboys.group
By registering or providing personal information to Sherborne Boys, you agree to Sherborne Boys using this information in relation to your enquiry and to contacting you via email, direct mail and telephone. All the personal information you provide to Sherborne Boys will be held securely and used strictly in accordance with data protection regulations. To read our Data Protection and Privacy Statement, please refer to our website: sherborneboys.group
Technology for Learning
All pupils use individual Windows pen-enabled devices to support teaching and learning, alongside interactive classroom panels. This technology encourages collaboration, creativity, and independent study, enhancing lessons and enabling pupils to engage more deeply with their subjects. Every pupil is required to have a Windows pen-enabled device with a keyboard for use in lessons and study periods. Pupils in the Third Form (Year 9) are enrolled on a 1-to-1 scheme at the start of the academic year. Pupils in the Fourth Form to Sixth Form (Years 10–13) must bring their own Windows pen-enabled device (Wi-Fi model) with at least 128GB of storage and 16GB RAM equipped with a keyboard cover and pen. There is the option to years outside the Third Form to opt in to the 1-to-1 scheme should they wish.
Safeguarding
Sherborne Boys 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 boys 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 sherborneboys.group
Travel
For boys who live abroad there is supervised airport travel at the beginning and end of term which is time to coincide with most flight times. For fixed exeats and half-term holidays there is a recommended train to London and the possibility of alternate escorted transport where required.
Visa requirements
Any child aged 4-17 who is not a British or Irish citizen and does not already have permission to live or study in UK will need a Child Student Visa to attend and independent school in UK. The School will advise if your son requires a visa. A child intending to study at Sherborne Boys should apply under the Child Student Visa route. The earliest a visa application can be made is six months before starting at Sherborne Boys. More information is available on the UK Visa and Immigration section of the gov.uk website.
Fees
Registration Fee
A fee is payable by all parents wishing to register their son for entry to the School. The fee is nonrefundable.
Deposit
An acceptance deposit is payable on acceptance of a place. For non UK resident parents, on acceptance of a place, an overseas deposit will be required.
For further details on our registration fee and acceptance deposit please refer to our website.
Termly Fees 2025/26 inclusive of VAT
Boarding
Educational and Personal Extras
£19,200
£15,190
Individual music tuition and instrument hire is charged as an extra along with private tuition in other areas of the School. Some of the clubs and societies have a subscription and a charge is also made for participation in some outings and expeditions. Public examination fees are also charged as supplemental to the fees.
All fees are subject to an annual review by the Governors and any changes will apply from the first day of the academic year.
Sibling Fee Discount Scheme
Sherborne Boys, Sherborne Girls, Sherborne Prep and Hanford Prep operate a scheme whereby parents who educate three or more of their children at the schools are eligible for a sibling fee discount. A 10% discount will apply to the third child at the schools and 15% to the fourth and subsequent children.
Fees in Advance Scheme
The School offers a Fees in Advance scheme. Parents interested in this option should request further details from Penny Baker, Assistant Director of Finance, by email: penny.baker@sherborneschools.group
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 you must give a term’s written notice to terminate the Parent Contract, given no later than the first day of the term which is to be the boy’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.
Extras Charges
Inclusive of VAT (where applicable)
Admission Charges
Registration (non-refundable)
Deposit* (refundable against final account)
Student Visa administration
£300
£2,000
£600
Overnight Boarding Charge - Day Boarders Only
One night
English as an Additional Language** (45 minute lessons)
Individual Tuition
Group of two
Group of three
Learning Support (45 minute lessons)
Individual Tuition
Group of two
Group of three
Extra support group
Other
1-1 Language Tuition (45 minutes)
Music (35 minute lessons)
Individual Tuition first instrument
Individual Tuition second instrument
Instrument Hire
Additional fees
House subscription
Art materials Third Form
Art materials Fourth Form
Art materials Fifth Form
Art materials Sixth Form
£84
£60 per lesson
£35 per lesson
£25 per lesson
£60 per lesson
£33 per lesson
£24 per lesson
£24 per lesson
£57 per lesson
£48 per lesson
£36 per lesson
£72 per term
Drama, Speech and Communication (45 minutes - in ten week blocks)
Individual Tuition
Group of two
Group of three or more
£57 per lesson
£33 per lesson
£24 per lesson
£33 per term
£48 per annum
£60 per annum
£90 per annum
£102 per annum
Linen charge one off charged on first term
Trunk storage per holiday
£138
£42 For overseas boarders only, to include checking and laundering of clothes during holiday.
Tuck box storage per holiday
£7.20
Further details about the full range of options and charges for extra subjects are available from the appropriate Head of Department.
A term’s notice is required to discontinue extra tuition. “A term’s notice” means notice given before the first day of term expiring at the end of term. Extras will continue into the following academic year unless notice has been received in advance. Any extra that is delivered in a block of 10 or more sessions requires a term’s notice, with the exception of the first term a pupil joins SB where half a term’s notice can be given in the Michaelmas term of Year 1. Half a term’s notice is before the first day of classes commencing after half term.
General / Financial Enquiries
Admissions enquiries
01935 810403 admissions@sherborneboys.group
General enquiries
01935 812249 enquiries@sherborneboys.group
Headmaster
Correspondence via Headmaster’s EA, Mrs Penny Blunn 01935 812 249 headmaster@sherborneboys.group
Financial enquiries
01935 810501 accounts@sherborneboys.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
Sherborne Boys is situated in the centre of Sherborne, Dorset, within walking distance of the mainline train station between Exeter and London Waterloo.
2 hours from London Waterloo
2 hours from Heathrow
1.5 hours from Bristol and Southampton airports 15 minutes from the A303 45 minutes from Salisbury by train
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