Key Information Booklet SHERBORNE PREP 2026-27
A DIFFERENT KIND OF CO-EDUCATION AGES 3-18
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Governors
Sherborne Prep Senior Leadership Team
Chair C.H. Samler Governors R. Backhouse J.S. Blanch S.A. Craig-McFeely Canon N.J. Edwards A.L. Harris A.L. Hughes N. Isaac Esq N.L. Jones Esq R.A.L. Leach Esq The Reverend M.P. Lee J.S. Massey W. Paul A.J.D. Pralle Esq S.M. Spearing Esq G. Staley M.C. Taylor Esq A.P. Williams Clerk to the Governors S.C. Worthy
Head Sherborne Prep Annie Gent, BA (Hons), MEd, BA, QTS Senior Deputy Head (Academic) Briony Harris, BA (Hons), PGCE, PGCert, PGDip Deputy Head (Co-Curricular) Alastair Poulain, BA (Hons) Deputy Head (Pastoral) Alastair Bowden, BA (Hons) Prep Bursar Mrs Allison Evans
SHERBORNE SCHOOLS GROUP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Head Sherborne Prep Annie Gent, BA (Hons), MEd, BA, QTS Headmaster Sherborne Boys Simon Heard, BA (Hons), PGDip, QTS Head Sherborne Girls Dr Ruth Sullivan, BSc, PGCE, MSc, PhD 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 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. 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 are working on 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 + Wellbeing We will nurture kind, confident, and responsible children who show empathy, integrity, and initiative - qualities that help them grow into thoughtful leaders. 2. Academics + Futures We will offer a broad and ambitious education that balances academic rigour with creativity, curiosity and a love of learning. Every child is supported to grow in confidence and discover their strengths. 3. Innovation + Entrepreneurship We will foster curiosity creativity, and confidence, encouraging pupils to explore new ideas and develop a spirit of innovation. 4. Partnership + Community We will strengthen our caring community and nurture partnerships that broaden horizons, deepen belonging, and inspire shared purpose. 5. Sustainability + Humanity We will educate children to care deeply - for themselves, for others, and for the world around them. Through The Sherborne Difference, we will cultivate ethical, innovative, and globally-minded leaders prepared to navigate and shape the challenges of the 21st century. Christian Ethos Sherborne Prep is proud of our Christian foundation. It gives us an inherited faith and values on which to draw in the contemporary world, grounding our community in a culture of compassion, courage, integrity and generosity. Pupils are encouraged to connect with their spirituality, in ways that suit their needs, habits and beliefs. For those of other faith traditions, we honour their beliefs and encourage their expression, knowing that we can all learn from the differences between us.
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Academics Sherborne Prep provides a broad and ambitious curriculum that balances academic rigour with creativity, curiosity and a love of learning. Pupils are encouraged to think deeply, question widely and take genuine ownership of their learning. Our teaching combines high expectations with individual support, enabling every pupil to make strong progress and develop independence, confidence and curiosity.
Curriculum Enrichment and Innovation We are proud to have a new, dedicated Sustainability lesson introduced into the timetable for Years 3–5. Through inquiry-based projects, pupils explore environmental issues and global citizenship, connecting academic learning with independence, responsibility and critical thinking. Academic progress is underpinned by Sherborne Prep’s distinctive Core Skills Framework, which develops four key skills – communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity – preparing pupils with the capabilities, confidence and adaptability needed for life beyond the classroom.
Increasing integration of digital tools supports collaboration, research and presentation across subjects, helping pupils to learn with confidence in a modern academic context. In Years 7 and 8, these skills culminate in the Sherborne Project Qualification (SPQ), an independent research project where pupils investigate a subject of genuine personal interest. The process builds academic rigour, curiosity and self-assurance, culminating in a public exhibition which showcases their learning and communication skills – a highlight of the academic calendar and a true celebration of curiosity, academic application and achievement. Academic enrichment is woven throughout school life, with Focus Days and enrichment slots offering opportunities for deeper investigation and creative problem-solving. These experiences encourage pupils to make connections between disciplines and apply their learning in engaging, authentic contexts.
Attainment and Progress (GL Assessments) Analysis of GL Progress Test data across three cohorts (2018–2023, 2021–2024 and 2022–2025) demonstrates sustained value-added outcomes for pupils consistently educated at Sherborne Prep. For the 2018–2023 leavers, pupils’ average Standard Age Scores (SAS) rose by 7 points in English and 10 points in Mathematics, while the 2021–2024 cohort showed a 10-point uplift in Mathematics and maintained strong English attainment with a modest rise of 3–4 SAS points. For the most recent long-term group (2022–2025), outcomes remain securely above national averages,
Scholarships and Senior School Destinations Sherborne Prep pupils move on to an impressive range of leading senior schools, reflecting both the breadth of opportunities available and the individual aspirations of our families. Recent destinations include Sherborne Boys, Sherborne Girls, Sevenoaks, Downe House, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Canford, Hampton, King’s Bruton, Millfield, Bryanston, Wellington School, King’s College Taunton, Leweston and Milton Abbey. Year
Total Awards
Pupils Recognised
with English (PTE) broadly stable (−1 SAS) and Mathematics (PTM) showing a clear upward trend (+4.7 SAS). This reflects both the inclusion of new joiners with lower prior attainment and the school’s increased emphasis last year on wider participation in sport, co-curricular events and trips. These priorities enriched pupils’ experience but may have had a small, short-term effect on GL outcomes. Overall, the evidence shows that long-term pupils continue to make strong, consistent progress, supported by high-quality teaching, rigorous tracking and ongoing leadership reflection on curriculum balance and impact.
Over the past five years, pupils have secured 107 scholarships and awards, including 41 academic awards, recognising excellence across a wide range of disciplines. During this period, more than one hundred awards have been achieved, reflecting the school’s commitment to nurturing individual strengths and helping every child fulfil their potential.
Academic Awards
2026 16 12 6 2025 14 11 4 2024 31 21 11 2023 27 18 9 2022 19 10 11
These outcomes reflect the breadth of opportunity available at Sherborne Prep, with pupils gaining recognition not only for academic achievement but also for excellence in sport, music, drama, art and all-round contribution. Pupils leave Sherborne Prep as confident, independent learners, well prepared for the challenges and opportunities of senior school and beyond.
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Admissions Process Pre-Prep and Prep Entry Families are encouraged to contact the Admissions Team to find out more about the Pre-Prep and Prep. The team is available to answer questions and provide any further information needed. Parents and children are invited to visit, either by attending an Open Morning or booking an individual tour. Visits offer the opportunity to meet staff and pupils, explore the school’s facilities, observe lessons, and experience the learning environment. To register, families complete a registration form and pay the registration fee. At this point, recent school reports may be requested if applicable. Each child is then invited for a taster session or day to meet teachers and classmates. This helps pupils settle in with confidence and enables staff to get to know them. Where places are available and the taster day is successful, an offer of a place will be made. To confirm, parents return the acceptance paperwork and pay the deposit. Children are then warmly welcomed into the school community, where the team ensures a supportive and happy start.
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 Prep, we ask you to complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit of £750 to secure the place. For children joining Pre-Prep, the deposit is not required until they move from Year 2 into Year 3. For overseas pupils in all year groups, a deposit of £1,000 is payable. Scholarships and awards Sherborne Prep offers a number of Scholarships, Exhibitions and Bursaries. Details of the awards are available from the Admissions Team or our website: sherborneprep.group
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General Information Boarding At Sherborne Prep, boarding is more than beds and routines – it is about belonging. Acreman House, tucked right into the school campus, is run by Mr Chiappa-Patching and a dedicated team, who live on site and wrap every child in a warm, authentic sense of home. With separate dorms for boys and girls, and spaces that buzz with laughter and life, it is a world where children are known, cared for, and cherished. Communication A weekly email, Heads Up, keeps parents informed and a calendar is accessible online via the website. Parents can access information about their child through the online Parent Portal including their reports and timetable, as well as key school communications. There are telephone/s in the Boarding House and children are allowed to bring mobile phones (subject to some simple rules and conditions). Please be aware we are a smartphone free school. Each child is allocated an email address and is also able to receive post in House. The first point of contact for parents is the Housemaster. Equality Sherborne Prep 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 pupils whose parents are resident abroad must have an Education Guardian in the UK. Education guardians are responsible for the child’s welfare while they are 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/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 Compliance Inspection Report 2026. This report, along with previous Boarding Inspections can be viewed in full at: sherborneprep.group Pastoral Care Pastoral care at Sherborne Prep is not a department – it is a way of life. From the moment children step through our gates, they are seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are. We are all about the whole child: their confidence, their kindness, their personality. Nowhere is this more apparent than in our Early Years and Pre-Prep, where we know the habits formed now will ripple through a lifetime. Every child has a Form Tutor – the anchor in their school day – and in the younger years, this teacher often delivers many of their lessons, nurturing a bond built on trust, continuity, and a lot of giggles. Alongside this daily connection, the Deputy Head (Pastoral), Head of Boarding, and Head are hands on and heart in – deeply involved in school life and the wellbeing of every pupil. Policies The following policies and documents can be found on the School website sherborneprep.group
• Admissions Policy • Admissions Terms & Conditions Policy • Anti-Bullying Policy • Behaviour Management Policy • Curriculum Policy • EAL Policy • First Aid Policy • Gender Pay Gap Report 2022, Gender Pay Gap Report 2023, Gender Pay Gap Report 2024
• Medication Policy • PSHEE Policy • Relationships & Sex Education Policy • SEND Policy & SEND Information Report
• Supervision of pupils and Missing Pupil Policy • SSG Allergy Policy • SSG Bursary Award Policy • SSG Data Protection Policy • SSG Educational Guardianship Policy • SSG Environmental & Sustainability Strategy & Action Plan
• SSG Equal Opportunities for Staff Policy • SSG General Privacy Notice • SSG Health & Safety Policy • SSG Parental Complaints Procedure Policy • SSG Pupil Attendance, Registration & Absence Policy
• SSG Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy • SSG Taking, Using and Storing images of pupils • SSG Website Privacy 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 Prep, you agree to Sherborne Prep 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 Prep 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: sherborneprep.group Safeguarding Sherborne Prep 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 children 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 sherborneprep.group
Technology for learning We embrace the use of technology where it enhances learning, supports creativity, and helps pupils build the skills they need beyond the classroom. Our approach combines digital confidence with safe, responsible use. All pupils are taught how to navigate the online world thoughtfully, with e-safety embedded into school life from the very start. Pupils in Years 7 and 8 have access to their own school-provided laptops, while younger pupils use shared devices in class. These tools support collaboration, independent thinking, and pace in lessons, helping teachers deliver timely feedback and supporting pupils to organise and present their ideas more creatively. We use Microsoft Office 365 across the school, along with secure filtering and monitoring systems. Occasionally, pupils in Years 5 and 6 may bring their own devices for learning. All use is guided by our Acceptable Use Policy and parent/pupil/school agreement. Our aim is to help pupils become capable, curious and respectful digital learners. Travel For boarders, travel is coordinated by the Housemaster and SSG transport manager, Mr Pete Rowland. Parents are asked to complete a travel form ahead of each break and are responsible for organising transport to and from school. At exeats and half term holidays, children return home or stay with a host family. The school closes for the duration of these breaks, and a light meal is provided when pupils return. These longer breaks offer time for rest, and for overseas pupils, the opportunity to travel home. Visa requirements Parents must ensure that their child holds a valid visa before the start of their first term. If a pupil has a UK passport, they will not require a visa to study in the UK. However, if they do not hold a UK passport, even if they live in the UK, a visa may still be required. A child intending to study at Sherborne Prep should apply under the Child Student Visa route, which has replaced the Tier 4 Child Student Visa. Sherborne Prep is a licensed Child Student/Student Visa Sponsor for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and is authorised to issue Confirmations of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). If you are applying from outside the UK, the earliest you can apply for a visa is six months before your child starts at Sherborne Prep. Further information is available via the UK Visas and Immigration section of the gov.uk website.
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Fees Registration Fee A registration fee of £120 per child is payable for entry into Reception to Year 8, reduced to £60 for siblings (inclusive of VAT). This fee is non-refundable. Deposit An acceptance deposit of £750 is payable by all parents resident in the UK for children entering Year 3 and above. An acceptance deposit of £1,000 is payable by all parents resident outside the UK. In addition, a oneterm fee deposit is also required at the time of acceptance. For further details on our registration fee and acceptance deposit, please refer to our website. The fees per term from 1 September 2026* including VAT (where applicable) Nursery full day
£93.50
Nursery Morning 8:00am - 2:00pm
£78
Nursery Afternoon 2:00pm - 5:00pm
£46.75
Early Afternoon 2:00pm - 3:30pm
£26
Late Afternoon 3:30pm - 5:00pm
£26
Pre-Prep (Reception – Year 2)
£2,800
Year 3 Day
£5,900
Year 3 Boarding
£10,650
Year 3 Weekly Boarding
£9,700
Year 3 International Boarding
£11,600
Daytime feeding (compulsory)
£300
Years 4 – 6 Day
£7,400
Years 4 – 6 Boarding
£10,650
Years 4 – 6 Weekly Boarding
£9,700
Years 4 – 6 International Boarding
£11,600
Years 7 – 8 Day
£7,710
Years 7 – 8 Boarding
£11,280
Years 7 – 8 Weekly Boarding
£9,940
Years 7 – 8 International Boarding
£12,215
Daytime feeding (compulsory)
£350
* To help with financial planning, the Sherborne Schools Group offers a nine-monthly direct debit payment option and a fees-in-advance scheme (T&Cs apply). Parents may also opt to pay the full annual fee at the start of the academic year. Please contact billing@sherborneschools.group for further information.
Educational and Personal Extras Individual music tuition and instrument hire is charged as an extra along with private tuition in other areas of the School. Some of the enrichment clubs and societies have an additional cost and a charge is also made for participation in some outings and trips. 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 Prep, Sherborne Boys, Sherborne Girls 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 instalments. Payment can also be made by cheque or bank transfer. For further details please contact Mrs Allison Evans, the Prep Bursar on + 44 (0) 1935 812351 or allison.evans@sherborneprep.group. Fees in Advance Scheme The School offers a Fees in Advance scheme. Parents interested in this option should request further details from Susie Reynell, Group Finance Director, by email: susie.reynell@sherborneschools.group HM Forces 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 child’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 ADMISSIONS CHARGES
Excluding VAT
Including VAT
Registration (non-refundable) not required for Nursery Registration for siblings of existing pupils
£100.00 £50.00
£120.00 £60.00
Acceptance Deposit (non-refundable; UK residents Year 3 and above) The Acceptance Deposit will be automatically added to the Michaelmas bill of children moving up from Year 2 (Pre-Prep) to Year 3 (Prep) VAT-applicable when used against VAT-able fees and extras
£750.00
Acceptance Deposit (non-refundable; international pupils Year 3 and above) VAT-applicable when used against VAT-able fees and extras
£1,000
Additional Deposit (international pupils)One term’s fees, less Acceptance Deposit VAT-applicable when used against VAT-able fees and extras
EXTRAS AND ACTIVITIES Individual Music Tuition - per lesson £36.50 £43.80 English as an Additional Language - per lesson £39.00 £39.00 Speech and Drama - per lesson £39.00 £46.80 Extra Tuition - per lesson £39.00 £46.80 Flex boarding - per night charge
£54.50
£65.40
One night per week - booked in advance, for a full term Two night per week - booked in advance, for a full term Three night per week - booked in advance, for a full term
£52.00 £49.50 £46.75
£62.40 £59.40 £56.10
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EXTRA CHARGES CONTINUED
Excluding VAT Pre-Prep 7.30 - 8.00am Breakfast club 3.45 - 5.00pm Stay and play 3.45 - 5.00pm After school club 5.00 - 6.00pm Supper club Prep 7.30 - 8.00am Breakfast club 5.00 - 6.00pm Enrichment activities/prep club 6.00pm Supper club
Including VAT
£4.20 FOC* FOC* £7.35
£4.20 FOC* £7.35
Notes: Extras are charged termly unless otherwise stated. A term’s notice is required to discontinue extras. In the Michaelmas term of a pupil’s first year at the school, half a term’s notice may be given to discontinue extras as at the start of the next term. *There may be an additional charge for some enrichment activities if run by external specialists.
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General / Financial Enquiries
Admissions enquiries +44 (0)1935 810911 admissions@sherborneprep.group General enquiries +44 (0)1935 812097 school.office@sherborneprep.group Head Correspondence via School Office: Mrs Annie Gent +44 (0)1935 812097 head@sherborneprep.group
Financial enquiries Prep Bursar: Mrs Allison Evans + 44 (0) 1935 812351 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
Sherborne Prep Acreman Street Sherborne Dorset DT9 3NY admissions@sherborneprep.group +44 (0)1935 810911
sherborneprep.group PA R T O F T H E S H E R B O R N E S C H O O L S G R O U P 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