Welcome
Zoe Neville-Harris Assistant Headteacher - Head of Senors
“This stage of your school journey marks an exciting and important period of growth—academically, personally and socially. Whether you are new to the school or have progressed from our Prep Phase, the Senior years bring new responsibilities, challenges and opportunities.
At Sherfield, we believe in helping every pupil to thrive. You’ll be encouraged to aim high in your academic studies, make the most of co-curricular activities, and develop as a confident, kind and resilient individual. You will have access to a rich variety of experiences—from clubs, trips and competitions to music, sport, drama and leadership roles—all designed to help you discover your strengths and passions.
As a Senior pupil, you will be given increasing independence and the chance to shape your own path. With that freedom comes responsibility. We expect you to act with courage, kindness and respect others, contribute positively to our community and work to the best of your ability. Staff are here to support and guide you, and we hope you will always ask for help when needed.
Your wellbeing is central to your success. Each pupil is part of a small tutor group, where your tutor will take time to get to know you, check in regularly, and support your progress. Our Deputy Heads of Phase, pastoral team, and school nurses are always available if you face challenges along the way. You are never alone here.
This phase is also about preparation—preparing for exams, for life beyond school, and for becoming a thoughtful and capable adult. From Year 9, you’ll take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award and explore pathways through GCSEs, A-levels, university applications, apprenticeships and careers. Our team, including the Head of Sixth Form and Head of Careers, will support you every step of the way.
We hope you will seize every opportunity, challenge yourself, and enjoy your time in the Senior Phase. Take pride in your achievements—big or small—and know that you are a valued member of our school community.
We’re proud to have you here and excited to see all that you will accomplish.”
Head of Year 7&8
Welcome
Matt Sutherland Assistant Headteacher - Head of Year 7&8
“Year 7 & 8 is an exciting and important part of your academic and personal progression at school. Luckily, there will be plenty of people standing by ready to help you with this - many of whom you have already met.
We want our learning to be accessible yet challenging, fun yet rigorous, as this is how you will best develop and go on to further success in seniors. We want you to embrace all aspects of your learning and wider school life. This is the time to throw yourself into it, make mistakes, and learn from them, safe in the knowledge that we will be there to help you through it.
You will find that this top end of senior prep is a different experience than that which you have come to know in Year 5 & 6, as you will be moving around the school more, with more subjects, teachers and homework than before. Don’t worry thoughwhile it might be confusing or tiring at first, you’re sure to get used to it and by Christmas, it will all be second nature!
You will have the support of your tutor, who you will see daily in school, and they will help you find your feet and deal with the day-to-day complexities of school life. In addition to this, you have Mr Rampton and I as well as Student Services and the school nurses to help you along the way.
You will find opportunities to show your leadership potential as Senior Prep Prefects, and we hope that you will apply to become one of the team and help shape the school experience for your peers.
Mr Rampton and I wish you every success in the next two years of your education, and we can’t wait to see what great things you will achieve. Put in all the effort, engagement and concentration that you can - you may surprise yourself with how far you go!
Vision, MissionValuesand
We create a learning environment that nurtures, inspires and challenges, preparing everyone for life in a global society.
Vision
Our students create a positive impact, inspiring change and a better future.
Values
Respect – Value Every Voice Courage – Do the Right Thing Kindness – Act with Empathy
These values define who we are – the beliefs that guide our actions and behaviours. They influence the way the whole school community works with each other, and they are the foundation of the quality of the education we provide.
This handbook contains information about the following and should answer most of your questions; however please ask your tutor if you have any other questions.
Dress Code Equipmentand
Year 7 to 11 Uniform
The uniform for Years 7 to 11 can be found below and these are the only items you should wear when on school grounds. Uniform should be worn with pride and all pupils should always be dressed smartly, including wearing blazers when not in lessons. You should also wear your blazer to arrive at school and to leave school, as well as between lessons, to assemblies, and at break and lunchtimes.
Sherfield blazer
Sherfield Senior backpack (no other backpack is acceptable)
White long-sleeved, button-to-neck shirt or white short-sleeve shirt (optional for summer)
Sherfield tie
Grey school skirt with navy socks or navy opaque tights (Year 7 & 8 girls will continue to wear the tartan skirt as per Year 5 & 6)
Grey school trousers with dark-coloured ankle socks (Year 7 & 8 boys may continue to wear shorts in the summer as per Year 5 & 6)
Optional additional items
A nondescript navy or black coat
Sherfield v-neck jumper or cardigan
Navy Scarf
Navy or black hair accessories (no other colour may be worn)
Sherfield sun hat or woolly hats can be purchased in the FOS on-site second-hand uniform shop or any plain navy sun hat or woolly hat
Dress Code
Shirts must be tucked in at all times
Shoes must be black, polishable leather, with a raise of no more than 2cms. Trainers or shoes with wedge heels or exceptionally thick soles are not acceptable.
All pupils in the Senior School may wear plain metal stud earrings. No other jewellery is allowed to be worn.
Hair must be neat and tidy. If tied back, hair should be secured with navy or black ties.
Extreme fashion styles, cuts or ostentatious use of hair products are not allowed. Pupils should not dye their hair.
Make-up should be discreet and not cause comment. Pupils wearing obvious amounts of make-up will be asked to remove this at the nurse’s office.
Nail Varnish/ false nails or eyelashes should not be worn to school, and you will be asked to remove these at the nurse’s office should they be worn to school.
Year 7 to 11 PE Kit
Sherfield track top or Sherfield midlayer
Navy/white falcon track pants
Sherfield polo shirt - house colours
Navy silky PE shorts or games skort
Short white sports socks or Sherfield navy knee-high sports socks
Sherfield sports holdall
Plain white/black non-marking trainers (no flashing lights)
Multi-studded football boots
Optional - navy base layer top
Rugby Kit (Boys only)
Sherfield games jersey - house colours
Navy rugby shorts
Cricket Kit (Summer term only)
Cricket shirt (long sleeved)
Cricket batting trousers
Sleeveless or long-sleeved cricket jumper
White non-marking trainers
Day-to-day Equipment
All students should bring the following items to school in their pencil case:
Pencils, sharpener and erasers
15cm ruler and 30cm ruler
Set square, protractor and compass
black ink pens
A purple pen highlighter
Glue stick
Scientific calculator – recommended is the Cassio fx-83GT-CW
Headphones for Languages Lessons
Own device
School DaySchool Grounds and
Structure of the School Day
Sherfield opens at 7:30am for Breakfast Club. Breakfast is available until 8:00am and is chargeable and prebookable via reception. Parents may drop their child off between 8:00am and 8.25am. Children must not be left unattended in their classrooms before 8:25am. If pupils arrive between 8:00-8:25am, they can wait in the dining hall. Pupils arriving after 8.35am must report to the Main Reception to sign in before going to lessons.
Registration is at 8:25am and the day finishes at 4:15pm. The main entrance for Senior pupils in Years 9-11 is the door to the left of the main reception entrance to Buckfield House. All doors are accessible by a code and the tutor will give pupils the code to the doors.
When going to and from the sports hall, pupils should always go round the back of Buckfield House rather than the front or via the car park areas, unless instructed to do so by a member of staff on specific occasions.
If a pupil is not collected at 4:15pm and they are expecting to be, they should go to homework club until their parents arrive to collect them from Main Reception.
Tea and snacks are served in the Dining Hall at 4:15pm and clubs for are organised from 4:30pm to 5:45pm. Clubs organised by school staff are included in the school fees. There are some clubs which demand an additional fee due to the implications of coaching and facilities.
All after-school clubs are booked for the term, in advance, with the exception of homework club, although notice must be provided that this is required.
08:25 Start of the school day - Morning Registration
08:35 Period 1
09:35 Period 2
10:35 Morning Break
10:55 Period 3
11:55 Period 4
12:55 Lunch
13:50 Afternoon Registration - Extended Tutor Time or Assembly
14:15 Period 5
15:15 Period 6
16:15 End of the school day - Clubs & Societies
First Day of the School Year
The first day of the new academic year is Monday 1 September; pupils should arrive at school for 8:20am. All new pupils in the Senior School (Year 9 and up) should report to Main Reception where you will be met by the Senior team and taken to your tutor room. All new pupils in Year 7 and 8 should report to Main Reception if they are unsure where to go, but may go straight to their tutor room if they are confident to do so.
There will be time with your tutor during period 1 and in this time, you will receive and go through your timetable. You will also receive information about any specific activities that apply to you during the week. You will be given your school log-in details, and you will be able to ask any questions you have. You will be assigned a ‘buddy’ to help you through the first few days.
From period 2, you will go to your normal lessons which are on your timetable.
After school clubs will run at 4:30pm and a snack is offered in the Dining Room at 4:15pm.
When you are ready to be collected at either 4:15pm or 5:45pm, please go to the pick-up point which is just to the edge of the parent car park where a member of staff will wait with you until you are collected. Those pupils catching the school bus should go to the front of the Main Reception to wait for the buses at 5.45pm.
Arriving Late and Leaving Site
Pupils arriving late must first report to Main Reception, via the black door to the left of the main entrance so that the registers may be corrected.
Pupils must not leave the site at any time without an adult. If they need to leave the school during the day for things such as a medical or dental appointment, this has to be authorised by the Head of Seniors at least 48 hours in advance.
Parents must pick pupils up and return them to and from the Main Reception, where they must sign in and out of school. Parents should not attempt to access teaching areas themselves at any time.
Timetable
A pupil’s timetable is issued on the first day and will not normally change. It will tell them which lesson they have, where it is and who the teacher is. If a pupil loses their timetable, their tutor can print another copy.
Key PeopleContacts and
Key Staff & Student Contacts
A pupil’s first point of contact should always be their form tutor who can answer most questions for them They will also spend time with pupils on the academic and personal elements of life at Sherfield.
Next, there is the Assistant Head - Head of Seniors and Deputy Heads of Seniors. They are always able to meet with pupils if they have any concerns.
For all pupils who require any additional support with their lessons, either because they are good at something or need a little extra help, Mrs Walsh and her team are here to help you.
Our School Nurses are here if pupils are not feeling very well or have an accident. If you are not feeling well at break or lunchtime, you may go to see them in the Health zone immediately and not wait until your lessons start. If you have any medication that you need to take through the day, including pain relief, they must be taken to the Health zone for safekeeping.
The Head Prefects, as well as the House Prefects, are here to set examples to other pupils and help with the house activities as well. You can always ask them to help you.
Role
Head of School
Deputy Headteacher
Head of Seniors and Deputy DSL
Deputy Heads of Seniors
Head of Year 7 & 8 and Deputy DSL
Deputy Head of Year 7 & 8
Name
Ms C. Taylor
Mr T. Wilde
Mrs Z. Neville-Harris
Mr J. Bridges - Year 9
Ms A. Rouse - Year 10
Mr M Sutherland
Mr D Rampton
Contact Details
hmpa@sherfieldschool.co.uk
t.wilde@sherfieldschool.co.uk
z.neville@sherfieldschool.co.uk
j.bridges@sherfieldschool.co.uk
a.rouse@sherfieldschool.co.uk
m.sutherland@sherfieldschool.co.uk
d.rampton@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Miss
West 7.4
Mr B. Marshall 8.1
Miss J Stokes 8.2
Miss J Vargas 8.3
Miss N. Nathanson - 9.1 - Wynstow
Miss N. Lamrabat - 9.2 - Lydney
e.winsor@sherfieldschool.co.uk
r.price@sherfieldschool.co.uk
j.melham@sherfieldschool.co.uk n.west@sherfieldschool.co.uk
b.marshall@sherfieldschool.co.uk j.stokes@sherfieldschool.co.uk j.vargas@sherfieldschool.co.uk Year 9
Ms L. Barnikel - 9.3 - Loddon
Miss O. Leung - 9.4 - Buckfield
Miss J. Callanan - 9.1 - Wynstow
Ms R. Seamark - 9.2 - Lydney
Year 10 Tutors
Year 11 Tutors
Mrs R. Ranchin-Meakin - 9.3 - Loddon
Mr L. Tattersall - 9.4 - Buckfield
Mr D. Wignall - 10.1 - Wynstow
Mr A. Chigurapati - 10.2 - Lydney
Mr I. Marshall - 10.3 - Loddon
Mr G. Paganuzzi - 10.4 - Buckfield
Examinations Officer Mrs R. Wilson
Special
Boarding
Boarding
n.nathanson@sherfieldschool.co.uk
n.lamrabat@sherfieldschool.co.uk
l.barnikel@sherfieldschool.co.uk o.leung@sherfieldschool.co.uk
j.callanan@sherfieldschool.co.uk
r.seamark@sherfieldschool.co.uk
r.ranchin-meakin@sherfieldschool.co.uk
l.tattersall@@sherfieldschool.co.uk
d.wignall@sherfieldschool.co.uk
a.chigurapati@sherfieldschool.co.uk
i.marshall@sherfieldschool.co.uk
g.paganuzzi@sherfieldschool.co.uk
r.wilson@sherfieldschool.co.uk
k.walsh@sherfieldschool.co.uk
o.bailey@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mr O. Bailey, Mrs A. Robertson & Mr D. Page BLT@sherfieldschool.co.uk
School Nurse Mrs R. Redbond
nurses@sherfieldschool.co.uk
School Counsellor Mrs F. Smith f.smith@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Term & Key Dates 25-26
Term Dates 2025/26
01 02 03
Autumm Term
Spring Term
Monday 1 September to Friday 12 December st th
Half Term:
Monday 20 OctoberFriday 31 October
INSET: Friday 14 November th
Monday 5 JanuaryWednesday 1 April st
Half Term: Monday 16 FebruaryFriday 20 February
Summer Term
Thursday 23 AprilFriday 1 July st
Half Term: Monday 25 May to Friday 29 May
Bank Holiday: Monday 4 May th
Boarders should not book flights to leave or arrive during advertised term-time dates.
Boarders' arrival and departure days are as follows:
At the beginning of term/half term: Return the Sunday before, from 2:00pm onwards.
At the end of term/half term: Leave by 5:30pm on the last day of the half term/term.
PracticalInformation
Bikes
Pupils may bring bicycles into school, although the school cannot take responsibility for these or for you whilst you are cycling to and from school. The bicycle should be locked in one of the cycle racks with a secure lock. Pupils must be in possession of and wear a helmet if they are bringing a bike into school.
Music Lessons
Individual and small group lessons for music take place during the school day. The teacher for the lesson will let parents know when the lessons will take place each week as they may not be the same time.
It is the child’s responsibility to make sure they attend them and if they cannot, they need to speak with the teacher, or Mr Rampton, well in advance to arrange a different time.
Logging In
Your school Google login will help you to access all programmes required for your school day. You will need to download the domain details prior to logging onto the Wi-Fi. The school IT department can help with this.
Once you are logged in you must log into all Google classrooms with your school Google login rather than any home accounts.
You should not use anyone else’s log-in details, and you must not give out your details to anyone else.
Homework
Children work hard at school and they must have time to relax and enjoy family life. Homework is set according to the child’s age and needs and should supplement what is covered in school. Pupils should be able to complete their homework independently with their parent’s encouragement.
If a pupil finds they cannot do the homework they have been set, they should see the subject teacher as soon as possible from when the homework was set, to discuss this with them. Pupils should not wait until the homework is due to be handed in to say they don’t understand it or are unable to do it.
Each subject teacher will create a Google Classroom for the pupils to join, where they can set work and post resources they may find useful. Teachers will post homework on the Google Classroom, which they will be able to access using the logins provided to the pupils by their tutor. Parents will also have access to the Google Classroom and be able to see what homework has been set. Please contact the tutors with any queries or concerns regarding homework tasks.
Homework Club
Homework club is available from 4:30pm - 5:45pm every day, where homework can be done before going home. This is booked in the same way as other after school clubs, but can also be booked at short notice, if there is space available. As everyone is working in this club, pupils are expected to be silent and allow others to work just as they would in a normal class. Computer gaming is not permitted.
After School Clubs
We have a wide range of clubs for pupils in the Senior School which take place after school. After-school activities are chosen in the last few weeks of the preceding term and are sent home to parents to help pupils choose.
The clubs run from the first day of each term until the last day of each term, unless advised otherwise. They run 4:30pm to 5:45pm. Parents will enter the selection of clubs into the online booking system (SOCS) to reserve their place. We recommend three clubs per week depending upon a pupil’s activities out of school.
Houses and Points
All pupils and teachers are allocated to one of our four Houses – Buckfield (purple), Lydney (green), Wynstow (red) and Loddon (yellow).
The House system greatly enhances the life of the school by supporting charities, fostering healthy competition, leadership and a sense of community. Prefects and house captains work alongside the house staff and pupils to encourage participation in competitions and events including Sports Day, where everyone can contribute to the House trophy.
There are several house events which take place each term, with at least one a week and these are normally advertised in house assemblies and on the house noticeboards. Pupils can help win points for their house by taking part in or supporting these events.
Pupils can also win house points with good pieces of work, improvement in lesson, good effort, acts of courtesy, positive contribution to school life, service in a school event, as well as other things
Trips
Trips and excursions, both in this country and abroad, are organised throughout the year. These serve to enhance and enrich the curriculum in many ways.
You are expected to behave in the same manner as you would if you were in school whilst you are out on trips including sports fixtures.
Exams
We hold exams and assessments at the end of each year to determine progress and prepare for entry into the next year and public exams in Years 11 and 13. Pupils in Year 9 will have exams in all core subjects and these take place in the Sports Hall, with non-core subject assessments taking place in lessons.
Pupils in Year 10 will have exams in all their subjects in the Sports Hall under public exam conditions.
Timetables for these exams will be issued in advance and will also be available to parents.
Any pupils taking public exams will be issued with a statement of entry advising you which exams and units they have been entered for. These should be checked and any issues raised with your subject teachers or the exams office as soon as possible. These statements will also advise pupils when the exams are taking place.
Positions of Leadership and Responsibility
At Sherfield School, we encourage students to take on meaningful leadership roles that contribute to our vibrant school community. House Captains play a key role in fostering house spirit by leading their house in competitions, events, and pastoral activities, promoting teamwork and a sense of belonging. Year Representatives serve as important links between students and staff, representing their peers on the student council and helping to communicate ideas and concerns constructively.
Our Peer Mentors and Wellbeing Ambassadors support the emotional and social well-being of fellow students, offering guidance to younger pupils and promoting a positive, inclusive school environment. These positions offer students the opportunity to develop confidence, leadership, and a strong sense of responsibility.
All positions are applied for by letter to the Head of Phase in the Autumn term.
Meals
All our meals are cooked on the premises in our kitchens and our lunch menus are served on a three-week cycle. We encourage our pupils to develop a positive, healthy and active approach to life and learning.
Fruit is on offer at break time and we provide healthy, balanced school meals. Lunch is compulsory for all pupils and special diets are catered for (breakfast and tea can be ordered and paid for separately). Pupils are not allowed to bring meals, drinks or snacks from home.
Recognising Achievement
Certificates are awarded for achievement and exceptional contribution to school life in celebration assemblies at the end of each term. In the summer, we have our major prizegiving ceremony.
Assemblies
Senior School Assemblies take place once a week in the Auditorium. Senior school pupils all then also attend a House assembly each week.
Valuables
We expect that valuables are left at home rather than brought into school. If there are extreme circumstances where valuables need to be brought into school, these should be given to your tutor for safekeeping. The school will not be held accountable should any valuables be lost or mislaid if they are not passed to your tutor for safekeeping.
Lockers
Pupils can request a locker room at the start of the year where their bags and coats can be stored. The locker rooms are located behind Humanities and in the Music room corridors.
Communication
We use several ways to let you know what is happening within school. These include from your tutor, Google Classrooms, during assemblies, notice boards including the house notice boards and information sent home to your parents.
Pupil Code of Conduct
Pupils are taught, encouraged and expected to develop and maintain a strong personal integrity that is truthful, generous, courteous and considerate of the needs and feelings of others. They are expected to have a positive and purposeful attitude to their studies and school lives and to their relationships with staff and other pupils in line with the school values of Courage, Kindness and Respect.
01 02
Observing Common Courtesies
Move around the school with dignity and respect for others.
Open doors for all adults (staff and visitors) and let them go through first. Avoid offensive language, even if there is no teacher present.
Behave in a caring manner, especially to those younger than yourself.
Allow teachers to teach and pupils to learn
Arrive on time for lessons with the correct books and equipment.
Line up quietly outside a classroom if the classroom is being used or the teacher is not yet present.
Only enter science laboratories, D&T workshops or the Sports facilities if a member of staff is present.
Do not bring items to school that are likely to cause distraction.
Move around school safely
Do not run in the corridors. Wait patiently in queues.
Observe the school policy on uniform and wear your uniform smartly. Treat your environment with respect and ensure that all litter is deposited in bins.
Academic excellence and honesty
Avoid copying or any other form of plagiarism as it subverts the assessment process, is a breach of academic integrity and undermines the standards and reputation of the school.
While travelling in public places, pay particular attention to your conduct and appearance. Show courtesy and consideration to members of the public. Behaviour that may offend or intimidate members of the public or damage the reputation of the school is regarded as a serious breach of discipline.
Travelling to and from school 07 05
Mobile Devices
Mobile phones are not permitted in school, and should you need your phone at school it should be left at reception until the end of the school day. Any phone seen during the school day will be confiscated.
08
Chewing gum
Gum is not allowed in school, including at the end of the school day and during after-school activities. Anyone found with chewing gum will receive a lunchtime detention with the head of phase.
09
Aerosols, cigarettes, vapes, drugs and dangerous items
Pupils must not use any type of aerosol spray; roll–on deodorants may be used.
Drugs, vapes, cigarettes, dangerous, distracting or anti-social items must not be brought onto the premises under any circumstances. There is a firm disciplinary framework in place for dealing with pupils who do not adhere to these rules.
Any medicines must be given to the school nurse. Inhalers and other approved medicines may be carried by named pupils.
to Learn
The expectation of all students at Sherfield School is that they will:
Arrive promptly for lessons.
Line up quietly outside classrooms, ready to go in when invited by the teacher and then sit down ready to learn
Start the ‘Do Now’ task as soon as they enter the classroom
Have all the standard equipment with them for every lesson
Complete their homework to the best of their abilities and hand it in on time
Actively listen when anyone else is addressing the class
Try their best in every lesson; ask questions and show an appropriate level of independence. Treat their work, resources, and the classroom, with respect.
Respond to verbal and written feedback from the teacher, and from peers. It's your responsibility to have some agency and take control of your own learning. It is not a passive process
