Adventure & Leadership
Building resilience, teamwork, and a love of challenge.
At Sherborne Boys, adventure and leadership are woven into the fabric of School life. From the CCF to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and from climbing walls to the wilds of Dartmoor, boys are encouraged to explore their limits, grow in confidence, and discover the value of teamwork, perseverance, and self-belief.
These opportunities help shape well-rounded young men – adventurous in spirit, grounded in character, and ready to take the lead.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme is one of the most popular and rewarding programmes at Sherborne.
Open to all boys, it encourages leadership, independence, and resilience through a blend of physical activity, volunteering, skill development, and outdoor adventure.
Boys can complete the Bronze, Silver, or Gold levels, including the additional Residential section at Gold. Activities range widely – from scuba diving and horse riding, to helping at Forest Schools or supporting the National Trust.
Expeditions are a highlight of the programme:
- Bronze: 2 days, 1 night
- Silver: 3 days, 2 nights
- Gold: 4 days, 3 nights
Each boy is supported to organise and track their progress across all elements. Assessors guide each section, and evidence may include logbooks, photos, or reflective reports.
The experience is pupil-led, flexible, and non-competitive – fostering growth at each individual’s pace.
Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
Sherborne’s CCF is a thriving, tri-service contingent that develops leadership, teamwork, and personal discipline. Open from the Fourth Form to boys and Sherborne Girls, cadets train across three sections: Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Army. The programme includes weekly training, termly field days, and summer camps – both in the UK and overseas. Highlights include glacier walking in Norway, mountain biking in Transylvania, and joint exercises with Sherborne Girls.
Cadets also take part in national competitions, such as:
- Field Gun (Royal Navy)
- Pringle Trophy (Royal Marines)
- Rifles Cadet Cup (Army)
The CCF is more than just an activity – it’s a transformative experience that instils resilience, camaraderie, and lifelong values.
Training covers fieldcraft, navigation, seamanship, first aid, weapons handling, and military history. By the Sixth Form, cadets lead their sections, mentor younger recruits, and enjoy access to a dedicated CCF social area and annual black-tie dinner.
Each year, Sherborne enters three teams: two Fourth Form teams complete the 35-mile route, and one Lower Sixth team takes on the 45-mile challenge.
Tors & Outdoor Adventure
The Ten Tors Challenge is one of the toughest youth events in Britain – and one of the most rewarding.
Over 36 hours, teams of six navigate Dartmoor’s wild terrain, carrying all they need to survive and camping overnight without adult support.
An intensive training programme prepares boys for the event, developing advanced navigation, stamina, and teamwork. The challenge builds friendships, confidence, and unforgettable memories. Selection is based on attitude and commitment – open to any boy willing to push himself.
Beyond Ten Tors, boys also take part in coasteering, surfing, kayaking, caving, and mountaineering. These activities are offered through the CCF, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and other adventure trips throughout the year. They provide the chance to disconnect, test limits, and build lasting resilience.
Leading Through Challenge —
Leadership at Sherborne is not just taught – it is lived.In these adventurous settings, boys learn to support others, take responsibility, and persevere when things get tough. The results are profound: confidence, character, and a lifelong appetite for growth. |
Whether navigating Dartmoor, leading a CCF section, or climbing a cliff face on Portland, Sherborne boys grow through challenge. These experiences help shape young men who are not only physically capable, but also emotionally intelligent, team- minded, and ready to lead with integrity.
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