Age range. 7–13.
Number of girls. 80.
Fees per term (2025-2026). Boarders: £8,070–£10,520, Day Girls: £5,585–£8,070. All fees inclusive of VAT.
Hanford Prep, located between Blandford and Shaftesbury in Dorset, was founded in 1947 by the Reverend and Mrs C B Canning. As part of the Sherborne Schools Group, Hanford is uniquely placed to enrich its pupils’ learning experience through access to a wide range of shared resources and opportunities. The school is housed in a beautiful 17th-century Jacobean manor house set in 45 acres of land in the Stour Valley. The amenities include a Chapel, Laboratories, Computer Room, Music School, Art Barn with a dedicated Handwork (Textiles) Room, Gymnasium, Heated Outdoor Swimming Pool, two Netball/Tennis Courts and a newly refurbished Indoor Riding Arena.
Girls arrive from the age of seven onwards and leave at thirteen. Hanford is non-selective and prides itself on nurturing the individual strengths of every girl. Pupils are prepared for entry to independent senior schools including Sherborne Girls, Marlborough, Bryanston, and St Mary’s Ascot. The school believes in cherishing childhood. Whether they are climbing up a tree, riding a pony or lost in a book, Hanford girls are free to enjoy being young whilst quietly building the strength, capability and confidence that will stay with them for life.
Hanford teaches girls to combine having fun with working hard. A strong and committed teaching staff strive to bring out the best in each and every girl. This combination of fun and hard work pays dividends when it comes to academic results and scholarships. This success is evidenced year on year through the scholarships awarded in academic, art, music, drama, and sport. Class sizes are small, normally 10–12, and there is learning support available if required.
Alongside the core curriculum, girls are taught Handwork (our form of Design and Technology) and Art Appreciation (Art Appré) where they can begin to understand and appreciate the cultural world around them. Music has always been central to school life with almost all girls learning at least one instrument or joining one of the choirs, orchestra, ensembles, and folk group. Sport is also strong at Hanford, with opportunities for every girl to find a sport that suits her. Alongside hockey, netball, and rounders, girls can enjoy tennis, lacrosse, athletics, cross country, gymnastics, cricket, badminton, and volleyball. Hanford is particularly renowned for its ponies and stables, with many girls taking riding lessons. There are opportunities for the girls to put their skills to the test at tetrathlons, cross country and show jumping competitions.
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).