Sherborne School Overview
Sherborne School is a leading independent full-boarding school for boys aged 13 to 18, located in the historic town of Sherborne, Dorset. Founded in 1550, the school combines strong academic standards with a vibrant co-curricular programme and a strong sense of tradition. With around 600 pupils, Sherborne offers a close-knit, supportive environment where boys are known personally and encouraged to develop in all areas of life.
The school is known for its full-boarding ethos, ensuring a busy and engaging life beyond the classroom. Its location in the heart of a safe and attractive market town provides a unique setting, blending heritage with modern facilities. Sherborne maintains a strong academic record and prepares boys well for university and life beyond school, with a particular emphasis on character, community and personal growth.
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Sherborne School Courses And Programmes
Third Form
In the Third Form, pupils follow a core curriculum that includes Maths, English, and Science, alongside subjects such as History, Geography, Latin, Modern Languages, Drama, Art, Design Technology, and Music. This wide exposure helps boys identify where they excel before choosing their GCSE subjects.
Fourth and Fifth Form
In the Fourth and Fifth Forms, pupils continue with core subjects and select four additional GCSE options. There are no restrictions on subject combinations, and the school’s full-boarding structure allows flexibility in the timetable to accommodate most choices. Many boys choose a modern foreign language to strengthen their long-term prospects.
Sixth Form
In the Sixth Form, boys typically study three A levels, with options available across a wide range of disciplines. Sherborne aims to support individual interests by accommodating unusual combinations, even if it requires off-timetable teaching or collaboration with nearby schools. Sixth Form pupils can also pursue the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), where they research and present a topic of their choice. This also prepares them for university-level study.
Sherborne School Fees
From September 2025, Sherborne School charges the following termly fees:
- Day pupils: £15,190 (including VAT)
- Boarding pupils: £19,200 (including VAT)
These fees cover tuition, meals, standard co-curricular activities, and most textbooks. Boarding fees also include accommodation and pastoral care. Additional charges may apply for specialist tuition, trips, and some extracurricular options.
Sherborne School Boarding And Pastoral Care
Sherborne offers a full-boarding experience for boys, seven days a week. It is one of the few schools in the UK that fully commits to this model. As a result, the school can provide a consistent and well-rounded environment where learning, friendships, and personal growth happen throughout the week.
Boys live, learn, and relax together, forming strong bonds across all year groups. Notably, junior boys benefit from mentoring by older pupils, helping to build a supportive and inclusive community. Each boy belongs to a boarding house that becomes their home. These houses play a key role in daily life, offering personal space, shared routines, and a strong sense of belonging.
Importantly, living in such a close-knit setting helps boys develop responsibility, empathy, and self-awareness. They understand they represent the wider Sherborne community and are expected to act with kindness and respect. Furthermore, the full-boarding model allows staff to get to know pupils well and provide strong pastoral support.
Parents, fret not. You will be able to remain closely involved through regular communication.
Sherborne School Extracurricular Activities
Sherborne offers a rich and balanced programme of activities that runs alongside academic life.
Music is a major strength. Around half of pupils play an instrument and one in five sing in the school choir, which performs twice weekly in Sherborne Abbey. The music school is busy from early morning to late evening, with rehearsals, lessons, and recording sessions. A wide range of ensembles are available, including orchestras, jazz bands, and a large wind band. Weekly public concerts offer all musicians regular performance opportunities.
In addition, the art and design departments are open seven days a week. Pupils can explore painting, sculpture, photography, digital media, and more. Even those not studying art formally are encouraged to join creative sessions. The DT workshop, equipped to a high standard, works closely with the art team.
Drama also plays a key role. Each year, the school stages a major musical and play with Sherborne Girls. Junior productions and inter-house drama competitions provide further opportunities to perform.
Moreover, the school runs a full activities programme after 5pm daily. Year 9 pupils take part in at least two activities, while older pupils do one or more. Options range from robotics and bell ringing to outdoor pursuits and volunteering.
Sport is also central to school life. Rugby is the flagship sport, but the school offers over 20 options, including cricket, hockey, tennis, swimming, sailing, and fencing. Boys are encouraged to try different sports and find what suits them.
