A perfectly modern education

Walking through Sherborne’s streets, it is clear there is something special about this gorgeous Dorset town. Routinely named in lists of the UK’s most beautiful places to live, it has a tangible air of history, with a glorious abbey standing at its heart.

But it’s the two full-boarding senior schools and two local prep schools that give Sherborne its identity as a place of learning unlike any other.

Each of the senior schools offers single-sex full-boarding education, one for boys and one for girls. Historically, they have operated as discrete entities, though always working closely to enhance the education they provide.

Now, they’ve merged their governance and are operating as part of a group of Sherborne Schools that also includes Sherborne Prep, located in the town, and Hanford Prep, located nearby.

For the senior schools, the result is a distinctive approach to independent education.

‘Separate Yet Together’ is how Sherborne Girls and Sherborne School describe their relationship. It’s proving a considerable success, in terms of pupils’ academic progress and attainment, as well as their social and emotional development.

Single-sex classrooms provide focus for boys and girls alike, reducing feelings of self-consciousness and enabling pupils to thrive intellectually. Meanwhile, Sherborne’s co-educational co-curricular and social offer provides ample opportunity for boys and girls to mix.

The extensive shared programme includes activities as diverse as drama, music, art, sport, sailing, debating and Combined Cadet Force. There are also regular social gatherings for pupils from both schools – including barbecues, quizzes, unplugged concerts and black-tie suppers – so they learn how to thrive in each other’s company.

The proof of the pudding – or the cappuccino and cake, at any rate – is evident in every café in Sherborne’s golden high street. Boys and girls interact with ease, clearly enjoying each other’s company and growing together even
as they study apart.

In an era when the value of independent education is under ever closer scrutiny, it’s inspiring to see a group of schools working in a unique way to deliver the very best experience for their pupils.

Not only that, but these schools put altruism and public service at their heart. Pupils from Sherborne Girls and Sherborne School are leading the charge locally in sustainability, spearheading initiatives like a rewilding scheme, litter picks and an annual clothes swap. They serve as Youth Ambassadors on the town council, sit on the GP surgery’s patient participation group, and volunteer for organisations such as the food bank. They are also regular visitors to local primary schools and care homes.

Yes, Sherborne is a special place, steeped in history and oozing charm. But for the young people who study here, it’s more than that. To them, Sherborne is a place of heart, soul and shared flourishing.