SHERBORNE DONOR REPORT
A MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER
It has been a real privilege over the last few months to begin to get to know this exceptional School. Stepping into this role, I am acutely aware of the legacy entrusted to me and the responsibility of stewardship, to build upon the exceptional educational traditions and rich history that has defined Sherborne over the centuries and to prepare the School for the coming decades.
Sherborne is a place where history and innovation converge, where the beauty of our architecture meets the energy and aspiration of our pupils and staff. I have been impressed with the many achievements of our boys that I have seen - whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or in the arts - and I have witnessed intellectual curiosity, resilience, and ambition, all of which fills me with confidence for the years to come.
As we look to that future, it is imperative that we continue to evolve and innovate while remaining steadfast in our commitment to excellence and to providing an outstanding holistic education. This includes working closely with our colleagues across the Sherborne Schools Group, embracing co-educational opportunities, working with new technologies, enhancing our facilities, and expanding access to our transformative education through increased bursary support. Our goal is to ensure that Sherborne remains a place where every boy will thrive and, in due course, will go on to do good in the wider world.
Our task, in the years ahead, therefore, is to shape our boys’ character, give them opportunities to grow and to learn, to prepare them for an uncertain world and to develop the skills necessary to thrive in any, and all,
environments. Our task is to provide countless opportunities for service, leadership and team-work, to ensure that our boys go into the world as the next generation of purpose-led leaders.
The achievements highlighted in this report are a direct result of the unwavering support from our donors. Your generosity enables us to provide state-of-the-art facilities, attract and retain outstanding staff, and offer life-changing opportunities to boys who might not otherwise have access to such an education. For this, we are profoundly grateful.
Thank you for your continued support to Sherborne and for your vital role in shaping the future of our school.
MR SIMON HEARD Headmaster
SAM SMALL (a 84)
CHAIRMAN OF THE FOUNDATION
“It is quite startling to reflect on the many changes at the School in the 12 months since the last Donor report, let alone in the changes in the wider world. We are unquestionably living through “interesting times”.
Close to home, the most notable development is the unification of two charitable trusts to form Sherborne Schools Group. This visionary move creates a wealth of opportunities for pupils, parents and the wider SSG community.
What doesn’t change are the values that underpin each School and the need for supplementary resources to enable the continued growth of the School. So it is humbling to express our appreciation to donors past, present and future for their unending generosity. Thank you.
Finally, the Trustees express their thanks to Richard and the entire Foundation Executive for their continuing achievements. We look forward to supporting you and new SSG and Sherborne School leadership as you build on the successes and generosity of generations of Shirburnians.
RICHARD HUNT
HEAD OF FOUNDATION
Philanthropy has been at the heart of the School since its inception. To all those who have continued this ethos over the last year, thank you. You have helped us support bursaries for those who couldn’t otherwise come to this great School, develop our programmes and finish the Sports Centre. Your support remains at the centre of what we do and why we do it.
My thanks also go to Dr Dominic Luckett for all the incredible work he has done as Headmaster at Sherborne. His vision and steady hand have helped the School to develop over the past 10 years whilst navigating the difficult waters around Covid lockdowns.
Whilst philanthropy has been a constant, changes outside our School will mean that we will continue to adapt to ensure we remain at the forefront of education in the UK. The imposition of VAT on fees will have a profound impact on the sector. Strong day schools will undoubtedly do well. We have to bang the drum for full boarding where the ethos, values and skills learnt outside the classroom are as important as the academic results. We need to use our beautiful buildings and grounds, the evenings and weekends and the commitment of our staff to continue to curate boys who give more than they take in the world.
As we come closer to Sherborne Girls, we have more opportunities for being the best of both worlds. Single sex, yes, but better preparing boys and girls as well for the co-ed world the will enter when they leave us. Our job is to look for more ways that we can enhance our education so that we give our boys and girls the best possible foundations. As we do this, philanthropy will be at the very centre of creating this new world and I look forward to sharing our thinking with you.
Thank you again for all that you do, all that you have done and all that you will, I hope, do in the future.
JOHN POCOCK’S (f 78)
VIEW ON WHY PHILANTHROPY MATTERS
I had the pleasure to talk to John Pocock, a British businessman and philanthropist. John has a steadfast commitment to supporting charities. His journey from going to school with a scholarship at Sherborne to becoming a successful entrepreneur and dedicated philanthropist reflects his belief in the power of giving back.
John’s connection to philanthropy began with his own educational experience. Having started his time at
Sherborne in 1973, he was awarded a music scholarship which allowed him to go to a school that he otherwise wouldn’t have been able to attend. After leaving Sherborne, John studied at Bristol University reading electronic engineering, going on to get a job in the sales arm of IBM in the 80s when the personal computer era began. He went on to join a start up with 4 other people working as a consultant. The business became a huge success with John later becoming the CEO and seeing the business through a successful IPO and then a FTSE 250 by which time it was employing over 700 staff.
The knowledge gained from this business allowed John to set up a Trust through which to manage his philanthropy. He believes it shouldn’t be up to the government to support the third sector. Instead, we should promote a compassionate conservatism in a similar way to the US, with individuals being encouraged to make money, and then with that money donate to charitable causes.
Much of the ethos Sherborne promotes in producing well rounded individuals, has influenced John’s desire to give back to the school. In his words “Shirburnian’s tend to be solid good people adding back to society, and
frequently holding senior places in society.” The school’s ethos and integration with the town directly helps boys each day to be part of wider society as opposed to some of the more campus based schools. This has played a crucial role in shaping his desire to give back to Sherborne. John understands that not everyone has the opportunity to attend a prestigious institution like Sherborne and he is keen to change this. Having benefited from a scholarship himself, he is eager to provide similar opportunities for future generations. John links his personal interests with his donations to the school, with one of his first donation’s being used for a create a music recording studio.
John’s experience at Sherborne influenced his methodology in giving to charitable organisations, stating that he prefers to help improve “someone’s life at the start”. Giving to educational needs of young people is a key priority for his philanthropy.
Beyond Sherborne, John supports various other charitable organizations, particularly those focused on young carers. In today’s economic climate with rising VAT and national insurance costs impacting charities, John believes that philanthropy is more important than ever.
INTERVIEW BY SEBBIE K (L6f)
OLI COOPER (g 07)
TALKS TO US ABOUT THE POWER OF A BURSARY
Oli is the principal of OC Theatrical and specialises in the theatre and event industry. He works globally partnering with clients and collaborators to deliver the most imaginative and exciting events and spectacles imaginable.
Tell us about your early life and the path to Sherborne
Canon Donald Eperson who had taught maths at Sherborne and taught Alan Turing came to be a resident in my parents care home In Worthing in his later years. My parents taught me from a very early age to be confident and talk to people and I made friends with Canon Eperson. Donald was writing what would be his last book titled ‘Music and Mathematics’. He showed me how to solve maths puzzles and we bonded and enjoyed each other’s company. David Smart who had been head of mathematics at Sherborne visited Donald one day and made my family aware of Sherborne and all it offered to a student. David invited us to look at the school and I visited with my mother. Sherborne was very different to anything we had experienced before. After visiting we did find out that with his passing Donald had left a gift in his will to leave a legacy to the School for bursarial assistance. After official bursarial and academic tests I started as a boarder in Lyon House.
What did a bursary mean to you? It was the scale of the opportunity and the ability to get involved in anything and everything. Having people everywhere to encourage me and my passions. The school was incredible. I had never seen facilities like it, amazing chemistry
labs, getting involved in all aspects of theatre, it was a magical place and time for me.
What were the highlights of your experience?
Considering my now career I think my highlight was the theatre and what went into productions. I really enjoyed the creativeness of design technology and have fond memories of the BSR and its’ productions. CCF was a real joy too. The 6th form gave us independence and confidence as I matured into a young adult. Notable members of staff shaped my time there including Jim Donnelly, John Storey, Patrick Francis and Peter Chillingworth.
How do you feel your life have been changed by a Sherborne education?
I feel Sherborne made me more rounded as an individual. I felt inspired with the range and breadth of what was offered. I feel I benefited from learning and growing in a safe environment where I could try things and make mistakes but that was encouraged as that is how we learn. I feel that moving into the real world I was more prepared to be a problem solver, to embrace challenge and grow. Sherborne shaped this. The School changed my life and I want to pay back. This may not always be in a financial way but if I can help
with careers or mentoring in the future I will do so. I have a young son and the dream would be to send him to Sherborne.
What do you do for your career?
My business is OC Theatrical mainly working across the theatre and event industry. We work globally, partnering with clients and collaborators to deliver the most imaginative and exciting events possible. We are the bridge between creative designers and their ideas becoming reality. I bring together the creative and financial elements of projects. My clients include The Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, The Young Vic, Woolwich Works, Six The Musical for Broadway and Hamilton the tour. My role in the industry is quite new so it’s an exciting and innovative space to grow and develop in.
What would you like to say to your donor if you could today?
Thank you for everything. I would like to think he would be proud of me. I wish we could share a pint and chat about the everyday and how things have moved on. He really did make a transformational difference to my life by introducing me to Sherborne. I hope that those that can, will make these opportunities available to those that may not otherwise to able to enjoy them.
BOW SOCIETY MEMBERS (LEGACY GROUP)
We are incredibly grateful to all alumni and friends who pledge to leave a legacy in support of Sherborne. The Bow Society recognises those individuals who have chosen to make this most special and personal of donations, in support of the long-term future of Sherborne. Over 130 alumni and friends have kindly informed the School of their intention to leave gifts to Sherborne in their Wills. The following have chosen to be acknowledged as members of the Bow Society and it is our pleasure to recognise them here:
Robin Arbuthnot (d 59)
Andrew Aston (m 69)
Michael Baker (h 63)
Gavin Barlow (h 62)
Tim Barnard (c 71)
Brian Blandford (d 63)
Richard Bond (a 65)
Duncan Bratt (h 65)
James Broadbent (e 83)
John Campbell (h 52)
Mark Cannon Brookes (h 58)
Robert Carey (f 66)
Humphrey Carr (b 52)
Richard Carss (d 57)
Anthony Cassidy (b 56)
Angus Cater (c 70)
Nick Chamberlin (d 61)
Barney Cockcroft (b 54)
Justin Coldwell (f 72)
Charles Collingwood (h 62)
Dorothy Cooper
Chris Copeland (a 61)
David Cowper (h 55)
Martin Cree (a 65)
Angus Cunningham (f 60)
Dermot de Courcy (b 60)
Anthony Dew (c 56)
Howard Dobbs (f 62)
Richard Dorman (g 69)
Andrew Duff (a 68)
Bill Dupont (g 60)
Ralph Ellerton (f 62)
Mike Falconer (a 61)
Tim Farmer (b 60)
Patrick Farmer (b 57)
Roger Fidgen (a 64)
Michael Field (h 68)
Colin Forbes (f 74)
Nick Fox (c 80)
Michael French (a 66)
Rob Fuller (a 71)
Peter Garforth-Bles (b 69)
John Garrett (a 52)
Philip Geddes (d 65)
Howard Gill (f 81)
David Greenwood (d 60)
William Haly (a 77)
Richard Hardie (h & m 66)
Sheila Harding
John Hargrove (h 66)
David Harris (f 65)
Andrew Harvie-Clark (a 56)
Michael Hatchard (c 73)
Brian Hawkes (c 48)
Nigel Hawkins (b 53)
Martin Hayes (g 48)
David Hobart (d 69)
Keith Hooper (c 52)
Peter Humphrey (h 62)
John Hunter (h 46)
John Irving (d 58)
Mike Jerrom (b 60)
Will Jodrell (h 88)
Roddy Jones (m 70)
Tom Keatinge (h 89)
David Kirkpatrick
Roddy Lane (a 57)
David Leakey (b 70)
Simon Leathes (a & m 65)
Charles Lewington (a 77)
Philip Littlejohn
Julian Lloyd (a 51)
Ben Longrigg (h 51)
Randal MacDonnell (a 56)
James May (h 67)
Nigel Mermagen (b 61)
Richard Miller (f 80)
Peter Moeller (a 55)
Robert More (f 72)
Peter Mosse (a 65)
Charles Moubray
Colin Niven
Desmond O’Conor (b 57)
John Paine (g 53)
John Peat (d 70)
Tom Pierpont (c 77)
Ed Pitt Ford (m 05)
John Pocock (f 78)
Chris Pook (a 58)
Mike Prager (d 73)
Peter Rea (g 52)
Stephen Riley (c 73)
Rob Riley (h 61)
Myles Ripley (b 75)
Roger Robotham (b 78)
Nigel Round-Turner (a 67)
David Russell (a 64)
Christopher Samler (a 75)
Dan Shorland Ball (b 63)
Rodney Short (d 64)
Mike Slade (c 65)
Mark Spearing (h 82)
Nigel Spink (a 56)
Barry Sterndale-Bennett (a 57)
Tim Stubbs (f 66)
David Taylor (g 57)
John Thornback (f 56)
Hari Thorpe (h 60)
Peter Tilley (a 64)
James Tunnicliffe (a 76)
Richard Vellacott (g 60)
Martin Wallis (b 77)
Michael Ward (b 62)
Nick Ware (e 85)
Adrian Watney (c 62)
John Weston (h 56)
John White (a 67)
Julian Whiteley (a 74)
Marcus Wills (b 61)
Stephen Wingfield Digby (h 63)
John Woodrow (b 57)
Peter Wright (b 53)
John Youngman (b 59)
Anonymous member
If you are considering including a legacy to Sherborne in your Will, even if you do not wish to be recognised publicly as a member of the Bow Society, do please let us know. Legacy gifts make a tremendous difference for future generations. For more information, or if you have any questions, please email Richard Hunt, riichard.hunt@sherborne.org
DONOR ROLL
1940s
Desmond Bungey (f 42)
William Meadows (a 44)
Jim Carr (b 47)
Franey Matthews (b 48)
Michael Selby (h 49)
1950s
John Parker-Williams** (a 51)
Tim Forward# (a 52)
John Garrett (a 52)
Jonathan Cooper (d 52)
Martin Bryan-Brown (f 53)
Peter Southcombe (f 53)
Michael Dare (a 54)
Peter Gorle (f 54)
David Sandys-Renton (b 54)
David Harrison (d 55)
Colin Holman# (g 55)
John Lawrence (d 55)
Peter Moeller# (a 55)
Charles Peplow (f 55)
Robin Whicker (f 55)
Anthony Cassidy# + (b 56)
Charles Field (h 56)
Timothy Handcock (b 56)
Richard Smithson (h 56)
David Brook (d 57)
Richard Carss# (d 57)
John Woodrow (b 57)
John Killick (g 58)
Martin Nott (a 58)
Michael Orme (c 58)
Jeremy Robson (f 58)
David Wyatt-Smith (b 58)
John Arbuthnot# (d 59)
Benjamin Carver (g 59)
Bertie Cotterell (b 59)
John Youngman# ** (b 59)
Jim Bramble (h 60)
1960s
David Greenwood# (d 60)
Nicholas Newell (c 60)
Charles Binks (g 61)
Richard Childs-Clarke (b 61)
Chris Copeland# (a 61)
Christopher Galloway (f 61)
Richard Irwin (a 61)
John Kennedy (d 61)
Mervyn Wheatley (g 61)
Robin Wickham# (d 61)
Charles Collingwood (h 62)
Howard Dobbs# (f 62)
Walter Eglington** (g 62)
John Holloway (g 62)
Michael Myers# (b 62)
Jeremy Paulson-Ellis+ (g 62)
Michael Ward# (b 62)
Patrick Cordingley (c 63)
Roger French (f 63)
Peter Kendal (c 63)
Iain Mackay Dick (h 63)
Nick Morgan (g 63)
Stephen Wingfield Digby# (h 63)
Peter Bellamy (c 64)
Gus Dawson (c 64)
Roger Fidgen# ** (a 64)
Richard Rycroft (b 64)
Richard Bond# (a 65)
Nick Connor (g 65)
Martin Cree# (a 65)
Bill Hughes (c 65)
Michael Le Flufy (d 65)
Nigel Nott (a 65)
James Perowne (a & m 65)
John Steer (f 65)
Bruce Batting (c 66)
Robert Carey# (f 66)
Michael French# + (a 66)
Peter Innes (a 66)
Michael Norman** (a 66)
Tim Stubbs# (f 66)
Peter Fanning (b 67)
James May# ** (h 67)
Mike Tucker (h 67)
Richard Beasley (h 68)
Tim Clark (g 68)
Charles Goodall** (c 68)
Charles Jackson (h 68)
John Leighton-Dyson (e & m 68)
Robert Peto (a 68)
Andrew Aston# (m 69)
David Gidney (g 69)
Chris Hoey (h 69)
Peter Michelmore (g 69)
Paul Narizzano (c 69)
1970s
David Leakey# ** (b 70)
Richard Scott (d 70)
Robert Atkinson (c 71)
Tim Barnard# ** (c 71)
Jeffrey Carey (b 71)
Rob Fuller# (a 71)
Andrew Foster (b 73)
Robin Leach (b 73)
Peter Perowne (m 73)
Nicholas Crocker (a 74)
Patrick Curry (d 74)
David Heaver (m 74)
Anthony Rix (c 74)
Andrew Jackson (g 75)
Richard Madley (a 75)
Myles Ripley# (b 75)
Mark Hopkins** (m 76)
Christopherde Mattos (b 76)
Roy Montague-Jones (g 76)
Chris Thompson (f 76)
William Haly# ** (a 77)
Martin Wallis# (b 77)
William Barker (d 78)
Jonathan Cooke (h 78)
David Drew (h 78)
Dick Haly (a 78)
Nick Isaac (a 78)
Edward Mead (a 78)
Roger Robotham# ** (b 78)
John Fielder (g 79)
1980s
Jim Floyer (h 80)
Ivan Scholte (d 80)
Jonathan Crofts-Davies (m 81)
Jonathan Drew (h 81)
Nicholas Foreman (h 81)
Howard Gill# (f 81)
Martin Humphrey (h 81)
Richard Roope (d 81)
Matthew Bennett (e 82)
... DONOR ROLL
1980s continued
Angus Bogle (f 82)
Robert Fugard (m 82)
Peter Lees (b 82)
Andrew Bellers (a 83)
Richard Brand (a 83)
Tom Hills (d 83)
Rob Rydon (m 83)
Richard Castle (b 84)
Ian Horseman Sewell (f 84)
Simon Trist (d 84)
Chris Ward (b 84)
Bill Bennett (d 85)
Nick Ware# ** (e 85)
Simon Brenchley (g 86)
David Bridge (g 87)
Rupert Bagnall (b 88)
James Collins (f 88)
Richard Downey (h 88)
David Jones (f 89)
Thomas Keatinge# ** (h 89)
Angus Minford (h 89)
Andrew Steven (f 89)
Michael Tylor (b 89)
1990s
Jim Goodwin (b 90)
Rupert Welchman (b 90)
Alex Davey (b 91)
Julian Perowne (m 91)
James Persse** (d 91)
Charles Timmis (a 91)
Nick Greenstock (c 92)
Will Wingfield Digby (d 92)
Jeremy Costeloe (h 93)
Patrick Firebrace (a 93)
James Mead (h 93)
Daniel Perrin** (m 93)
John Holland (c 94)
Charles Jones (b 94)
Noboru Toyama (g 96)
James Brown (c 97)
David Maxwell (b 97)
Simon Lerwill (g 98)
Rob Ambrose (h 99)
Jonathan Godfrey (d 99)
Michael Wright (b 99)
2 Anonymous donors
2000s
James Board (e 01)
Matthew Hope (d 01)
Peter Langly-Smith (c 01)
David Hoey (h & d 02)
Andy Morley-Smith (e 02)
Tom Maber (m 03)
Jonathan Bryars (a 05)
David Kirk (a 05)
Robert Sworder# (d 05)
Matthew Hardcastle (f 06)
Jonny Titchin (e 08)
Ed Livingstone (m 09)
Oly Longland (e 09)
2010s
Cameron Stanford (g 10)
Toby Lane (m 11)
CURRENT PARENTS
Anindya and Firdiani Bakrie
George and Bryonie Clarendon
Liz Langley
James and Emily Persse
Barnaby and Tracey Richardson # Bow Society Member
Edward Society
Alfred Society
At Sherborne, we recognise the incredible impact of major gifts upon the School with Circles of Benefaction. We have two Circles:
• Alfred Circle in recognition of cumulative gifts over £75,000
• Edward Circle in recognition of cumulative gifts between £10,000 and £75,000
Members are invited to special events which enable donors to stay connected with School life, and provide opportunities to meet members of the School community whose work they are supporting, as well as other Circle members We would like to thank, recognise and honour our major benefactors who, in their lifetime, have given most generously to the School:
ALFRED SOCIETY
Anindya Bakrie
Firdiani Bakrie
Anthony Cassidy# (b 56)
Jonathan Cheng
Michael French# ( a 66)
Michael Hatchard# (c 73)
Tim Hunt (g 49)
Robert Iliffe
Adah Kwan
Jeremy Paulson-Ellis (g 62)
John Pocock# (f 78)
Rory Powe (h 81)
Mike Slade# (c 65)
Maurice Thompson (m 76)
Simon Tindall (g 56)
Hugh Welchman (b 54)
2 Anonymous donors
TRUSTEES
Jimmy Carroll (c 00)
Michael French (a 66)
Aadel Kardooni (c 87)
William Paul (c 91)
Rupert Pittman (b 90)
John Pocock (f 78)
Rory Powe (h 81)
Anthony Pralle (g 76)
Miles Ritchie (c 78)
Sam Small Chairman (a 84)
George Smibert (f 06)
Maurice Thompson (m 76)
Rupert Welchman (b 90)
Matthew Whittell (a & e 82)
EDWARD SOCIETY
Cameron Adderley (g 85)
Khalid Al Saud (e 2014)
Will Allen (c 90)
Kathryn Ballisat
Tim Barnard# (c 71)
Robert Beard
Adrian and Natasha Bridge
Edwin and Joan Bristow
James Broadbent# (e 83)
Mark Cannon Brookes# (h 58)
Robert Carey# (f 66)
Henry & Samantha Chandler
Justin Coldwell# (f 72)
Sinbad and Susan Coleridge
Christopher & Leonie Cooke
Robin & Jaquiline Creswell
David and Julia Hunter
Piers & Nicola de Montfort (a 75)
Anthony Dew# (c 56)
Michael Eglington (g 66)
Walter Eglington (g 62)
Roger Fidgen# (a 64)
William Gammell
Charles Goodall (c 68)
William Haly# (a 77)
Gavin and Jenny Hamilton
David Hands
Richard Hardie# (h & m 66)
John Hargrove# (h 66)
Phil Harvey (g 95)
Jamie Henderson (m 84)
Crawford Henderson (m 87)
Hugh Hildesley (b 60)
Mark Hopkins (m 76)
Adrian Hopkinson (m 71)
Peter Horstmann (h 62)
Guy Hudson (m 80)
Thomas Keatinge# (h 89)
Nick Kesley
Angela Lane
David Lane (m 80)
David Leakey# (b 70)
Robert MacDonnell# (a 56)
James May# (h 67)
The Morant Charitable Trust
Michael Norman (a 66)
Kim and Tina Oxenham#
John Paine (g 53)
John Parker-Williams (a 51)
Patrick Paul (c 87)
William Paul (c 91)
Daniel Perrin (m 93)
James Persse (d 91)
Robert Peto (a 68)
Nat Pibuldham
Charles Platt (h 70)
Anthony Pralle (g 76)
Robert Proctor (g 68)
Peter Rea# (g 52)
Andrew Read (g 87)
Peter Rigby-Jones (h 73)
Stephen Riley# (c 73)
Miles Ritchie (c 78)
Alistair & Stephania Rivers (m 83)
Lucy Robins
Roger Robotham# (b 78)
James Ross (h 57)
Christopher Samler# (a 75)
The Tansy Trust
Peter Shepard OBE
Rodney Short# (d 64)
Sam Small (a 84)
Jonny Stark (f 98)
Martin Thomas (a 63)
Neil Thomason
Richard Thompson (h 57)
Peter Tilley# (a 64)
Robin Tooke (h 64)
Nick Ware# (e 85)
Bert Waterfield (d 78)
Adrian Watney# (c 62)
Matthew Whittell (a & e 82)
Peter Wright# (b 53)
John Youngman# (b 59)
# Bow Society Member
** Edward Society
+ Alfred Society
Scott and Caroline Lines
Ben Longrigg# (h 51)
John Zealley (a & e 80)
2 Anonymous donors
