Royal Arms of Edward VI: Dieu et mon droit.
The origins of Sherborne Boys date back to the eighth century, when a tradition of education at Sherborne was begun by St Aldhelm. Edward VI refounded the School in 1550. The present School stands on land which once belonged to the Monastery. The Library, Chapel, and Headmaster’s offices which adjoin the Abbey Church, are modifications of the original buildings of the Abbey.
Situation. The School lies in the attractive abbey town of Sherborne with a direct train to London taking two hours.
Organisation. There are around 540 boys at Sherborne, with 90% of them being full boarders. Boys are accommodated in seven houses, all of which are within easy walking distance of the main school.
Admission. Entry is either at 13+ (Year 9) or 16+ (Sixth Form), with a small number of places available at 14+ (Year 10). Assessment days take place for 13+ entry when pupils are in Years 6 or 7. Pupils may then sit scholarship examinations or Common Entrance in Year 8. Late applicants may be assessed after this time subject to places being available.
Scholarships and exhibitions. Sherborne offers scholarships and exhibitions at 13+ and 16+entry.
Closed awards: A Raban Exhibition of up to 10% of fees for the sons of serving or ex-services officers; a Nutting Exhibition of up to 10% of fees for sons of RN Officers. A military discount is available for sons of serving officers.
Sixth Form entry. Boys may join in the Sixth Form to study A levels and the unique separate, yet together offer with Sherborne Girls sees some pupils enjoy co-educational lessons.
Curriculum. All pupils follow a broadly based curriculum for their first three years to GCSE. In the Sixth Form boys study S Levels, with BTECS available to increase the breadth of the curriculum. There is also a stretching academic enrichment programme and a scholars programme.
Careers and universities. The Careers Department has an enviable reputation. Boys experience work-shadowing programmes in the fifth and lower sixth forms – these are followed by careers conventions, university visits, parents’ forums and lessons in interview techniques. Boys go on to take up University places in the UK and overseas, with others pursuing apprenticeships or other career paths.
Pastoral care. The boys in each house are in the care of a Housemaster and their family, a supportive House team and a resident matron; boys have many avenues of support and advice available to them. The School Chaplain also plays a major role and will talk with a boy whenever required. School Counsellors are available, and boys may book appointments directly and confidentially.
Tutor. Each boy has a personal Tutor who monitors his academic progress and provides a useful contact point for parents.
Religion. The weekly pattern of Christian services in the school Chapel or Sherborne Abbey underpins the spiritual rhythm of the school. There are voluntary Christian groups and services including a Friday night candlelit Eucharist which is well attended. Boys can be prepared for Confirmation into the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church.
Community Service. Boys take part in a busy programme aimed at encouraging a sense of responsibility towards the local community.
Art. The Art School is a dynamic and highly successful department achieving outstanding academic results at all levels. The core disciplines are based around the study of Fine Art, with an eclectic mix of approaches such as painting, photography, 3D, digital media, printing, pottery and performance.
Design and Technology. The subject is taught from Year 9 through to A level. The department has developed links with local industries where pupils can see CAD/CAM production, commercial furniture design and precision casting in process.
Music. There is a strong music tradition in the School – over 400 music lessons take place every week. There are two full orchestras, various chamber music groups, many different types of jazz band, a brass group, a swing band, Chapel choir and a choral society, not to mention rock bands. Much of this is run in conjunction with Sherborne Girls. Numerous concerts, recitals and musical productions are held throughout the year. Lunchtime concerts take place every Friday.
Drama. Drama productions of all kinds are a major feature of school life, from large-scale musicals to classical drama, substantial modern works and fringe performances, many staged with Sherborne Girls. The sophisticated technical resources of the Powell Theatre attract programmes from professional touring companies.
Information Technology. The school has a fast, wireless network that is available throughout the school, including in boarding houses. Safe filtering systems and time restrictions are in place to protect pupils, and all pupils have their own devices.
Sports. There are over 50 acres of sports fields where, at any one time, 17 various games or matches can take place. Other facilities include two Astroturf pitches, 20 tennis courts, Rugby fives courts and a shooting range. There is a brand-new, state-of-the-art Sports Centre with a 25-metre swimming pool, a fitness suite, squash courts, golf simulator, and much more. A wide variety of sports and activities are offered including athletics, badminton, basketball, canoeing, cricket, cross-country, fives, golf, hockey, riding, rugby, sailing, shooting, football, waterpolo, swimming and tennis.
Societies and activities. In addition to a full sporting, music and drama programme, numerous academic societies meet regularly throughout the term. Over 100 clubs are offered for boys including chess, photography, life drawing, camponology, film-making, community service, speech and drama and Model United Nations.
The school has a strong tradition of outdoor education and, in addition to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, there are walking, climbing, kayaking and sailing trips. These are local or further afield in Scotland, the Lake District, Wales, Exmoor, Dartmoor and occasionally abroad. Boys also take part in the annual Ten Tors Challenge.
Membership of the Combined Cadet Force is voluntary and the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Marine sections attract about 150 boys and girls from Sherborne Girls each year. A large number of trips and camps are arranged during the term time and the holidays.
Old Shirburnian Society. Mr John Harden, Secretary, tel: 01935 810557, email: OSS@sherborne.org. Sherborne Girls. Sherborne’s unique partnership with Sherborne Girls offers collaborative opportunities and social events for its pupils throughout the year.
Fees per term (2026–2027). Boarders: £19,350; Day Boys: £15,750. Fees include VAT.
Charitable status. Sherborne Schools Group is charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, (company number: 4002575) and registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (registration and number: 1081228).