Our History

Honouring the past, shaping the future.

Sherborne’s past is not a relic – it’s a foundation. We are proud of our rich history, which gives us the strength and clarity to look ahead with confidence. Here, tradition fuels innovation, and boys grow up with a deep sense of place, and possibility.

A Heritage That Inspires

Sherborne’s story stretches back to the 12th century, when boys were first educated within these ancient walls.

That same spirit continues today: a belief in the transformative power of education, rooted in a Christian ethos, and dedicated to forming character for life. Our founding values – kindness, courtesy, determination, and compassion – are as vital now as they were then.

They shape how we teach, how we learn, and how we live together in community.

A Vision Realised, a School Transformed

In 1850, the Reverend Hugo Daniel Harper reimagined Sherborne for a new era.

Under his leadership, the School grew rapidly, buoyed by the arrival of the railway, and the energy of a town embracing its educational future. What began as a modest grammar school evolved into a flourishing institution, known for its academic strength, broad horizons, and the sense of fellowship it fostered. That transformation still resonates – in our classrooms, our Boarding Houses, and every corner of daily life.

Living History, Every Day.

Today, our boys are part of a story nearly 900 years in the making.

As they walk the same paths as generations before them, they are inspired by history – not bound by it. They are encouraged to ask questions, to embrace the present, and to prepare for the world that lies ahead.

This is what makes a Sherborne education truly special: a place where the past shapes not only who we are, but who we dare to become – following in the footsteps of alumni such as Alan Turing, Chris Martin, and Hugh Bonneville, who have gone on to make their mark on the world.