Governors Sherborne Girls 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
Head Sherborne Girls
Dr Ruth Sullivan, BSc, PGCE, MSc, PhD
Senior Deputy Head (Pastoral)
Jessica Briggs, BA (Hons)
Deputy Head (Academic)
Dr Rebecca Stone, BSc, PhD
Deputy Head (Co-Curricular and Operations)
Jayne Dart, BSc (Hons)
Director of Sixth Form
David Banks, BSc, PGCE
Director of Studies
Sophie Blewitt, BA (Hons), MSc, PGCE
Operations Bursar
Kathleen Cook, BSc (Hons), MEd
Operational Safeguarding Manager (DSL)
Leonie Cole, BA (Hons), PGDip
SHERBORNE SCHOOLS GROUP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Head Sherborne Girls
Dr Ruth Sullivan, BSc, PGCE, MSc, PhD
Headmaster Sherborne Boys
Simon Heard, BA (Hons), PGDip, QTS
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
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
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 40.3%
• A* - B 67.8%
GCSE results
• 9-8 (A*) 30.4%
• 9-7 (A*/A) 49.6%
• 9-6 (A*/B) 68.7%
• 9-4 (A*/C) 97.9%
2025 leavers top destinations
Exeter
Newcastle
Edinburgh
Bristol
Oxford Brookes
Cardiff
Manchester Metropolitan
Cambridge
Durham
Oxford
University courses 2025
Science and Maths
Architecture, Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Chemical Engineering, Coaching and Physical Education, Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Engineering and Architectural Design, Exercise and Health Sciences, Forensic Science, Neuroscience, Nutrition and Medical Sciences, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy with Foundation, Sport.
English and Humanities
Anthropology, Archaeology, Built Environment Foundation, Commercial Music, Creative Writing and History of Art, Criminology, Early Childhood Studies, Economic History and Geography, Economics and Politics, Economics, English with Classical Studies, English, Forensic Psychology, Geography, History and Sociology, History, International Relations, Law, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Philosophy, Politics with American Studies, Politics, Psychology with Language Sciences and Professional Placement, Psychology, Social Anthropology, Sociology, Theology and Religion with Study Abroad.
The Arts and Languages
Art History and Visual Culture, Drama, Film Production, Fine Art, French and Russian Studies, French and Philosophy, History of Art, Law and French Law, Liberal Arts, Liberal Arts with Study Abroad, Linguistics and English Language, Music, Philosophy and Spanish, Stage Management and Technical Theatre, Theatre Studies, Sustainable Fashion.
Business and Management
Accounting & Finance, Business Economics, Business Management, Events Management, Food Business, Management and Marketing, Law and Business, Marketing and Management with Industrial Experience, Real Estate.
GCSE results
Sherborne Girls is extremely proud of its broad end enriching curriculum:
• For girls aged 11-14, (Years 7-9), our focus is on academic exploration, investigation and instilling a love of learning.
• At GCSE (Years 10 -11), our curriculum provides a real opportunity for pupils to develop a range of skills and competencies as defined in our School values. We provide pupils with some choice regarding academic areas of focus.
• 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 Boys.
Our individualised approach to teaching and learning ensures that every pupil is encouraged and inspired to develop healthy habits of learning, intellectual curiosity and a range of interests that will last a lifetime.
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 girls must be registered prior to assessment.
Entry at 11+ (Year 7)
All applicants will be invited to attend an 11+ Boarding Taster and Assessment Weekend at the end of November/beginning of December of Year 6. Each girl will sit online assessments and have an interview with a member of senior staff. A small number of places may also be offered at 12+ (Year 8).
Entry at 13+ (Year 9)
This is our main entry point into Sherborne Girls. All applicants will be invited to sit online assessments and have an interview with a member of senior staff. The assessments and interviews take place at Sherborne Girls at the end of November/ beginning of December of Year 6 and all registered applicants are invited to attend in person, where possible. 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. A small number of places may also be offered at 14+ (Year 10).
Entry at 16+ (Year 12)
A limited number of places are offered at Sixth Form to study A Levels and/or BTEC, which we offer in conjunction with Sherborne Boys. Entry is through a written examination paper, an interview and an observed group task. This assessment takes place in the November of Year 11 in conjunction with Sixth Form scholarship assessments. Candidates would normally be expected to obtain at least six Grade 6s at GCSE level (or equivalent).
School references
A reference and report will be requested from the current school as part of the admissions process.
Offer and acceptance of a place at the School
If you are offered a place at Sherborne Girls, 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 Girls’ information is sent out in the Trinity (summer) term before the girls start.
Scholarships and awards
Sherborne Girls offers a number of Scholarships, Exhibitions and Bursaries. Details of the awards are available from the Admissions Office or our website: sherbornegirls.group
House allocation
All girls joining Year 7 and 8 are allocated to the junior boarding House, Aldhelmsted West. Girls joining at other entry points will be allocated a place in one of five mixed-age boarding Houses. In assigning girls to Houses, we consider a range of factors including the school from which the girl is joining us, her interests and strengths and information obtained from her interview and Head’s reference. Parents are notified of House allocations in the spring of the year of entry.
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: sherbornegirls.group
How to Join Us
Entry timeline for 11+
Recommended by Year 5 or before
Recommended by end of Year 5
October Year 6
November Year 6
November/December Year 6
November/December Year 6
January Year 6
February Year 6
May Year 6
June Year 6
Entry timeline for 13+
Recommended by Year 5 or before
Recommended by end of Year 5
November Year 6
October Year 7
September Year 8
November Year 8
January/February Year 8
February Year 8
Start of Trinity term Year 8
May Year 8
June Year 8
Entry timeline for 16+
Recommended by Year 10 or before
Recommended two years before entry
Spring/Summer term Year 10
September Year 11
October Year 11
November Year 11
December Year 11
Start of Trinity term Year 11
May Year 11
June Year 11
Visit to the School on a Tour Morning/Afternoon
Registration
Deadline for Bursary applications
Deadline for Scholarship applications
Boarding Taster Weekend and Online Assessments
Academic Scholarship assessments only
Music Scholarship assessments
Scholarship results
New Girls’ information sent out
New Girls’ tea
Visit to the School on a Tour Morning/Afternoon
Registration
Assessment Day including Online Tests
Discovery Day
Boarding Taster Weekend
Deadline for Scholarship and Bursary applications
Scholarship week
Scholarship results
House allocation confirmed
New Girls’ information sent out
Common Entrance and New Girls’ tea
Visit to the School on a Tour Morning/Afternoon
Registration
Sixth Form Information event
Sixth Form Subject Fair
Deadline for Scholarship and Bursary applications
Assessment/Scholarship week
Assessment/Scholarship results and offers
House allocation confirmed
New Girls’ information sent out
New Girls’ post GCSE residential programme
All dates are published well in advance on our website and registered parents will automatically be notified of key events.
General Information
Boarding
Sherborne Girls is committed to a full boarding ethos. Over 90% of girls are boarders and school life is just as full and busy at weekends as during the school week. There are lessons Monday to Saturday morning, along with regular opportunities to become involved in sport, music and drama and an array of co-curricular activities. Day girls are welcome and are fully integrated into the House system and encouraged to take part in all aspects of school life including the full programme of weekend and social activities.
Communication
A weekly e-Bulletin will keep parents informed and a calendar is accessible online via the website. Parents can access information about their daughter through the online Parent Portal including her reports and timetable, as well as key school communications.
There are telephones in each House and girls are allowed to bring mobile phones (subject to some simple rules and conditions). Each girl is allocated an email address, and is also able to receive post in House. The first point of contact for parents is the Housemistress or Housemaster.
Equality
Sherborne Girls 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 must have an Education 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 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 Inspection Report 2024. This report, along with previous Boarding Inspections can be viewed in full at: sherbornegirls.group
Pastoral Care
The mental health and wellbeing of the girls is paramount. In addition to the Housemistress/ Housemaster, Assistant Housemistress/Housemaster and Resident Staff, each pupil has a tutor. The Tutor’s aim is to ensure each girl fulfils her potential academically and in terms of her personal development, while the Housemistress/Housemaster has overall responsibility for the girls in his or her care. The strong House system and pastoral care provide a supportive and nurturing environment in which the girls feel a deep sense of belonging and are known and cared for as individuals. To support the girls wider pastoral care, there are a range of visiting therapists including an ADHD coach, a speech and language therapist, a physiotherapist and a nutritionist. The School also has a Health Centre staffed by qualified nurses 24/7 and a doctors surgery each morning.
Policies
The following policies and documents can be found on the School website sherbornegirls.group
• Admissions Policy
• Anti-Bullying Policy
• Behaviour Management Policy
• Complaints Procedure Policy
• Curriculum 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 (including EAL) 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.
Privacy notice
By registering or providing personal information to Sherborne Girls, you agree to Sherborne Girls 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 Girls 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: sherbornegirls.group
Safeguarding
Sherborne Girls 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 sherbornegirls.group
Technology for learning
All pupils use individual 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 pen-enabled device with a keyboard for use in lessons and study periods. Pupils in L4–L5 (Years 7–9) are enroled on a 1-to-1 scheme at the start of the academic year. Pupils in M5–U6 (Years 10–13) must bring their own Windows 11 pen-enabled device (Wi-Fi model) with at least 128GB of storage and 16GB RAM equipped with a keyboard cover and pen.
Travel
For girls who live abroad there is supervised airport travel at the beginning and end of term which is timed 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 daughter requires a visa. A child intending to study at Sherborne Girls should apply under the Child Student Visa route. The earliest a visa application can be made is six months before starting at Sherborne Girls. More information is available on the UK Visa and Immigration section of gov.uk website.
Fees
Registration Fee
A fee is payable by all parents wishing to register their daughter for entry to the School. The fee is non-refundable.
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
Years 9-13
Boarding Fee
Day Boarding Years**
Day Fee*
Years 7-8
Boarding Fee
Day Fee*
Educational and Personal Extras
£18,685
£15,320
£11,950
£15,300
£11,950
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 Girls, Sherborne Boys, 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.
Payment
Fees are due and payable prior to the first day of each term. We offer a termly direct debit payment facility, or an annual payment plan spread over nine monthly installments. Payment can also be made by cheque or bank transfer. For further details please contact Mrs Pam Hooper, the Finance Offer on +44 (0)1935 818209 or pamela.hooper@sherbornegirls.group
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 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.
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
Other
1-1 Language Tuition (45 minutes)
Counselling
Music (40 minute lessons)
Individual Tuition
Instrument Hire
£72
Leiths
Course (over 3 terms)
Sport
Endurance Running & Athletics
Endurance Running & Athletics
Ballet
Equestrian
£50 per lesson
£28 per lesson
£20 per lesson
£60 per lesson
£33.60 per lesson
£24 per lesson
£60 per lesson
£57 per session
£51 per lesson
£66 per term
Alexander Technique (30 minute lessons)
Individual Tuition
Group of two
Speech and Drama
Individual Tuition
Shared Tuition
Group Tuition
£45 per lesson
£24 per lesson
£60 per lesson
£33.60 per lesson
£24 per lesson
£300)
£800 per term (deposit
£ 72 per term
£6 per session
£102 per term plus transport
£43.20 per lesson plus transport
£2 hat hire per week
Sailing £150 per term (one lesson a week)
Tennis (45 minute lessons)
Individual
Shared (pair)
Shared (three)
Group
Physiotherapy
£55.20 per lesson
£37.80 per lesson
£32.40 per lesson
£26.40 per lesson
A ssessment
£60
Treatment
£66
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 SG 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.
*VAT
General / Financial Enquiries
Admissions enquiries:
+44 (0)1935 818224 admissions@sherbornegirls.group
General enquiries
+44 (0)1935 812245 office@sherbornegirls.group
Head Correspondence via Head’s EA, Mrs Jane Raven
+44 (0)1935 818203 headspa@sherbornegirls.group
Financial enquiries
Miss Kathleen Cook
Operations Bursar +44 (0)1935 818207 kathleen.cook@sherbornegirls.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
15 minutes from the A303
45 minutes from Salisbury by train
Chepstow
Shepton
Sherborne Girls
Bradford Road
Sherborne Dorset DT9 3QN
United Kingdom admissions@sherbornegirls.group +44 (0)1935 812245