Getting to Know…..The New Head of Sherborne Boys
We sat down with Simon Heard, who became Head of Sherborne Boys six months ago, to hear his first impressions, his vision for the school, and what he and his family are enjoying most about life in Sherborne.
You’ve been in post for six months now. How have you found your first half year at Sherborne Boys?
It’s been a wonderful start. I feel settled, I’ve had the chance to meet all the boys, and I already feel at home in these beautiful surroundings. I make a point of having breakfast, lunch and supper with the boys every day, and always sit with different pupils - it’s the highlight of my day. Starting in the summer term was a stroke of luck: the glorious weather, walking through the Courts each morning seeing the buildings positively glowing in the sunlight, the full calendar of summer music and sport – it really was the perfect introduction to Sherborne.
What impression have the boys made on you?
I’ve been struck by their kindness. I spoke to the boys at the start of the new academic year, asking them to look out for one another. If they saw someone on their own for example, to go up to him and introduce themselves, start chatting. A few days later I was having lunch with a group of boys who had to leave for an activity before I’d finished eating. I was left on my own but, almost immediately, two other boys moved over to join me and started chatting. That small gesture said a lot about their decency. At Sherborne, we focus on the basics - being in the right place, at the right time with the right attitude - so that we can then enjoy all the amazing opportunities on offer.
What drew you to Sherborne?
The location was a huge attraction. My parents have lived in the area for years, so I was already a huge Dorset fan. I love the outdoors, so the job appealed immediately but I also felt Sherborne Boys had huge potential to continue to grow and flourish. Sherborne itself is unique: the school is rooted in this vibrant market town yet surrounded by stunning countryside - it’s the best of both worlds. The Abbey is also an important part of what makes Sherborne special, and the school’s Christian ethos means we have a deep connection with it.
I was also drawn to the unique relationship between Sherborne Boys and Sherborne Girls. The two schools, with their own strong identities and traditions, also have with a wealth of opportunities to collaborate. Music, drama, debating, sport, community projects, and social events all bring the boys and girls together. For me, this is one of Sherborne’s greatest strengths - our pupils gain the focus and support of a single-sex education while also experiencing the wider benefits of a co-educational community.
Was a career in teaching always the plan?
Not at all! Both my parents were teachers and my father was a Head; but I resisted it for a long time! I dabbled briefly with the military and then competed as a professional biathlete and cross-country skier for a number of years. But when I met my wife, Isabel, my priorities shifted, and I gave into the pull of teaching. I grew up in a boarding house, and now I’m raising my own family in an amazing school community - it’s a fantastic way of life, surrounded by pupils, staff and the wider school family.
How are your family settling in?
We love it. We’re fortunate to live in town and be part of the community. Isabel is getting to know people and we’re both really looking forward to deepening our roots here. If you see either of us around Sherborne, please do come and say hello.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
The interaction with the boys is what I love most, along with the sheer variety - no two hours are the same. I enjoy meeting parents and prospective families, and I always make sure I meet every family who visits. Choosing a senior school is such an important decision, and I want them to feel confident they are joining the right community.
What’s your vision for Sherborne Boys?
I want Sherborne Boys to deliver a truly transformative education - a holistic, forward-looking model that shapes not only high-achieving learners, but grounded, confident and compassionate young men. For me, it’s about balance: combining strong academic endeavour with the development of character, confidence and kindness. I want the boys to leave here not only with excellent results from their own individual pathway, but with the skills and self-belief to find their place in the world and to make a positive difference.
Sustainability is also very close to my heart. I’d like Sherborne Boys to play its part in making our school, our community and our region greener, cleaner and more biodiverse. Sherborne has a proud history, and my focus is on ensuring it continues to thrive for generations to come.
Commenting on what he would say to parents considering Sherborne Boys, Headmaster Simon Heard said: "Come and see us. We offer a truly individualised education with extraordinary opportunities, whether your son is an academic high-flyer, a talented musician, or a keen sportsman. If he’s willing to work hard, try new things and take advantage of the opportunities here, he’ll thrive. As our Head Boy put it recently, life at Sherborne isn’t about the boys fitting around the school, but the school fitting around the boys."
Where Next?
