Athletics is open to all boys in the Trinity term, with training at Careys and the Yeovil track.
Led by expert coaches, boys develop skills and compete locally and at county level, including the English Schools’ Championships. Joint sessions with Sherborne Girls continue this year, alongside highlights like the Lutra Shield.
Badminton is open to all year groups and welcomes all abilities.
Training and fixtures are supported by Dr Spencer and county-level coach Ms Taylor. The 1st team competes in the Wessex Badminton League, with matches against schools like Millfield and Canford, including regular mixed fixtures with Sherborne Girls.
Basketball is fast-paced and physical, demanding strong fitness and discipline.
The club trains weekly in Michaelmas and runs full U16 and U19 fixtures in Lent, coached with a focus on defence, transition, and organised offence. Matches include Marlborough, Winchester and Canford, with all games professionally refereed.
Cricket thrives at Sherborne, with seven pitches and a new sports hall supporting year- round training.
In summer, the game comes alive – from first-time players to those representing the School’s top teams. Fourteen XIs play over 100 matches each season, including fixtures against MCC, Marlborough, Canford and Sherborne Girls.
Coaching is led by Ryan Buckley, who also coaches for Somerset and Dorset. Several boys are part of county academies, and Sherborne regularly wins County Cup titles. The Inter-House indoor tournament is a popular recent addition, alongside the School’s role in launching the Dorset Independent Schools 100-ball competition.
Each summer, Sherborne also hosts Ruth Strauss Foundation Cricket Week – a series of high-level fundraising fixtures which, in 2023 alone, raised over £2,000 for the charity.
Cross country runs throughout the Lent term, combining competitive success with an inclusive, enjoyment-led ethos.
Training explores scenic routes around Sherborne, with highlights including races at Studland, Bulbarrow, and Sherborne Castle. Boys of all abilities are welcome, with the focus on personal goals, teamwork, and developing a lifelong love of running.
Rugby Fives is fast, fun and open to all year groups.
Played on our five indoor courts, boys compete in singles and doubles matches using padded gloves. We host an annual National Schools tournament, play fixtures against other schools, and run a popular Inter-House competition each year.
Football at Sherborne continues to grow, with success at both performance and participation levels.
An U18 squad competes in the Wessex Independent Schools League during the Michaelmas term, winning titles in 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022. Boys also take part in ISFA Cup and Shield competitions, the Dorset County Cup, and house futsal.
In Lent, over 14 teams represent the School in fixtures against the likes of Millfield, Monmouth and Clifton, while competing in the South West Independent Schools League. Led by Dr J-P Manning and Mr Chris Weale, Sherborne’s football programme ensures every boy has a place to play.
Sherborne golfers train weekly at Sherborne Golf Club, with course play, range practice, and coaching.
Recent highlights include regional finals in national competitions, individual success at elite junior events, and victory in the Western Schools’ League. Fixtures, internal tournaments, and matches against staff and old boys round out a busy calendar.
Hockey is a dynamic and inclusive sport at Sherborne, with teams competing up to national level across all age groups.
Boys benefit from expert coaching – including former internationals – and a culture of excellence, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Top players take part in England Hockey’s National Championship and national indoor competitions, while others enjoy fixtures against local schools and clubs. Boys also train and play with Sherborne Girls, and with Yeovil & Sherborne Hockey Club in the West Premier Leagues.
Supported by outstanding facilities, including our new indoor sports hall, hockey at Sherborne develops skill, confidence, and character in every player.
Polo is a fast-paced, all-year sport open to confident riders of all levels.
Boys train weekly at Druids Lodge Polo Club with expert coaches and superb ponies, with sessions including tuition and pony hire. Fixtures run throughout the year, and boys can also take riding lessons locally, from beginner to advanced.
Rugby is the flagship sport in the Michaelmas term, with up to 18 teams from U14E to 1st XV.
Our principle-based programme focuses on “play to space,” “speed of ball,” “nothing through,” and “get the ball back” – building skill, confidence, and a lifelong love of the game.
Led by Director of Rugby Chris Smith (RFU Level 4) and Director of Rugby Coaching Louise Dennis, boys benefit from expert coaching and strong academy links.
Over 25 boys currently play in professional academies, with recent leavers joining Bath, Exeter, and Ulster, or top rugby universities including Oxford and Durham.
Sailing runs year-round at Sutton Bingham Reservoir, in partnership with Sherborne Girls.
With a large fleet and expert coaching, boys of all abilities can compete in team racing and BSDRA events. Sherborne has seen national success, and Fifth Form boys can apply for the Andrew Yorke Award to become RYA instructors.
Sailing runs year-round at Sutton Bingham Reservoir, in partnership with Sherborne Girls.
Clay shooting takes place weekly at Mendip, with coaching and competitions at Millfield and Marlborough. Target shooting is held in the School’s indoor range, with expert coaching and opportunities to compete at Bisley and against other schools throughout the year.
Ski racing is a popular and growing sport at Sherborne.
Boys train with Precise Racing at European resorts and indoor centres, then compete in the DHO British Schoolboys Championships in Wengen. Success has come in Slalom and Dual Slalom, with both experienced racers and recreational skiers making strong progress.
Squash is played year-round at Sherborne, supported by a professional coach and four new courts.
Boys can access additional coaching, compete in local fixtures, and take part in the annual match against The Jesters. Team selection is ability-based, with regular opportunities and a popular Inter-House competition in the Lent term.
Swimming runs year-round and supports all levels, with coaching focused on technique, fitness, and personal bests.
Boys train for competitions and enjoy evening swims. Sherborne competes in regular galas against schools such as Marlborough and Eton, and the annual Inter-House gala offers every boy the chance to get involved.
Tennis is a thriving, all-inclusive sport at Sherborne, with over 170 boys playing in the summer term.
It builds discipline, resilience, and finesse – qualities seen on court and beyond. Sherborne fields 10 teams, with regular fixtures and national competitions such as the LTA Glanville Cup and Y11–13 events.
In 2022, our Year 9/10 team won the regional finals of the LTA competition. Committed players benefit from a year-round programme and tailored support.
The programme is led by Director of Tennis, Richard Keen – an LTA Level 4 coach – who works with boys individually and in groups.
Water polo is fast-paced, competitive, and ideal for strong swimmers.
Boys enjoy games sessions, junior and senior House tournaments, and a junior after-school club supported by Sixth Form mentors. Fixtures run throughout the year, and coaching is led by Simon Tomlinson – an experienced player and former Olympic coach.
