Sherborne Preparatory School
Sherborne, Dorset, South West · DT9 3NY
Set in Sherborne, Dorset, this small independent prep takes children from ages three to thirteen and offers both day and boarding places. With just over 200 pupils and a generous pupil-to-teacher ratio of around eight to one, classes are intimate and individual attention is built in. The Independent Schools Inspectorate judged the school excellent for both education quality and personal development, while compliance standards were met. Under the leadership of Head Mrs Annie Gent, it suits families seeking a nurturing, closely supervised start to a child's education.
202
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£23,400
Day fees / yr
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 3-13
- Pupils
- 202
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 8
- Location
- Sherborne, Dorset, South West
- Website
- https://www.sherborneprep.group/
- Telephone
- 01935 812097
Headteacher
Head Mrs Annie Gent
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Teaching & academics
An ISI rating of excellent reflects strong teaching across the prep years, supported by small classes that allow pupils to be known well. Around 15 per cent of children receive SEN support, suggesting a school comfortable adapting to a range of learning needs. Academic scholarships are available alongside awards in sport, music, art and drama.
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 15.15%
- EHC plans
- 0.51%
Arts & extracurricular
Scholarships
Beyond the classroom
Scholarship routes in sport, music, art and drama point to genuine breadth beyond the classroom, giving children scope to develop talents in several directions. As a boarding school, it also offers a structured rhythm to evenings and weekends.
Ethos & heritage
- Boarding
- Yes
Mobile phone policy
Pupils don't bring mobile phones to school – except boarders, who hand them in on arrival and can use them for a short time each evening to call family.
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £9,000 - £23,400
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £31,890 - £33,660
Means-tested bursaries, taken up by five to 10 per cent
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 27 January 2026
The last word
A small, close-knit prep with an excellent inspection record and a calm approach to childhood, including a sensible mobile phone policy. A good fit for families wanting individual attention through the primary and early secondary years.
The Passmate verdict
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Sherborne Preparatory School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Sherborne Preparatory School located?
Sherborne Preparatory School is located at Acreman Street, Sherborne, Sherborne, DT9 3NY.
What type of school is Sherborne Preparatory School?
Sherborne Preparatory School is an independent (fee-paying) school in South West.
How many pupils attend Sherborne Preparatory School?
Sherborne Preparatory School has approximately 202 pupils on roll.
What is Sherborne Preparatory School's inspection rating?
Sherborne Preparatory School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 27 January 2026.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.