Sherborne Preparatory School
Sherborne, Dorset · DT9 3NY
Sherborne Preparatory School is a well-established coeducational prep school in rural Dorset, serving ages 3–13 with both day and boarding options. The school emphasises traditional values, pastoral care, and all-round development in a supportive country setting. It feeds naturally into Sherborne School and other leading independent secondaries, and benefits from integration with the broader Sherborne School campus.
- →Strong pastoral care and small-school community feel within a larger educational foundation
- →Excellent all-round education with emphasis on both academic rigour and co-curricular breadth
- →Flexible boarding options and rural location offering country-house school experience
- →Clear progression pathway to Sherborne School for those who wish it
Who thrives here
Pupils who thrive in a structured, supportive environment with strong pastoral oversight; families seeking traditional prep school values, all-round development, and country-school setting; boarders and day pupils seeking stability and community.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
39 Acreman Street, Sherborne, Dorset
Sherborne, Dorset
DT9 3NY
Nearest stations
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Sherborne Preparatory School?
Day fees at Sherborne Preparatory School are approximately £20,175 per year (2025/26). Boarding fees are higher.
How do you get into Sherborne Preparatory School?
Sherborne Preparatory School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+. Entry is assessed by Assessment Day, Interview. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
Is Sherborne Preparatory School a boarding school?
Sherborne Preparatory School offers boarding as well as day places.
What is Sherborne Preparatory School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Sherborne Preparatory School “Excellent” (2023).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Excellent pastoral care and duty of care; strong safeguarding
✓All-round education with genuine breadth and co-curricular provision
✓Supportive, non-pressurised approach to learning for younger pupils
✓Strong community feel; integration with Sherborne School benefits
✓Well-qualified, stable staff with deep subject knowledge
Common concerns
!No Ofsted inspection yet; limited external accountability data
!Rural location may not suit all families; transport logistics for day pupils
!Boarding provision may not be clearly differentiated from day experience in communications