DirectoryDorsetSherborne School
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Sherborne School

Sherborne School is a boys' independent school in London for pupils aged 13 to 18.

DorsetBoysAges 13–18Boarding573 pupils
Boarding fees
£37,974
How competitive entry is
Iseb Pretest + Group AssessmentCompetitive entry
Pupils
573
Founded
1520
Next deadline
Open day: TBC
Verified 1 month agosource
Houseroom Index 2026Provisional
61.5/100
67% data confidence·v2026.4.0
How is this calculated? →
Pillar breakdown
Academic outcomes50
Destinations & outcomes60
Future-readiness55
Pastoral & wellbeing95
Pupil flourishing65
Value-add42
Access & breadth55
Parent sentiment70
External consensus70

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Our take

Independent boys school in Dorset for ages 13–18. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • Children aged 13–18.
  • Parents who want a single-sex environment for their son.
  • Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
  • Families comfortable with top-tier London independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
Watch-outs
Know before applying
  • Fees sit at the top of the London market. Factor in extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition) before committing.
  • Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
  • SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
  • Single-sex (boys). Comfortable for some children, less so for others — worth a visit on a normal teaching day rather than only an open-day showcase.
AI-generated guidance

About the head

Head of Admissions (not Head of School); welcomes families and oversees admissions department

Sherborne Boys is a full-boarding school that places pastoral care at the heart of school life, supporting every boy to grow, thrive, and feel at home. The school fosters strong relationships within house communities, nurtures mental health and well-being, encourages openness, curiosity, and compassion rooted in a Christian foundation, promoting generosity of spirit, kindness, and community.

Tradition and innovation; curiosity, creativity, criticality; empathy, kindness, mutual respect; thoughtful leadership

Activities & co-curricular

academic club

Bletchley Park trip (HAP programme)Debating (joint with Sherborne Girls)Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)International School (summer)Spring Revision CoursesSubject SocietiesVisiting Speaker Events (Olympians, entrepreneurs, authors)

other

Career Conventions (joint with Sherborne Girls)CCF (Combined Cadet Force)Leavers Ball (joint with Sherborne Girls)

Facilities

arts

Art facilitiesDesign Technology facilitiesDrama facilitiesMusic facilities

boarding

Boarding Houses

academic

Sherborne Newell Grange (study courses venue)

Latest exam results

57%
A-level A*–A
35%
GCSE 9–7
3%
Oxbridge offer rate

Data from 2024 results

Where leavers go

3%
to Oxbridge (2025)
2025
Cohort124
Oxbridge4
US Ivy0

Recent coverage

Sophie Blewitt has been appointed as the new Head of Hanford Prep within the Sherborne Schools Group, marking a leadership change in 2024. Hanford Prep was featured in the Tatler Schools Guide 2026 and was nominated as a Top 3 Contender for Best of the Best Extra Curricular by The Week’s Schools Guide 2025. Pupils achieved notable success in a creative writing competition run by The Countryside Regeneration Trust, and the school celebrated the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a community picnic.

Notable alumni

Sir Christopher Lee (actor)Michael Palin (comedian and actor)Sir Hugh Walpole (novelist)Sir John Keegan (military historian)Sir Peter Bazalgette (media executive)Sir Richard Jolly (development economist)Sir John Keegan (military historian)Sir John Keegan (military historian)
Recommended next step

Open-day dates not yet published

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Fit for your child

How well does Sherborne School match?

Tell us your child's age, location, needs and entry point. We'll score commute, academics, support, budget and culture against schools in Dorset.

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Application timeline

No admissions stage dates confirmed yet. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.

Open dayTBC
Michaelmas Term, Year 7Expected window — exact date not yet publishedSherborne in Action
Registration opensPassed
1 Sept 2024
Registration closesPassed
30 Sept 2025
Bursary deadlineNot published
Not published
AssessmentTBC
January (Year 6 or Year 7)Expected window — exact date not yet publishedAssessment Day (interview + assessment tasks)
InterviewNot published
Not published
OffersNot published
Not published
Acceptance deadlineNot published
Not published
Registration windows
YearOpensClosesReply byStatus
2026-271 Sept 202430 Sept 2025TBCClosed

Open events

Dates to be confirmed
Sixth Form New Boys Lunch WebinarJune
Dates TBC
Sherborne at Work (familiarisation day for boys and parents)September of Year 6 or Year 7 (Michaelmas term)
Dates TBC
Assessment Day (interview + assessment tasks)January (Year 6 or Year 7)
Dates TBC
Sherborne in ActionMichaelmas Term, Year 7
Dates TBC
Super SundayTrinity Term, Year 7
Dates TBC
Sixth Form Assessment / Scholarship DayNovember (Year 11)
Dates TBC

Fees

£37,974per year · Day · 2025-26
VAT-inclusive estimate £45,56920% VAT addedYear 7-13 projection £359,917
vs London avg (£24,000)58% above
Also budget for · Registration fee, deposit, uniform, lunches, trips, music tuition, exam fees. These vary by school — check with admissions for the full cost breakdown.

Bursaries & Scholarships

House system

Pupils are organised into houses for pastoral and competitive life.

Wellbeing

Sherborne Boys School employs a robust pastoral care system centered around its House structure, with dedicated staff and personal tutors supporting each boy. The school emphasizes mental health awareness, emotional wellbeing, inclusion, and respectful relationships through various initiatives and cross-school forums.

Inspection

Isi 1 Jan 2024

One inspection report on file. Worth reading before booking a visit — covers safeguarding, leadership and overall standard.

Excellent

Term dates 2025-26

summer21 Apr 202627 Jun 2026Half-term 22 May 2026–31 May 2026
autumn8 Sept 202612 Dec 2026Half-term 16 Oct 2026–1 Nov 2026
spring5 Jan 202725 Mar 2027Half-term 12 Feb 2027–21 Feb 2027
summer20 Apr 20273 Jul 2027Half-term 28 May 2027–6 Jun 2027

Schools like Sherborne School

Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

89%

Sherborne Girls

Dorset · Ages 11–18
£35,850
69%

The Haberdashers' Boys' School

Hertsmere · All Through · Ages 4–18
£26,223 – £32,487
69%

Bryanston School

Dorset · Senior · Ages 2–18
£1,621 – £37,632
68%

Tower House School

Richmond upon Thames · Prep · Ages 4–13
Fees TBC
67%

Abingdon School

Vale of White Horse · Senior · Ages 11–18
£28,500
66%

Canford School

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole · Senior · Ages 13–18
£40,902

Questions parents ask

Common questions about Sherborne School, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.

What kind of child is Sherborne School best for?+

Independent boys school in Dorset for ages 13–18. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

How does admissions work?+

Admissions are selective — expect an entrance assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early. See the admissions timeline above for confirmed dates.

Are fees published?+

Yes — see the Fees table further down the page. Add extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition, registration fees) on top of the base figure before budgeting.

Does the school support SEND?+

Some SEND provision is documented in our profile, but specific conditions supported aren't itemised. Contact admissions for details before applying.

Are there open days?+

5 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.

How do I contact admissions?+

phone on +44 (0) 1935 812249 or the registrars listed in the contact card. Reference your child's age and intended entry year in the first message.

What similar schools should I compare?+

We've ranked 6 schools by semantic similarity to Sherborne School — see the "Schools like Sherborne School" grid below. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

Enrichment last updated 11 May 2026. Sources include the school’s official site, Wikipedia, Good Schools Guide, Tatler, and Sunday Times Parent Power.

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