Learning That Leads Somewhere
From sparking curiosity to sharpening skills – welcome to a curriculum designed for thinkers, makers, and doers.
A Framework That Fires Imaginations
At Sherborne Prep, academic formation is anything but dry.
Our approach is rich, dynamic, and purpose built for young learners. Our curriculum does more than teach – it inspires children to think bravely, grow in character, and build the skills they’ll need to navigate the world with confidence and purpose.;
Children are nurtured and encouraged at every stage. This is not about rote learning – it is about discovery, courage and a confidence to explore ideas boldly.
From Reception to Year 8, pupils build deep understanding across a wide range of subjects, learning how to think for themselves and work brilliantly with others.
Depth, Breadth, & Brilliant Basics
Mathematics at Sherborne Prep is designed to develop more than just number fluency – it builds confidence, risk-taking, and resilience.
From ‘can-do’ challenges in Pre-Prep to abstract reasoning in Years 7 and 8, our maths curriculum grows with the learner. We follow Rising Stars and White Rose schemes in younger years, progressing to a rich and engaging upper school programme that stretches minds and encourages deep reasoning.
In English, creativity meets rigour. Pupils explore texts from all genres and ages, honing grammar, punctuation, and analytical skills while writing with originality and flair. From Creative Writing Evenings to Book at Breakfasts and Shakespeare workshops, the experience is immersive and inspiring.
By the time they leave, pupils are articulate, motivated, and confident on the page and in conversation.
Science Is All About Hands-on Discovery.
Using our labs and outdoor eco-sites, pupils test ideas, question results, and connect their learning to big global issues – from climate change to technology’s role in our future. They develop a deep appreciation for the world around them and the tools to investigate it.
ICT goes beyond basic skills – we teach critical thinking, digital safety, and real-world applications. With a 1:1 device programme in Years 7 and 8, pupils use technology as a tool for learning across the curriculum.
From coding to hardware design, they are prepared for a digital world whilst retaining a careful balance of screen time- we want our children to understand how tech can be used to enhance learning, but only at the appropriate time.
Personal Development is the heartbeat of ou pastoral care. Weekly lessons, led by specialist staff, help pupils grow emotionally and socially.
Versatile Curriculum
The curriculum adapts to each cohort, ensuring that the content is always relevant and meaningful.
Through our Dragon Values and wide-ranging discussion, children grow into thoughtful, community-minded individuals who are ready to lead, support, and stand tall.
Art is a celebration of creativity, individuality and imagination. Through gallery visits, enrichment sessions and our Artist of the Week programme, pupils are encouraged to express themselves boldly while developing their skills – with many going on to achieve art scholarships to leading senior schools.
Design Technology Brings Creative Problem-Solving to Life.
From their very first projects in Pre-Prep to increasingly complex work in our specialist workshop, pupils learn to design, test, and build. Along the way, they gain practical skills, perseverance, and pride in their craftsmanship. By Year 8, they are thinking like designers and building like pros.
Forest School provides children with weekly time in nature to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of independence. Pupils learn by doing – fire lighting, den building, exploring, and reflecting – in a programme that grows with them through the year groups. Led by qualified specialists, these sessions build vital life skills, deeply aligned with our mission to bring out the best in every child.
Sport is vibrant and varied – from swimming and gymnastics to athletics, invasion games, and fitness; pupils gain strength and skills, but also leadership, confidence, and resilience. Sport is a space where every child can shine – whether they are a future captain or simply learning the joy of movement.
Specialist Teaching, Creative Thinking
Languages begin early with French, Italian and Spanish and expand into Latin and Classical Civilisation from Year 6.
Pupils build confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while deepening their understanding of cultural heritage and linguistic roots. It is about connection – across time, place, and people.
History at Sherborne Prep is active and alive – full of reconstructions, props, trips, and debate. Pupils do not just learn facts – they question them.
Through storytelling and critical analysis, they explore cause and consequence, sharpening their understanding of the world and how it came to be.
Drama isn’t Just For The Born Performers.
It’s for the quietly brilliant, the imaginative, and the wildly expressive.
Whether centre stage or behind the scenes, every child gets a chance to step up, speak out and soak up the joy of bringing stories to life.
Music buzzes through school life – 110 lessons a week, choirs for all ages, and ensembles that pack a punch. From low-key Friday recitals to showstopper concerts, there’s room for every musician.
We even lend our voices to the Sherborne Abbey Choir – trebles, harmonies, and a whole lot of heart.
Where Next?
