A Unique
Blend
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Sherborne Boys
Alumni
Old Shirburnian Society

In this section

The Old Shirburnian Society

A lifelong connection to Sherborne.

When a boy joins Sherborne, he becomes part of a community that lasts a lifetime. During his time at the School, he will form friendships and values that stay with him long after he leaves – carrying the spirit of Sherborne into every stage of his life.

The Old Shirburnian Society (OSS) exists to keep that connection alive. Upon leaving, every boy becomes an Old Shirburnian, joining a global network of friends and shared experiences.

The OSS hosts events around the world, often in partnership with Sherborne Girls, creating opportunities for Old Shirburnians to reconnect, reminisce, & make new connections.

We also offer professional support through career events and mentoring.

The OSS Charitable Trust provides means-tested assistance to Old Shirburnians wishing to send their sons to Sherborne, helping to continue the tradition from one generation to the next.

Our online platform, Sherborne Connect, has over 6,000 members and ensures Old Shirburnians can stay in touch wherever they are. Available as an app, it keeps the Sherborne spirit close – anytime, anywhere.

The Old Shirburnian Society

Sherborne Connect

Sherborne Connect enables pupils, parents, and Old Shirburnians to engage with a global community representing a broad spectrum of industries and professions.

Many members are happy to provide advice, mentoring, and professional support – helping current boys explore career paths, make informed decisions, and build lasting connections.

A recent example saw a pupil interested in marine biology connect with an Old Shirburnian working as Programme Coordinator at the Marine Conservation Programme in Florida. Their conversation offered practical insight and opened doors to a field the pupil was passionate about.

This kind of interaction is what makes Sherborne Connect so valuable. It’s more than a directory – it’s a living network, built on shared experience, and a lifelong resource for every member of the Sherborne community.

Notable Alumni

John Le Mesurier (1912-1983)

Actor

Attended Sherborne School (Lyon) 1926-1930. Actor, best known for playing Sergeant Wilson in Dad’s Army.

Michael Hopkins

Architect

Sir Michael Hopkins attended Sherborne School (Westcott) 1949-1952. Architect whose works include the Mound Stand at Lord's Cricket Ground and many others.

Nigel Dempster (1941-2007)

Journalist

Attended Sherborne School (School House) 1955-1958. Journalist, author, broadcaster, and columnist.

James Purefoy

Actor

Attended Sherborne School (Harper) 1977-1980. Actor, who has appeared in Rome, A Knight’s Tale and Fisherman’s Friends.

Alfred North Whitehead (1861-1947)

Philosopher

Attended Sherborne School (School House) 1875-1880. Mathematician and philosopher, co-author with Bertrand Russell.

Simon McCoy

Journalist

Attended Sherborne School (School House) 1975-1979. Journalist and presenter on BBC TV News at One.

Jason Lewis

Author

Attended Sherborne School (School House) 1980-1985. Adventurer and author.

Peter Oborne

Author

Attended Sherborne School (Harper) 1970-1974. Author, journalist and broadcaster.

Sir John Weston

Ambassador

Attended Sherborne School (Westcott) 1951-1956. Diplomat, Ambassador, Permanent Representative to NATO and the UN, poet, and former School Governor.

Julian Thompson

Author

Major General Julian Thompson attended Sherborne School (School House) 1948-1952. British Army Officer and author.

Tim Spicer

Army Officer

Attended Sherborne School (School House) 1966-1969. British Army Officer and Chief Executive of Sandline International.

Hugh Bonneville

Actor

Attended Sherborne School (Harper) 1977-1981. Actor, best known for playing the Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey.

Chris Martin

Musician

Attended Sherborne School (The Digby) 1990-1995. Songwriter, musician, record producer, lead singer and co-founder of the band Coldplay.

Alan Turing (1912-1954)

Scientist

Attended Sherborne School (Westcott) 1926-1931. Mathematician, computer scientist, and Second World War codebreaker.

Tom Bradby

Journalist

Attended Sherborne School (Abbey) 1980-1985. Journalist and author, presenter of ITV News at Ten.

Christopher Chataway (1931-2014)

Politician

Rt Hon Sir Christopher Chataway attended Sherborne School (Harper) 1944-1949. Politician, broadcaster, represented GB at the 1952 and 1956 Olympic Games.

Hyla Stallard (1901-1973)

Surgeon

Attended Sherborne School (Lyon) 1914-1919. A distinguished eye surgeon. Immortalised by Daniel Gerroll in the 1981 film The Chariots of Fire.

Richard Eyre

Film Director

Sir Richard Eyre attended Sherborne School (Westcott) 1956-1961. Director and producer, winner of five Olivier awards and a BAFTA.

Jeremy Irons

Actor

Attended Sherborne School (Abbey) 1962-1966. Actor, who has appeared in The French Lieutenant’s Woman, Brideshead Revisited, The Mission, The Lion King.