THE DIGBY 2025
Welcome
A very warm welcome to you. We are delighted to have you join The Digby and hope you will be very happy here. Many boys go on from The Digby to achieve great things and one day you will too. This booklet is designed to give you a little more information about The Digby.
The Digby is situated five minutes walk away from the main campus, which gives you a bit more freedom and allows you to “come home” at the end of your School day. We have a wonderful garden (‘the lawn’) for you to play in as well as the bargeyard. Boys across all year groups play touch rugby, football or croquet together. We have a great ethos and Inter-House competitions are fiercely contested. Music, Drama, Art, as well as Academic study are also greatly encouraged! We encourage you to play together, rather than sit on electronic devices, when you are not working.
The Digby is a very special, happy place, and we very much hope you will find it so and quickly settle in and become part of the family. Do not worry if you cannot remember everything – the key message is we want you to always ask if you are ever unsure about anything.
Mr Foyle Housemaster
Top Tips
• Arrive promptly to all your commitments
• Check your email twice a day
• Keep valuable items locked away – this is a good habit to get into for later life
• Only enter another boy’s room when they are present and if they are happy for you to be there
• Go to all School meals – they have already been paid for
• Eat cooked food in the communal kitchen areas – this is sociable and more hygienic
• When playing outside in the bargeyard or in the garden please be considerate to our neighbours with regard to the noise you make, the language you use and where you kick the balls
• When using kitchen areas, keep them clean and tidy so that they are ready for others
• Keep noise to a minimum in House after 10.00pm
• Keep your room tidy, do your bedding properly each week and stay on top of your laundry
• Dress smartly and appropriately during School hours and for School commitments
• Remember to phone home regularly, even just to say ‘hi’
• Treat others as you would like to be treated
• Recycle where you can
Housemaster
Housemaster
Mr Foyle
This is Mr Foyle’s second year as Housemaster of the Digby and he is looking forward to welcoming you to the boarding house.
Mr Foyle joined Sherborne in January 2024 as Head of Geography and Assistant Housemaster. He is also Head of Charity and Outreach. Before Sherborne, he taught at Wellington College for seven years. He studied Geography at Newcastle University and has a PGCE from Cambridge University. Prior to teaching, he was a Chartered Surveyor in London.
Outside the classroom he is a proud coach of the U14C rugby team and a lover of all things ‘water’. As well as sailing across the Atlantic, he has a Half Blue in Yacht Racing from Cambridge University and has sailed in multiple yacht races (including the infamous Fastnet Race). He has also swum solo across the English Channel, a feat that took over 15 hours non-stop and was
completed without a wetsuit.
Mr Foyle lives in The Digby with his wife, Millie; their three children Oscar (9), Toby (7) and Poppy (5); as well as their Labrador, Winnie.
Mr Foyle is in charge of the day to day running of the House and he will keep you updated on all aspects of School and House life. He is always there if you have any questions or problems you want to discuss.
It is best to speak to Mr Foyle in person but he can also be contacted via email: christopher.foyle@sherborne.org or call his mobile: 07850 653400 (you should add this to your contacts if you have a phone). The House office numbers are 01935 810170 and 07818 496657.
House Staff
Matron Georgie MacDonald
(Who you can call Matron Georgie)
Her primary aim is to ensure that every boy feels safe, supported, and part of one big family in The Digby. Whether you need medical assistance, a sympathetic ear, or just a quick chat, she is here for you.
For Georgie creating a homely and nurturing environment is a priority, and it is important to know that her door is always open. If you feel unwell or homesick, please find her at any time. Similarly, if you'd just like a catch up, or simply to talk things through, then please do pop into her office, which is on the ground floor over-looking the garden. She is looking forward to getting to know you and making The Digby a place you can truly call home.
Assistant Matron
Mrs Sue Edwards
Sue has worked at The Digby for many years and looks after the laundry, and together with Matron will take you to any medical or dental appointments you may have. Sue will look after you when Matron is off duty and is also there if you want a chat or a biscuit. You will find her in the laundry in the mornings.
Mrs Isabel Platt
Izzie helps Sue in supporting Matron. She has recently returned from living abroad in Spain and has two grown up children who have both been boarders. Izzie has a pug called Delilah and is looking forward to getting to know you during your time in The Digby.
Assistant Housemaster
Mr Krige
Mr Krige teaches Business and Enterprise but you will see him most often on the sports pitches. From rugby to cricket, hockey to the gym and few more things in between you’ll likely have a sports session with him sometime, somewhere. Around the house you will usually find him in the garden playing with his dog Thatcher or joining in with the evening's activities.
Mr Krige’s email is jake.krige@sherborne.org.
Resident Tutor
Mr Stuart
Mr Stuart supports the School’s Outdoor Education, running the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme and working in the CCF. Mr Stuart lives in The Digby and is always available for a chat, a game of pool or table tennis. When he is not in the boarding house he can be found on one of many of the expeditions he organises for the School.
Mr Stuart's email is mark.stuart@sherborne.org.
Tutors, Domestic Staff and Prefects
Tutors
Each of you will have a personal tutor. Tutors help you navigate the challenges of Sherborne, but also help with the running of the House. You will see different tutors in The Digby each evening.
Domestic Staff
You will learn to appreciate the work of the domestic staff who work hard to keep The Digby looking immaculate. Not only do they do a superb job of cleaning the House but they are also on hand at House events such as the Christmas supper and the Commem lunch. Remember to respect the work that they do and that they are not there to clean up after you.
Prefects
The Prefects are Sixth Form boys who support Mr Foyle in the running of the House. They are there to help you and to oversee duties (boys are on a rota to help with the cleaning of the House before bedtime). Each boy will have an Upper Sixth Buddy assigned to him to help them settle in.
Will Perry (Head of House)
Arlo Findlater
Lachy Geddes
Archie Robertson
Albi Robinson
Charlie Wilson
House Facilities
The Digby has a fantastic kitchen you can use to make drinks and snacks. There are toasters, bread and spreads available every day, but we do insist you eat the School meals in the Dining Hall. When using the kitchen, clear up after yourself and put dirty crockery in the dishwasher. There is a seating area at which to sit and eat or read the newspaper.
The Third Form and Fourth Form have dayrooms to do your Hall in and relax in when you are not working. There is a House library which has School computers for you to use.
We have a JCR (Junior Common Room) with settees, a large screen TV, and a gaming TV and games console which all year groups can use.
We have a games room with pool table, table tennis and table football, which is open to all years.
We have a lovely garden with footballs and rugby balls and a croquet set for you to use. There are also a couple of picnic tables if you want to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine whilst you read or just chat with your friends.
The bargeyard can be used when the grass is too wet to play on, it has a couple of football goals and like the garden, is enjoyed by all age groups.
The SCR (Senior Common Room) is as described, for the Sixth Form and has its own kitchen area and TV.
We also have a full size competition snooker table!
School Timetable
School periods Monday to Friday (Third Form)
Period 1 8.30 – 9.15am
Period 2 9.20 – 10.05am
Period 3 10.10 – 10.55am
Break 10.55 – 11.25am
Period 4 11.25 – 12.10pm
Period 5 12.15 – 1.00pm
Lunch 1.00 – 1.30pm
Q Time (Period 6) 1.35 – 2.30pm
Period 7 2.35 – 3.20pm (Tues & Fri only)
Period 8 3.25 – 4.10pm (Tues & Fri only)
Period 9 4.15 – 5.00pm (Tues & Fri only)
Games 2.35 – 5.00pm (Mon & Thurs)
Abbey Services
Wednesday 6.30 – 7.00pm
Sunday 7.45 – 8.30pm
Saturday
Period 1 8.30 – 9.15am
Period 2 9.20 – 10.05am
Period 3 10.10 – 10.55am
Break 10.55 – 11.25am
Lunch 12.15 – 1.20pm
Games/matches 1.45 – 5.00pm
Assemblies (8.10 – 8.25am)
Monday Whole School Assembly (BSR)
Tuesday Lower School Assembly (Powell Theatre)
Thursday Sixth Form Assembly (Powell Theatre)
Friday Junior Chapel (Chapel)
Meal Times
Breakfast 7.30 – 8.25am
Lunch 1.00 – 1.30pm
Senior Supper 6.00 – 6.25pm
Junior Boys Supper 6.30 – 6.55pm
Careers Department 01935 810545
Office of the Children’s Commissioner for England 0800 528 0731
www.childrenscomissioner.gov.uk
Learning Support 01935 810528
Designated Safeguarding Officers
Lead - Mr Sheffield - 01935 810427
Deputies - Mrs Bowerman - 01935 810432
Mrs Spencer - 01935 810476
Mrs Hutchings - 01935 810539
Mr Boyd-Williams - 01935 810544
Mr Sunderland - 01935 810427
DSL@sherborne.org
Mrs Kershaw - 01935 81 co
Independent person
UPPORT, GUIDANCE
G FOR EVERY BOY
re willing to help you.
l boys can use these services, but, in some cases, eople to check on availability.
Matron master n 14525
Teachers and other staff
Health Centre 01935 810539
School Doctors
Drs Nickinson, Nickinson and Armitage 01935 872530
Chaplain
Revd Campbell - 01935 810498
School Counsellor ounsellor@sherborne.org
Your
Day
Monday to Friday
7.10am Wake up bell and morning routine check begins
7.35am All to be up, dressed and ready for school with beds made
10.55am – 11.25am Break – snack by Matron’s office
6.00pm – 6.25pm Senior supper
6.30pm – 6.55pm Junior supper
7.00pm Assembly
7.00pm – 8.45pm Hall
9.30pm Third Form up to dormitory and lights out at 10.00pm
10.15pm Fourth Form lights out
10.30pm Fifth Form lights out
10.30pm Sixth Form in their studies.
Additional times
Wednesdays: 6.30pm – Abbey Service (Supper from 5.30pm)
Saturdays: 5.30pm – Roll Call and Assembly
Sundays: 10.00am Everyone Up; 11.00am – 12noon Hall
7.00pm – Roll Call and Assembly; 7.00pm – 8.00pm Hall
House Charity
The Digby supports the School in a Bag Charity.
This fabulous charity aims to transform lives through education. By providing the essentials needed for a school day, children in Low Income Countries are able to write, draw, colour, calculate, express themselves, eat, drink and above all, learn. Through a range of initiatives the boys in the Digby have supported this wonderful charity.
House Socials and Trips
House socials for Third, Fourth and Fifth Form are held throughout the year where you will be invited to Sherborne Girls and vice versa, they shall be invited to The Digby. You will be expected to host your guests. Matron provides pizza and drinks for you part way through the evening. Typical House trips include: a trip to Air Hop, a rugby match, a trip to the Christmas markets, and paintball. The Sixth Form also go to various events but most of their socials are held outside of House.
Sherborne Terminology
Many abbreviations and acronyms are used within the School community. You will find the below useful:
• Hall – Homework and prep time. Hall time is between 7.00 – 8.45pm
• Blues – The uniform worn by the Lower School (Third, Fourth and Fifth Form)
• Blue Book – Useful information including list of Boys and staff
• Lists – Whole School presentation of prizes and awards at the end of each term
• Carey’s – The sports fields south of Horsecastles Road
• The Upper – 1st XV Rugby and 1st XI Cricket pitch
• The Lower – 2nd XV Rugby pitch below the Upper
• Upper Astro – Astroturf next to the Upper
• Carrington Building – Geography, Economics and Business Studies
• Hughie Holmes – Astroturf across the road from the Upper and Lower and next to Carey’s
• The Grove – Modern Foreign Languages block and computer rooms (G9 and G11)
• Pilkington Labs – Chemistry and Physics Laboratories
• Turing Block – Biology department
• The San (Health Centre) – School medical centre, with full time nurses and visiting doctors
• BSR – Big School Room; function room for whole School assemblies, lectures, lists and musical and drama productions
• OSR – Old School Room; the School’s original school room adjacent to School House
• Courts – The central courtyard of the School containing the English, Classics, Maths and History classrooms as well as the Library and Custos.
• Custos – School Security team based in The Lodge at the main gate to the Courts
• Bow House – Staff Room
• JCR / The Stick – Bar and function area for use by the Sixth Form on Saturday nights
• Abbots Acre – External Relations department and conference room
• Powell Theatre – The majority of School and House plays take place here, also some lectures and year group meetings
• SG – Sherborne Girls
• The Carmen – The School song
• VES – Values, Expectations and Standards: a document that details how we should conduct ourselves
a School House
b Abbey House
c The Green
d Harper House
e Wallace House
f Abbeylands
g Lyon House
m The Digby
Frequently Asked Questions
How much homework will I be set in the Third Form?
Usually in the Third Form you will be set one Hall per subject per week. There is a timetable that tells you when Hall should be completed by. It is definitely a good idea to try and complete your Hall on the night they were set in order to avoid getting a backlog of Hall.
What can I do if I am struggling with my Hall or can’t hand it in on time?
If you are having difficulty with your Hall, rather than giving up on it you should contact your subject teacher a couple of days before the Hall is due in and organise a time to meet up and help you through it. Alternatively, you could ask one of the Prefects or Tutors on duty in House in the evenings. Academic Support is the ideal time of day for this.
How much money do I need in Third Form?
Generally speaking in Third Form you don’t need that much money at all. You should have a bank account with a debit card attached to it and about £10 will be sufficient as an allowance each week. You shouldn’t have large amounts of money simply in your wallet or in an unsecure place.
Is it useful to have a mobile phone?
Yes, however it is not compulsory. Third Formers do not normally have permission to carry mobile phones with them during the day but have access to them in the evenings before handing them in 45 minutes before bed times. On weekends boys are allowed more time with their mobile phones.
When can I meet my friends in other Houses?
You can visit your friends in other Houses in any of your free time. Boys from other Houses are also more than welcome. Visitors must sign in and sign out on arrival and departure and make themselves known to the Matron or Housemaster. The same applies for you when you are visiting a friend’s House. You are expected to display the highest level of conduct when visiting other Houses.
When can I meet my friends at the girls’ school?
You may have friends from prep school who are now at Sherborne Girls and you will get to know more of the girls over the course of the year through socials. You can go to visit the girls in their Boarding House Common Room in your free time outside of the normal working day. You are also expected to display the highest level of conduct when visiting the girls’ Houses.
When do I get to go home?
Generally there is an Exeat either side of half term in each of the three School terms, the dates of these are published on the School website. For an Exeat boys are free to go home after their last school commitment on a Friday afternoon and return to the House by 9.00pm on Sunday night. Boys can also be granted leave to go home on a weekend if they have an important commitment to make or family occasions e.g. birthdays and weddings.
What do I do if I don’t feel well?
If you don’t feel well at any time of day you should first go and see Matron. They will give you the necessary medical attention or send you to the Health Centre where they will be able to help you further. If necessary you can be seen by a doctor who visits every weekday morning.
What do I do if I feel homesick?
If you are feeling homesick it’s very important you don’t bottle it up, there are plenty of people you can go to who will make you feel better and help you get through it. You can speak to your Housemaster, Matron, your Tutor, one of the Prefects or often the best person to speak to is just a friend. Homesickness is nothing to be embarrassed about and happens to many more boys than you think, there are plenty of people in the same position as you.
