• Is there an entry test?

Sherborne Prep is non-selective. We’ll request a recent school report and offer a taster session (or overnight stay for boarders) so children can experience school life and settle in.

For international applicants, we may arrange an online meeting to assess English, followed by a short-handwritten task and a CAT4 assessment.

• Do you offer bursaries?

Yes – means-tested bursaries are available. Contact our Bursar, Allison Evans.

• How do I arrange a visit?

Book a personal tour, join an Open Morning, or arrange a virtual visit. Email Us.

• Do you offer school transport?

Yes, several minibus routes are available, with flexible stops where safe. Just get in touch.

• Is wraparound care available?

Breakfast Club starts at 7:30am, with the day running through to supper at 6:00pm (Pre-Prep) or 6:45pm (Year 3+).

Most clubs are included in fees; meals are chargeable.

• When can my child start Nursery?

From their third birthday.

• Do they need to be toilet trained?

Not fully – our nursery staff support children through this.

• Is there a uniform?

Yes: Sherborne Prep hoodie, polo shirt and navy joggers.

• How much outdoor learning is there?

Plenty! There’s a dedicated outdoor learning area on-site and regular sessions at Forest School in the Sherborne Castle grounds.

• Do they swim?

Yes – weekly lessons from Reception onwards.

• What about after-school clubs?

Clubs run every day from 3:45–5:00pm – always varied, always fun.

•  Do you set by ability?

Not in Early Years. From Year 6, we usually set for Maths, and from Years 7–8 for both Maths and English. Groupings for other subjects are flexible and reviewed regularly to suit each cohort.

•  How is homework (prep) managed?

• Years 3–5: simple daily tasks.
• Years 6–8: subject-specific prep, usually 20 mins max, mostly completed during school time with tutor support. Reading is always encouraged.

•  Can you help with senior school choices?

Yes – it’s a core part of what we do. We support families from Year 4 onwards, offering guidance, timelines and school suggestions tailored to each child.

•  Who can I speak to about academics?

Contact Briony Harris, Senior Deputy Head.

• How do you support new joiners?

New pupils are invited for a taster day and paired with a buddy. Small class sizes, regular form times and a caring staff team help children settle quickly.

• How do you instill values? 

Through everyday moments – from assemblies and rewards to role-modelling and how we treat each other.

Our Dragon Values are lived, not laminated.

• What does your pastoral structure look like?

It’s all hands-on deck. Teachers, form tutors, safeguarding leads and senior staff work together to support every child’s wellbeing.

• How many clubs and activities are there?

Over 100 across the week – plus timetabled art, drama, DT, music and sport.

• How often do pupils perform in drama?

Every year group performs annually (Pre-Prep perform twice). Year 8’s often undertake an outdoor Shakespeare on top of their end of year leavers’ play which is an absolute highlight.

• Do most pupils learn an instrument?

Yes – around 70% take individual music lessons. The Head of Music can help guide your child’s choice.

• What’s Enrichment?

Daily sessions where pupils can dive deeper into something they love – or try something brand new.

• How often is sport taught?

In the Prep: four times a week, plus weekly swimming and regular fixtures. Pre-Prep enjoy swimming and gymnastics weekly too.

• How often are there concerts?

Most weeks – from informal recitals to termly showcases, with a marquee finale at Prizegiving (Pimm's and jazz included).

• Who can I speak to about boarding?

Contact Dan Chiappa-Patching, Head of Boarding.

• How many boarders stay over weekends? 

Most stay in, and many flexi-boarders join them for the fun.

• What about international boarders?

There’s a good balance across year groups. Many friendships span continents and continue beyond school.

• What’s on at weekends?

Saturdays include school and sport; Sundays mean trips, walks, Forest School or downtime with friends. Busy, brilliant, balanced.

• And during exeats?

Children either return home or stay with accredited guardians.