Sherborne School: Exploring Reviews, Rankings, Fees, And More
This comprehensive review of Sherborne School explores what it is really like to study at one of the UK’s most historic boys’ boarding schools. From parent and student reviews to rankings, fees, and daily life, we uncover what sets Sherborne apart as a place where boys learn, live, and grow. Join us as we take a closer look inside Sherborne’s unique boarding community and discover why it remains a leading choice for families seeking a traditional yet forward-thinking education.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Sherborne School
- Local authority: Dorset
- Pupils: 570; sixth formers: 245
- Gender: Boys
- Age: 13-18
- Religion: Church of England
- Fees: Day £15,190 per term; Boarding £19,200 per term (inclusive of VAT)
Sherborne School: All you need to know
Sherborne School is traditional boys boarding school with over 90% full boarders. The Dorset-based school is just a stone’s throw away from Sherborne Girls, a fine institution for girls. This is indeed one of the better schools in the country and admissions can be pretty competitive.
Walking into Sherborne School, you will spot a magnificent statue of Alan Turing, a proud alumni of Sherborne School. With over 400 years of rich history, the school hosts almost 600 boys in this beautiful rural setting. Being an all-boys school, the academic team has a distinct advantage as they are able to tailor their education to the interest of the boys.
While sports is an integral part of an all-boys school, the school understand that sports is just not for everyone. So fret not, Sherborne has an extremely holistic range of facilities to cater to each individual interest. For instance, the music programme is one of the best in the country!
Sherborne School Results
Latest Results:
- A level Results (2025): 33% A*-A
- GCSE Results (2025): 54% 9/7
Teaching and Learning at Sherborne School
Sherborne School focuses on more than just exam results. Instead, it aims to help boys become curious, independent learners with strong study habits. Teachers actively encourage clear thinking, effective communication, and solid time management. As a result, students build key skills that support success both in and beyond the classroom.
Moreover, lessons are designed to be active and engaging. Pupils are regularly encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and think critically. At the same time, teachers challenge them while providing the right level of support. Rather than relying on rote memorisation, the school values meaningful learning. Therefore, boys learn to take responsibility for their progress and develop greater confidence in their abilities.
Boarding Facilities in Sherborne School
Full Boarding Ethos: Sherborne School embraces full boarding, with a minimal number of day students (5%). The boarding community is an integral part of school life, fostering a close-knit and supportive environment.
Diverse Boarding Houses: Sherborne School boasts 8 distinct boarding houses, each with its own unique character and architecture. From the historic School House to purpose-built residences like Lyon and the Digby, each house offers a different experience for its residents.
House Dynamics and Autonomy: Housemasters wield considerable autonomy in the management of their houses, fostering a sense of community and responsibility.
Accommodation and Facilities: Boarding accommodation at Sherborne is described as cheery, well-maintained, and homely. Dormitories are bright, functional, and reasonably tidy, offering a comfortable living space for students. Matrons, tutors, and house staff contribute to the nurturing environment.
House Loyalty and Diversity: Sherborne’s boarding houses promote fierce loyalty rather than tribalism, striving for a balanced mix of academic, athletic, and artistic pursuits within each house. Parents can select up to 3 preferred houses during the admission process.
Extracurricular Activities in Sherborne School
Music, Drama, and Art
Sherborne School’s extracurricular offerings cater to a diverse range of interests and talents, providing students with opportunities to explore their passions and develop valuable skills beyond academics.
Music:
- Sherborne School boasts a vibrant music scene, with excellent facilities and opportunities for students. The music department, led by a charismatic head, offers extensive resources and a dedicated block with an intimate concert hall.
- Students participate in various musical ensembles, including the chamber choir, which has just 22 auditioned members. Choral scholarships to prestigious universities are a possibility for talented students.
Drama:
- Drama thrives at Sherborne School, with performances taking place in the Powell Theatre and as part of house productions. The school has a rich tradition of alumni in the performing arts, including notable names like Hugh Bonneville and Jeremy Irons.
- Productions often collaborate with the girls’ school, showcasing a diverse range of plays and performances, from classic dramas like “The Turn of the Screw” to contemporary works.
Art and Design Technology (DT):
- The school’s art department offers students a dedicated space equipped with the latest resources, including the Oliver Holt gallery. Students engage in various projects, including exploration of themes like gender depiction.
Trips and Outdoor Activities
- Sherborne School organises trips to concerts, plays, and exhibitions, enhancing learning experiences beyond the classroom. Outdoor activities like CCF (Combined Cadet Force), Ten Tors, and Duke of Edinburgh Award provide students with opportunities to develop resilience and leadership skills.
- The school’s sailing programme, indoor climbing wall, and other outdoor education activities offer alternatives for students who may not be interested in traditional sports.
- Rugby is particularly popular, but the school emphasises providing opportunities for students to find a sport they enjoy.
- Other sports include hockey, football, cricket, golf, fives, and clay pigeon shooting. The school is working to address concerns about tennis facilities and plans to improve indoor sports amenities in the near future.
Admissions Process: Entering Sherborne School
Starting Early: The admissions process at Sherborne School begins well before Year 9. For those aiming for entry at 13+, the school offers testing for Year 6 or Year 7 students.
Testing and Assessment: Boys interested in joining the school undergo the ISEB Common Pre-Test. Successful candidates are then invited to an assessment day, which includes an interview, a creative writing task, and a group task.
Common Entrance: For 13+ entry, Common Entrance exams are taken at the end of Year 8. These exams are crucial for school setting purposes.
Boarding House Allocation: In Year 8, the allocation of boarding houses takes place. Parents can request up to three preferences, although priority is given to requests from Old Shirburnians. Ultimately, the school has the final decision regarding boarding house allocation.
Sixth Form Entry: For entry into the Sixth Form, prospective students must have achieved an average grade of 4 or above across all their GCSEs. Additionally, a minimum grade of 7 is required in all subjects to be studied at A level. This is supplemented by an online assessment and an interview as part of the admissions process.
SEN Support in Sherborne School
Here at Sherborne, the team is well prepared to cater to pupils that have the following special educational needs:
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder
- Aspergers
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders
- Dyscalculia
- Dysgraphia
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- SEMH – Social, Emotional and Mental Health
- SLCN – Speech, Language and Communication
- Mental health
Sherborne School Testimonials and Reviews
Beautiful architecture in the buildings of the former Sherborne Abbey Monastery. World class education provided at a world class price.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sherborne School
Sherborne School is a selective school and, following registration, all boys are required to sit our entrance assessments in November of the year preceding entry.
An HMC All Boys’ Boarding School in Dorset for ages 13 to 18.
Boys are required to sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test (which consists of multiple-choice questions in Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, English and Maths) and they will also be invited to an assessment day where they will have an interview with a senior member of the academic staff and carry out further assessment tasks.
Sherborne is proud of its Christian foundation and accords a significant role to faith and spirituality. They are an inclusive community, where boys are encouraged to explore big questions and find meaning in their lives.
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