Sherborne School: Preparing sixth formers for success in university and beyond

Success occurs when preparation meets opportunity, and for the students at Sherborne School in England, this rings true. The transition from school to university can be tough on some, but boarding schools with the right environment can prepare students to thrive at university and beyond.

Sherborne School is an independent full boarding and day school for boys aged 13-18 in Dorset. Pairing its academic prowess with a rich tradition of an extensive co-curricular life, as well as a Head who has just won Tatler’s ‘Best Head of a Public School’, Sherborne School’s unique environment and curriculum ensures wider aspects of students’ development are addressed to improve their chances of success.

A boarding school that takes students on a voyage of discovery

Admissions into top universities require academic all-rounders to demonstrate their zeal for learning and personal growth. At Sherborne School, staff offer tailored support that enhances the boys’ learning and develops essential skills that will facilitate university success. With an all-year round subject support system in place for the boys, Sherborne is a school where boys thrive through the incredible commitment and dedication of its qualified teaching staff.

Sherborne School

Meanwhile, as a full-boarding environment, the school is committed to pastoral care. Students have access to their teachers beyond the usual school day while supportive tutors and Housemasters meet with the boys every week, ensuring they thrive in a supportive, caring, home-from-home environment, all of which contributes to their overall development.

Sherborne School’s academic enrichment programme means students enjoy a holistic education. Activities include visiting speakers such as Olympians, politicians, mountaineers, entrepreneurs, educationalists and authors gracing the school and enlightening luminous minds. Students are also encouraged to participate in academic societies to broaden their perspectives and widen their knowledge of their favourite disciplines.

Further cementing the school’s academic strength is its stellar A-level results. Each year, approximately half of their A-levels are awarded with either an A or an A* grade. Additionally, in most years, around a fifth of the Upper Sixth secure straight A* and A grades. Value-added is a term often used in schools but at Sherborne, each and every boy is encouraged to reach their full potential.

Supporting bright minds

Understanding that the admissions process in higher education can be daunting, the school breaks down the barriers of post-secondary planning by supporting sixth formers and helping them prepare for life beyond Sherborne. The school also fosters close relationships with universities throughout the UK, understanding their entry requirements and steering young boys in the right direction.

It’s of no surprise that the majority of boys secure places at their first choice university, with destinations including Russell Group universities such as Oxbridge, Durham University, University College London, University of Bristol and Imperial College London.

But since it’s not an exclusive or elite school, Sherborne also helps its boys navigate the full range of options available to them – including unique opportunities like gap years.

Sherborne School Library

The school also maintains extensive professional networks that help students secure valuable placements with renowned companies, including the big four accounting firms such as PwC, KPMG and EY. Many pupils have used their personal contacts to build work experience, while the school draws on the Old Shirburnian Society to offer mentoring, careers guidance and support to existing pupils.

All-encompassing

Despite Sherborne School’s inception more than 460 years ago, this community understands that the pursuit of academic excellence should be complemented by a supportive environment to ensure students flourish.

The school’s sixth formers are role models for younger students and are tasked with ensuring their well-being. They work in partnership with teachers to build a school community characterised by empathy, kindness, compassion and mutual regard. Sherborne understands that trips play an important role in the culture of the school. Clubs and societies also present opportunities to carry out visits and tours to enrich students’ experiences.

Meanwhile, the school’s new Assistant Head of Sixth Form is organising a revamped socials programme for Sixth Formers. This is just an example of the partnership the school holds with nearby girls-only school Sherborne Girls.

Sherborne School and Sherborne Girls are the only two schools in the country to have the unique ‘Separate yet together’ offer of single-sex education with co-educational opportunities between the two schools.

Explore what Sherborne has to offer

For those interested in finding out more about the school please visit www.sherborne.org

Sherborne School

Dr Dominic Luckett Headmaster and Vanessa Hicks, Director of Admissions (and Ruth Sullivan, Headmistress of Sherborne Girls and Katherine Massey, Director of Development and Marketing at Sherborne Girls) will be in Bermuda from Tuesday 3^rdMarch to Thursday 5^th March. 

Sherborne School and Sherborne Girls School are holding a joint drinks reception for current and prospective parents on Wednesday 4^th March – find out all the information here. 

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