Art at Sherborne Girls
The Art Department is a dynamic and creative hub within the school. A space where ideas flourish, individuality is celebrated and pupils are encouraged to engage boldly with the world around them.
The department is open seven days a week, and a busy clubs and workshop programme runs alongside timetabled lessons, offering everything from printmaking and jewellery design to fashion and photography. Open studios, artist talks and visiting workshops add further richness to the learning experience.
An Artist in Residence brings fresh perspectives and mentoring to pupils throughout the year.
Girls are encouraged to produce work built on a foundation of research, reading and real-world observation. Achievements are regularly celebrated across the school community and beyond, with exhibitions and showcases that reflect the range and depth of our pupils’ work.
There are three GCSE courses on offer: Fine Art, Textiles or Three-Dimensional Design.
Sixth Form Art
In the Sixth Form we offer five A Levels: Fine Art, Photography, Three-Dimensional Design, Fashion and Textiles, and History of Art.
Each course is distinct, yet all demand curiosity, commitment and an open, enquiring mind.
At the heart of the department is The Wirth Gallery, a first class contemporary gallery space holds a programme of exhibitions by pupils, staff and invited artists from the wider creative community.
Many Sherborne Girls go on to study at leading Art Schools or pursue creative degrees at university.
Applications and careers in the arts are supported by the Head of Department and Artist in Residence, offering expert advice on portfolios, courses and progression routes.
Exhibitions 
The Wirth Gallery at Sherborne Girls is a vibrant, ever-changing showcase of creativity and expression. This light-filled, professional-standard exhibition space celebrates the artistic achievements of pupils and staff alike, while also hosting inspiring displays from visiting artists. Over the past year, the gallery has presented an exciting and diverse programme of exhibitions. Highlights have included Curias, a cross-subject installation created by Art and Drama pupils that reimagined the Icarus myth through light, sound, and sculptural form. Exploring themes of trust, invention, and technology, the work lay quietly during the day, then came alive at dusk, transforming into an immersive experience that absorbed, impressed, and startled in equal measure.
The gallery also hosted the L5 Creative Collections exhibition, featuring an impressive range of pupil work in textiles, ceramics, 3D design, painting, and drawing; a celebration of both technical skill and imaginative thought.
In addition, an external showcase of contemporary illustration included works by acclaimed artists such as Paul Blow, winner of the V&A Illustration Awards. The Wirth Gallery has also provided the backdrop for collaborative projects such as our partnership with Cape Farewell, an initiative connecting art and environmental awareness.
Together, these exhibitions reflect the gallery’s dynamic role at the heart of Sherborne Girls’ creative life, a space where ideas are explored, talent is nurtured, and artistic voices are shared.
