Prep at Sherborne
From confident questioners to ambitious scholars – welcome to learning that grows with your child.
The Junior Years – a Launchpad for Learning
In Years 3 to 5, children are at the heart of everything.
With small class sizes and a strong bond with their Form Tutors, pupils feel supported, seen, and ready to take on the world – or at least fractions, French verbs, and freehand sketches; and our Eco and sustainability weekly lessons certainly make them protective of our planet.
Most teaching happens with their primary-trained Form Teachers, but the Juniors are also introduced to specialist subjects including Art, Design Technology, ICT, Music, Drama, PE, languages and Sport.
This blend of familiarity and fresh expertise creates just the right balance of security and stretch.
The fun does not stop with lessons. Juniors jump headfirst into co-curricular life – starring in Year Group Plays, filling the Art and DT rooms with imagination, and letting off steam through Music and Sport.
And if Saturday morning activities sound like a chore? You have clearly never tried our fencing, filmmaking, or Future Forum.
Senior Years – Stretch, Specialise, & Step Up
When pupils reach Years 6 to 8, the Prep experience shifts gears.
Seniors move between subject specialists, gaining confidence and independence as they prepare for life beyond Year 8. It is a powerful step up – but one taken with support, humour, and heart.
With more teachers comes greater subject depth, a chance to discover strengths and passions, and to pursue scholarship opportunities if that is the right fit. But it is not just about exams – it is about developing the kind of thinking, character, and confidence that prepares pupils for senior school and far beyond.
The result? Learners who stand tall, think deeply, speak kindly, and lead boldly. Pupils leave us with a strong sense of self – and a readiness to thrive in whatever comes next.
A Day Full of Purpose – Inside & Out
Each day at Sherborne Prep is carefully designed to balance rigour with joy.
Mornings might begin with an assembly or a moment of reflection, followed by engaging lessons full of challenge and creativity. Pupils move between classrooms, outdoor spaces, and performance areas, staying energised and involved. There is plenty of time to recharge too – from playtimes on the paddock to shared meals that bring the community together. Afternoons often include sport, clubs, or creative activities that extend learning beyond the traditional timetable.
Our evening Enrichment programme and Wrap Around Care ensure that pupils can keep exploring, experimenting, and enjoying school life after the 5pm bell.
With small class sizes and a strong bond with their Form Tutors, pupils feel supported, seen, and ready to take on the world – or at least fractions, French verbs, and freehand sketches; and our Eco and sustainability weekly lessons certainly make them protective of our planet.
Outdoor Learning & Forest School are woven throughout.
Whether it is whittling sticks in Year 3 or woodland storytelling in Pre-Prep, our bespoke outdoor curriculum allows children to connect with nature and each other.
Juniors enjoy six-week blocks in the woods with expert guides and a rich programme of fire-lighting, tool use, and den building – all carefully scaffolded to nurture confidence, independence, and curiosity.
And in Pre-Prep? Our youngest adventurers can be found investigating minibeasts, brewing pretend potions, and chasing treasure through the wildflower meadow – all part of a weekly rhythm that roots learning in the real world.
Where Next?
