Welcome to Sherborne Prep, a nurturing and inspiring community where childhood is cherished and every opportunity is within reach.
Our staff are passionate educators who care deeply about each pupil. We want them to be happy, courageous learners, ready to step into the world with confidence. The school reverberates with laughter, joy and purpose, and we encourage pupils to stretch through academic challenge, sport, the performing arts, creativity and outdoor exploration.
Pupils are guided to be kind, both to others and to themselves, and to stay open and curious. They know they are safe to explore and supported every step of the way.
Joining Sherborne Prep means the whole family becomes part of our school. When parents and staff work in harmony pupils grow, contribute, and shine. We foster the desire to make a difference, nurturing individuals who step into their future ready to lead with purpose and empathy.
Annie Gent Head
Our vision is to inspire every child to grow in confidence, compassion, curiosity and character, ready to embrace life and shape their future.
Our aim is to nurture talents, encourage awareness, foster a love of learning and to build strong foundations for our children to achieve future success, personal growth and enjoy lifelong discovery.
Our spirit is impossible to miss. You hear it in the laughter drifting across the paddock, see it in the grit on the sports field, feel it in the curiosity crackling through classrooms and the kindness that runs right through our community.
At Sherborne Prep, we throw ourselves in, cheer each other on and celebrate every win, whether it is tiny or tremendous. This is a place where children feel free to take a leap, try something new and find out what they are really capable of.
A UNIQUE BLEND OF ACHIEVEMENT + AMBITION
Co-Curricular
Adventure. Expression. Discovery.
Imagine a school where curiosity leads, and creativity shapes the rhythm of each day. A place where pupils climb, perform, invent, and explore with open hearts and growing minds.
From designing living walls to singing in Sherborne Abbey, learning here means getting stuck in. It is practical, exciting, and rooted in experience. Pupils gain confidence through art, music, drama, and sport. They uncover talents, try new approaches, and develop the courage to share their ideas.
On the pitch, in the studio, by the sea – every setting becomes a place to grow. Whether crafting, coding, painting, or playing, each pupil finds moments to shine.
Kindness sits at the centre. We value individuality, promote independence, hold tight to integrity and welcome fresh thinking. Every pupil’s journey is unique. With encouragement and space to explore, they move forward with confidence and direction.
Pre-Prep
The start of something brilliant.
Early Years is not about ticking boxes or rushing ahead. It is about building strong roots in a setting full of care and wonder.
Children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and try new things in an environment where curiosity is celebrated. Our team sparks interest and gives each pupil the space to grow in confidence.
With small class sizes, we get to know every pupil. Specialist teachers bring learning to life through music, Outdoor Learning, Art, DT, language, and movement. Experiences are hands-on and purposeful, helping each child discover what excites them.
This is where learning begins with joy. Where bold beginnings take shape. Where children take their first steps feeling seen, encouraged, and ready to move forward.
“Sherborne Prep is seen as one of the leading independent schools in the South West of England and a leader in curriculum change.”
A UNIQUE BLEND OF PERFORMANCE + CHARACTER
Pastoral and Boarding
Where care and courage grow.
At the centre of school life sits Acreman House, a boarding home led with warmth by Mr ChiappaPatching, his family, and a committed team. Whether staying for one night each week, or every day, pupils develop independence in a space that feels like home.
Pastoral care shapes every interaction. We support each pupil’s wellbeing, development, and sense of belonging. Through conversation, reflection, and Personal Development lessons, pupils learn to face challenges, grow stronger, and care for themselves and others.
Relationships matter. They shape how pupils understand themselves and how they connect with others. We help them grow in empathy and awareness, nurturing steady confidence through meaningful moments. Kindness is not a rule – it is lived, noticed, and gently encouraged.
From a first overnight stay to the final days of prep, every pupil is supported to move forward with clarity and purpose.
“The school didn’t try and mould my son, they let him find his own shape and just made sure that there weren’t any sharp edges, and for that, I’ll be eternally grateful.”
Parent
A UNIQUE BLEND OF STRATEGY + TEAMWORK
Years 3 to 8
Learning that leaps off the page.
From whittling sticks to mastering French verbs, learning here grows with each pupil. It stretches their thinking, sparks ideas, and builds confidence.
In Years 3 to 5, pupils thrive in small classes with dedicated tutors and expert subject teaching. Lessons are engaging, Forest School and eco projects take learning outdoors, and weekend activities such as fencing or filmmaking add extra spark.
From Year 6, pupils shift gears. Subject specialists deepen learning and foster independence. Scholarship preparation fits naturally into the rhythm, supported with care and focus.
Each day offers balance. Academic challenge is paired with movement, outdoor time, and creative space. Shared meals, Co-Curricular sessions, and evening Enrichment keep the energy flowing.
Pupils explore broadly, think bravely, and follow what inspires them. This is not just school. It is a launchpad.
Pupils leave Sherborne Prep ready for whatever comes next, moving on to a variety of senior schools across the UK and beyond. Many continue their journey with Sherborne Boys or Sherborne Girls, thanks to a strong and enduring partnership that gives them a real sense of continuity and belonging. Wherever they go, they go with confidence, curiosity, and a clear sense of who they are.
Facilities
Tucked between riverbanks and rolling hills, we may look like a postcard, but we pack serious punch. Pupils have access to multiple swimming pools, theatres, concert halls, and Astro pitches. From our second art centre to the school chapel and shooting range, every path leads somewhere exciting.
We share exceptional facilities with Sherborne Boys, Sherborne Girls, and Hanford Prep. This includes climbing walls, sports halls, and acres of green space. Sherborne Abbey is our setting for services and milestone moments – a breathtaking place where memories are made and voices carry.
Small school. Mighty facilities.
A UNIQUE BLEND OF CREATIVITY + CURIOSITY
Location
A place like no other.
Sherborne is more than a backdrop. With two senior schools and a Prep full of spark, this town has long been a centre of learning, wrapped in history and full of heart.
Set in rolling Dorset countryside, it is safe, scenic, and well connected. Pupils roam woodlands, explore castles, and sing beneath the Abbey’s vaulted ceilings.
The town is a gem. Honey-coloured buildings, independent bookshops, and festivals bring it to life. There is soul here, and plenty of it.
Sherborne offers space to grow and room to think. It is the kind of place that stays with you.
Want to know more?
Our Admissions team would love to hear from you. For a warm welcome and everything you need to get started, call 01935 810911 or email admissions@sherborneprep.group
“Pupils achieve well in a wide range of co-curricular and enrichment activities, including sports and music.”
