Sherborne’s academic aims | Sherborne School

Sherborne Boys offers exceptional opportunities in visual and applied arts.

In Art, boys develop creative identity across a range of media, with many progressing to top art colleges. History of Art, available at A Level, explores creativity through visual analysis and cultural context. In Design & Technology, boys tackle real-world design challenges using cutting-edge digital tools – developing skills that prepare them for careers in engineering, architecture, and beyond.

Our Computer Science curriculum equips boys with coding, algorithmic thinking, and digital literacy from the Third Form.

GCSE and A Level students explore cyber-security, ethics, and real-world computing challenges. Many go on to leading universities. Co- Curricular clubs such as Robotics and Coding deepen skills, and offer practical experience in a rapidly evolving field.

Drama flourishes at Sherborne Boys, both academically and as a co-curricular option.

Offered at GCSE and A Level, it is supported by a 240-seat theatre, black box studio, and expert technical team. Productions are central to school life, and pupils gain hands- on experience in every aspect of theatre – from acting and directing to lighting and set design. Drama builds creativity, confidence, and collaboration. Many of our drama productions are joint performances with Sherborne Girls and boys work alongside girls in all roles from performing to backstage.

English sits at the heart of Sherborne Boys’ academic life.

We help boys express themselves clearly and think critically, building skills that benefit every subject. All pupils take IGCSE English Language and Literature, with many continuing to A Level and beyond. Beyond the classroom, boys develop their writing through Newsroom, The Sherborne Sessions literary festival, and creative salons – becoming confident, thoughtful communicators.

Humanities at Sherborne Boys foster critical thinking and cultural understanding.

In Geography, boys study both Human and Physical strands. History and Politics are enriched by societies and trips – including an annual visit to Berlin. All pupils take Theology at GCSE, with many continuing at A Level, exploring global belief systems and ethical issues.

• Modern Languages
  All boys study languages in the Third Form, with many continuing at GCSE and A Level. We offer French, Spanish, and German on-timetable, with off-curriculum options including Arabic, Mandarin, and Italian. We support personalised learning at every level.
• Ancient Languages
  Greek, Latin, and Classical Civilisation offer insight into language, literature, and history, building precision, analytical skill, and cultural depth.
• EAL
  Our EAL department supports boys whose first language isn’t English, preparing them for IGCSE and IELTS through tailored, small-group, or one-to-one teaching.

Mathematics is vibrant, rigorous, and rooted in real-world application.

Core throughout the School, it is a popular A Level choice, with some boys also taking Further Maths. Inspired by our link to Alan Turing, the department offers problem-solving clubs, national competitions, and Olympiads. We nurture confidence and analytical thinking across all ability levels, preparing boys for top universities and beyond.

Music is woven into Sherborne Boys’ culture.

With one of the country’s top Music Schools and strong ties to the Abbey, boys engage deeply with composition, performance, and technology. All Third Formers study Music, and many continue to GCSE, A Level, or diploma level. Two-thirds of boys play instruments, supported by expert tuition and outstanding facilities. We also have joint orchestras and bands with Sherborne Girls, in addition to the much-loved Courts Fest, Sherborne’s own music festival, which is a highlight of the year. Whether pursuing conservatoire study or discovering a personal passion, boys leave Sherborne with lasting musical confidence.

Sport is integral to life at Sherborne Boys, with boys encouraged to find and pursue activities they enjoy.

PE is offered at GCSE, A Level, and BTEC, blending practical participation with study in anatomy, physiology, psychology, and sport history. The subject pairs well with Science, and many boys continue to university study or careers in sport-related fields. PE fosters fitness, discipline, and lifelong engagement.

Science is central to life at Sherborne Boys.

Boys study Biology, Chemistry, and Physics from the Third Form, with options for double or triple award at GCSE. A Level teaching mirrors university-style enquiry, developing independent, experimental thinkers. Many go on to study Science or Medicine at top universities.

Wellbeing is central to Sherborne Boys’ pastoral care, supporting boys as they grow in self-awareness and resilience.

In the Third Form, sessions focus on settling in and building community. In the Sixth Form, topics shift to life beyond school – covering practical matters such as time management, finance, and relationships. Delivered by staff and outside experts, the programme prepares boys for the next stage of life with confidence and clarity. Additionally, many boys choose to take on roles as Pupil Listeners for which they undertake training and act as a support for other boys in the school.