Events for Prep Schools SHERBORNE BOYS & SHERBORNE GIRLS 2026-27
SHERBORNE SCHOOLS
Welcome At Sherborne Boys and Sherborne Girls, our Admissions teams value the strong relationships we enjoy with our feeder prep schools and would like to extend our sincere thanks for your continued support and partnership. The strength and diversity of these partnerships is reflected in the fact that, this year alone, we have welcomed pupils to Sherborne Girls and Sherborne Boys from 95 different educational settings. We hope this guide will provide a helpful overview of both the admissions processes for our schools and the wide-ranging programme of events available to prep schools throughout the year. These events are designed for pupils and staff alike, providing opportunities for enrichment, collaboration and professional development. Alongside our published programme, we are always delighted to work with individual schools to create bespoke events, workshops and subject-specific activities, as well as tailored Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions for teaching and support staff. To discuss any of these, please contact Louise Smith, Engagement Officer at schoolsliason@sherborneschools.group, she would be pleased to help.
Joanna Jackson Group Head of Admissions 1
Sherborne Admissions Teams Please find below details of the Sherborne Admissions team, along with their primary areas of responsibility: •
Joanna Jackson – Group Head of Admissions
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Lucy Hyland – Group International Admissions Officer
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Louise Smith – Group Engagement Officer
SHERBORNE BOYS
SHERBORNE GIRLS
Gemma Brind Admissions Manager (Assessments and Events)
Jennifer Cracknell Admissions Manager (Assessments and Scholarships)
Lenka Edge Admissions Co-Ordinator (Sixth Form Applications)
Jenny Hinks Admissions Officer (Visits and References)
Jeanette Sexton Admissions Administrator (Visits and References)
Annabelle Weston Admissions Coordinator (Events and Sixth Form Applications)
Viv Thurstan Admissions Assistant (Scholarships)
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SHERBORNE SCHOOLS
13+ Entry Assessments From September 2026, both Schools have moved to Quest online assessments (largely in Year 6, but also accommodating Year 7 assessment, whichever suits the child), replacing ISEB at Sherborne Boys and aligning with the platform already in use at Sherborne Girls. We hope these tests can be facilitated in the pupil’s current school, within the Autumn Term. Candidates should sit both parts of the assessment on the same day, with a short break between the two sessions. Links to familiarisation papers are sent to families of registered pupils following registration. Our Assessment Days at both schools will take place early in the Lent term and will focus solely on interviews, a group activity, and a classroom-based task. Prior to these days, we will write to request references from you. Copies of the Reference Request form can be found on the Prep School Portals for each school. As a reminder, we no longer use Common Entrance as part of our entry process, but for those schools who do still take these exams, we would be very happy to receive the results.
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13+ Scholarships: A Shared Approach We have introduced a new framework for the 13+ Academic Scholarship for 2027 entry. This combines subject-specific written papers with group tasks, interviews, and opportunities for candidates to demonstrate curiosity, reasoning, collaboration and academic agility. Our aim is that every scholar candidate feels stretched, supported and inspired. The dates for this year’s scholarships are outlined in the following pages and sample papers can be found on our website. More details about the admissions process can be found on the Prep School portals. Please scan the relevant QR code below:
Sherborne Boys
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Sherborne Girls
SHERBORNE SCHOOLS
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MICHAELMAS 2026 Tuesday 15 September – Sherborne at Work for 2028 and 2029 entry (event for Registered boys) Saturday 19 September – Sherborne in Action for 2028 entry (event for boys who have accepted a place) Monday 5 October – Deadline for 13+ Scholarship applications for 2027 entry Saturday 3 October – Tour Morning Friday 30 October – Deadline for 13+ Bursary applications for 2027 entry Sunday 1 November – Boarding Open House (for 13+ 2027 entry) Saturday 14 November – Tour Morning Saturday 5 December – Tour Morning
LENT 2027 Sunday 10 & Sunday 17 January – Assessment Days for 2028 and 2029 entry Monday 25 January – Friday 29 January – Co-Curricular Scholarship Assessment week (for 13+ 2027 entry) Saturday 30 January – Tour Morning Monday 1 & Tuesday 2 February – Academic Scholarship Assessment (for 13+ 2027 entry) Saturday 13 March – Tour Morning Friday 19 March – Sport at Sherborne Taster Event (for boys considering 13+ entry in 2030)
TRINITY 2027 Saturday 15 May – Tour Morning Friday 11 June – Sports Award Pre-Assessment Day (for 13+ entry in 2028) Sunday 13 June – New Boys’ Day (for 2027 entry) Saturday 19 June – Tour Morning Sunday 27 June – Super Sunday (event for boys who have accepted a place for 13+ entry 2028)
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KE Y ADMI SSI ONS D AT ES 2026- 27
Sherborne Boys
Sherborne Girls MICHAELMAS 2026 Friday 2 October – Deadline for 13+ Scholarship applications for 2027 entry Friday 2 October – Sherborne Girls at Work for 2029 entry Friday 9 October – Sherborne Girls in Action for 2028 (event for girls who have accepted a place) Friday 30 October – Deadline for 13+ Bursary applications for 2027 entry Saturday 7 November – Tour Morning Saturday 14 November – Boarding Showcase (for 13+ 2027 entry)
LENT 2027 Saturday 9 January – Tour Morning Saturday 16 January – Assessment Day for 2029 entry Monday 25 January – Wednesday 27 January – Co-Curricular Scholarship Assessment week (for 13+ 2027 entry) Monday 1 & Tuesday 2 February – Academic Scholarship Assessment (for 13+ 2027 entry) Saturday 6 February – Tour Morning Saturday 20 March – Tour Morning
TRINITY 2027 Saturday 24 April – Tour Morning Friday 14 May – Tour Afternoon Saturday 12 June – Super Saturday (event for girls who have accepted a place for 13+ entry 2028) Sunday 13 June – New Girls’ Welcome (event for girls who have accepted a place for 2027 entry) Friday 18 June – Tour Afternoon
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Programme of Events for Prep Schools 2026-27 Learning is at its most powerful when it extends beyond the classroom. Our Prep School Programme has been created to offer pupils and teachers opportunities to-explore new interests, develop existing talents and engage with a wide range of enriching experiences. From subject-specific workshops and competitions to performances, conferences and collaborative events, the programme celebrates the spirit of curiosity, creativity and discovery that lies at the heart of education. Alongside the calendar of events, our staff are pleased to share their experience and expertise through:
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Dynamic talks and interactive workshops across various subjects
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Interview practice
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Providing experienced adjudicators for competitions
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Thoughtful preaching for Chapel and assemblies
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Expert coaching sessions in academic or extracurricular areas
SHERBORNE SCHOOLS
ACADEMICS Wednesday 3 February VIRTUAL CRACKING THE CODE
Monday 7 June MATHS TEAM CHALLENGE
10am to 12pm Online
1.45pm – 4pm at Sherborne Girls
We are delighted to invite Year 5 pupils to take part in our virtual ‘Cracking the Code’ event. Alan Turing, one of the greatest minds in modern computing and AI, was a pupil at Sherborne Boys from 1926 to 1931. To celebrate his extraordinary legacy, the Sherborne Schools are hosting this exciting online challenge. The event invites schools to compete in a series of cryptic, codebreaking puzzles—testing logic, teamwork, and creativity—with prizes for both pupils and their schools.
Schools are invited to enter a team of four pupils drawn from across Years 6 and 7 to compete in a series of engaging mathematical challenges. Designed around the familiar format of the UKMT Team Challenges, the competition encourages pupils to develop their mathematical reasoning, communication and teamwork skills while enjoying a friendly and supportive competitive environment.
Schools may enter one team of up to six pupils, or two teams of up to three pupils from Year 5. Will your school be crowned the Sherborne Virtual Cracking the Code Champions 2027? ✓ Booking via Prep School Portal ✓ Age Range – Year 5 ✓ Maths, Language & Linguistics
✓ Booking via Prep School Portal ✓ Age Range – Years 6 and 7 ✓ Maths
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LANGUAGES Tuesday 10 November A PLAY IN A DAY IN SPANISH
Tuesday 12 January UK LINGUISTICS OLYMPIAD WORKSHOP
Bring a group of pupils to our Spanish Play in a Day challenge. Designed for pupils in Years 7 and 8, the event combines language learning, creativity and teamwork as participants work towards a fully rehearsed Spanishlanguage performance in just a few hours.
An engaging workshop to prepare pupils for the UK Linguistics Olympiad and introduce them to the fascinating world of linguistics. Pupils will investigate language patterns, solve linguistic puzzles and develop analytical thinking skills while exploring languages from around the world.
The day encourages pupils to develop their communication skills, build confidence in speaking Spanish, and make new friendships with pupils from other schools. No previous Spanish knowledge necessary.
Suitable for academically curious pupils, the workshop encourages logical reasoning, teamwork and problemsolving in a stimulating and supportive environment.
Schedule • 11.30am: Arrival and introduction • 12.30pm: Lunch • 1pm: Rehearsals begin • 2.30pm: Final performance • 3.30pm: Departure ✓ Booking via Prep School Portal ✓ Age Range – Years 7 and 8 ✓ Language and Linguistics
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Schedule • 9.30am: Arrival and registration • 9.45am: Session One • 10.30am: Refreshment break • 11am: Linguistics problem-solving workshop • 12.30pm: Lunch • 1pm: Presentation of solutions and closing remarks ✓ Booking via Prep School Portal ✓ Age Range – Years 7, 8 and 9 ✓ Language and Linguistics
SHERBORNE SCHOOLS
Friday 12 March PREP SCHOOL MFL TEACHERS’ CONFERENCE We are delighted to launch the inaugural Prep School Modern Foreign Languages Teachers' Conference, bringing together MFL educators from prep schools across the region for a day of collaboration, professional development and the sharing of best practice. See page 21 for further information.
Friday 18 June & Saturday 19 June NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF LANGUAGES Sherborne is a hosting hub for the National Festival of Languages, enjoy a range of talks, lectures, visiting speakers and events about languages, linguistics and more. ✓ Booking via Prep School Portal ✓ Age Range – Years 5-13 ✓ Language and Linguistics
Dates on demand A RAINBOW OF LANGUAGES – TALK Discover the Magic of Words Around the World. Step into an interactive journey through the world’s languages. • A whirlwind tour of world languages – from ancient scripts to modern slang • Fun facts about the evolution of English and why it’s so unique • Question time, discussion and discovery Language is more than just words – it’s culture, identity, and connect. This 30–40-minute talk helps pupils appreciate linguistic diversity, understand how English fits into the global language landscape and develop curiosity and respect for other cultures. ✓ Booking via Prep School Portal ✓ Age Range – Years 5-13 ✓ Language and Linguistics
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LANGUAGE COMPETITIONS Your pupils are welcome to take part in our regular MFL languages competitions, open to all year groups. 1. Favourite Word Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung? Embrouillamini? Desvergonzadamante? Źdźbło? Gwrthgyferbyniad? What is your favourite word in a foreign language? Send a brief video clip, saying what your word is and, why. Submit your entry by Monday 21 September. 2. Recite a Poem Find a poem in a foreign language and recite it. It does not have to be very long – limericks, joke rhymes etc are all good ideas. Please film yourself reciting this poem and send it in to enter. Submit by Friday 13 November. 3. Sing a Song Sing a song in a foreign language – feel free to dress up or act out, if appropriate. Please record yourself doing this and send your entry in by the submission date. Submit by Friday 29 January. 4. Do a Dance Select a dance which is popular in a country other than your own. Then by yourself, or with friends, do this dance, film it and submit your entry to join the competition. Submit by Friday 5 March. 5. Perform a Two or Three person play Write your own brief dramatic piece, rehearse carefully with friends and act it out. Please film this and send in your best version to participate in the competition. Submit by Friday 7 May. Send your answers for all these competitions to Mr Byrne at – stephen.byrne@sherborneboys.group – prizes for the winners in each! ✓ No need to book ✓ Age Range – Years 1-8 ✓ Language and Linguistics
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SHERBORNE SCHOOLS
“This is only a foretaste of what is to come and only the shadow of what is going to be.” ALAN TURING
TURING TIME TRAVELLERS Discover Old Shirburnian Alan Turing, the genius who helped crack secret codes and inspired the computers we use today. Dive into the school archives to uncover fascinating stories and zoom into the future to see how AI is shaping our world. • Explore the school archives and decode secret messages • Learn about Alan Turing and his incredible inventions • Train your own mini-AI to solve challenges
A fun and thoughtful journey where history meets high-tech – perfect for curious pupils ready to explore! ✓ Booking via Prep School Portal ✓ Age Range – can be adapted to all ages Years 1-8 ✓ Maths, Computing, History, English
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DRAMA
Wednesday 2 December GUYS AND DOLLS MATINÉE DRESS REHEARSAL PERFORMANCE FOR PREP SCHOOLS 1pm to 4.30pm Set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City, the infamous and brilliantly scored Guys And Dolls is a charming, glitzy romantic comedy. Gambler Nathan Detroit tries to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town while the authorities breathe down his neck; meanwhile, his girlfriend, nightclub performer Adelaide, laments that they've been engaged for 14 years. Nathan turns to fellow gambler Sky Masterson for the dough, but Sky ends up chasing the straight-laced missionary Sarah Brown.
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Guys And Dolls takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City, but eventually everyone ends up right where they belong. This year’s joint Sherborne production will see the Gransden Hall transformed for our bold and jazzy revival of this well-loved classic. ✓ Booking via Prep School Portal ✓ Age Range – Years 6 upwards ✓ Drama Performance
SHERBORNE SCHOOLS
Thursday 20 May ‘DIVE INTO DRAMA’ DAY The 2027 ‘Dive into Drama’ Day will be held at Sherborne Boys and feature a variety of creative workshops, culminating in a showcase of work created throughout the day, plus pieces from our Drama Scholars. Schedule • 9.30am • 10am • 11.15am • 12noon • 1pm • 2.30pm • 3pm
Arrive Session 1 Session 2 Lunch Session 3 Showcase Performance Depart
End of Lent Term JOINT SCHOOLS’ JUNIOR PRODUCTION Join us for a matineé performance of the Joint Schools’ Junior Production, full details will be available at the end of the Michaelmas Term. ✓ Booking via Prep School Portal ✓ Age Range – Years 7 & 8 ✓ Drama Performance
✓ Booking via Prep School Portal ✓ Age Range – Years 7 & 8 ✓ Drama
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MUSIC Tuesday 6 October PREP SCHOOLS’ ORCHESTRAL DAY Calling all instrumentalists to attend rehearsals and sessions at Sherborne Boys and Sherborne Girls before performing in your own concert at the end of a busy and inspiring day! Minimum Grade 3 level. All acoustic instruments welcome, with a maximum of four pianists in total.
Schedule • 9.30-10am – Arrival • 10am – Rehearsals • 12noon – Lunch • 1.10pm – Rehearsals • 3.30pm – Afternoon Tea (parents invited) • 4pm – Concert in the Gransden Hall, Sherborne Girls • 4.45pm – Depart ✓ Booking via Prep School Portal ✓ Age Range – Years 5-8 ✓ Music
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SHERBORNE SCHOOLS
SPORT INSPIRE, LEAD, COMPETE
Our sports outreach offers exciting opportunities to develop their skills and passion for sport: •
Coaching Sessions – skill-building and teamwork across a range of sports
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Refereeing workshops – learn the basics of officiating and leadership
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Sherborne Experience Days
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Curtain Raisers – play a fixture before a major match
Memorable experiences that build confidence and character.
SPORT Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 March COACHING RUGBY WITH CONFIDENCE: A CPD WEBINAR FOR PREP SCHOOL STAFF Join Lou Dennis, Head of PE at Sherborne Boys, for an engaging online webinar designed specifically for prep school sports staff. Drawing on her extensive experience in rugby coaching and physical education, Lou will share practical strategies for coaching Rugby Union in a prep school environment, helping teachers create enjoyable, progressive and effective learning experiences for their pupils. See page 20 for more details ✓ Booking via Prep School Portal ✓ Two slots available – Tuesday 2 March at 4pm or Wednesday 3 March at 7pm ✓ Sport, Staff CPD
Tournaments and Festivals Friday 11 September U11 Football Festival Wednesday 4 November U11 Rugby Festival Wednesday 3 March U11 Hockey Festival Wednesday 16 June James Adams U11 Cricket Festival
SPORT EXPERIENCE DAYS AT SHERBORNE BOYS Give your pupils the opportunity to train, compete and develop their skills with a bespoke Sport Experience Day at Sherborne Boys. Led by Chris Smith (Sherborne Boys Deputy Director of Sport – Performance) and our expert coaching team, these tailored sessions can be delivered as either a half-day or full-day programme, designed around the interests, abilities and objectives of your school. Choose from a wide range of sports and activities, with coaching focused on skill development, teamwork, leadership and enjoyment. Whether your pupils are looking to refine their technique, experience a new sport or prepare for competition, our coaches will create an engaging and rewarding programme to suit your group. Participants will have access to Sherborne Boys’ outstanding sporting facilities, including our state-of-the-art Performance Gym, Golf Simulator, and extensive playing fields at The Upper, providing an inspiring environment in which to learn and perform. Ideal for sports teams, whole year groups or enrichment days, Sport Experience Days offer a unique opportunity for pupils to experience high-quality coaching and develop confidence, resilience and sporting excellence in a leading independent school setting. ✓ Booking via Prep School Portal ✓ Dates to suit you ✓ Sport
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SHERBORNE SCHOOLS
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Prep School Staff As part of our commitment to supporting colleagues across the prep school sector, Sherborne Girls and Sherborne Boys are pleased to offer a programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) events for teaching and support staff. Led by experienced practitioners and subject specialists, these sessions provide opportunities to explore current educational topics, share best practice, develop new skills and connect with colleagues from other schools. The programme covers a wide range of academic and pastoral areas and is designed to offer practical ideas that can be readily applied within schools. All CPD events are free to attend, reflecting our commitment to fostering collaboration and professional growth within the prep school community. We hope colleagues will take advantage of these opportunities and join us throughout the year for a programme of engaging and informative professional development.
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Friday 26 February MATRONS’ CONFERENCE 2027 BODIES, IDENTITY & INFLUENCE: SUPPORTING PUPILS TODAY
Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 March COACHING RUGBY WITH CONFIDENCE: A CPD WEBINAR FOR PREP SCHOOL STAFF
This year's Matrons' Conference will explore the evolving challenges affecting pupil wellbeing, including body image, nutrition, online influence, identity and the impact of social media trends. Designed for matrons and pastoral staff across Prep and Senior schools, the conference will provide practical strategies for recognising emerging concerns and supporting young people with confidence and compassion.
Join Lou Dennis, Head of PE at Sherborne Boys, for an engaging online webinar designed specifically for prep school sports staff. Drawing on her extensive experience in rugby coaching and physical education, Lou will share practical strategies for coaching Rugby Union in a prep school environment, helping teachers create enjoyable, progressive and effective learning experiences for their pupils.
We are delighted to welcome Dr Kathy Weston, renowned educational consultant, researcher and author, as our keynote speaker. Through expert presentations and discussion, delegates will gain valuable insight into the pressures facing pupils today and leave equipped with practical tools to support wellbeing in their schools. ✓ Booking via Prep School Portal will open 31 October 2026 ✓ Pastoral, Staff CPD
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The session will also include guidance on developing a rugby curriculum, offering ideas for progression, skill development and game understanding across the prep school years. Whether you are an experienced rugby coach or new to delivering the sport, this webinar will provide valuable insights, resources and inspiration to support your teaching and coaching programme. ✓ Online event (two slots available) Tuesday 2 March at 4pm or Wednesday 3 March at 7pm ✓ Booking via Prep School Portal ✓ Sport, Staff CPD
SHERBORNE SCHOOLS
Friday 12 March PREP SCHOOL MFL TEACHERS’ CONFERENCE
June (date tbc) ART AT WORK: ART TEACHERS AND CREATIVES DAY
We are delighted to launch the inaugural Prep School Modern Foreign Languages Teachers' Conference, bringing together MFL educators from prep schools across the region for a day of collaboration, professional development and the sharing of best practice. This new annual event has been created to foster connections between language teachers, celebrate innovative approaches to language learning, and provide a forum for discussing current challenges and opportunities within MFL education. Delegates will benefit from a programme of expert-led sessions, practical workshops and networking opportunities designed to inspire fresh ideas and support excellence in language teaching.Whether you are an experienced Head of Languages or an early-career teacher, the conference will offer valuable insights, practical strategies and the opportunity to become part of a growing professional network of MFL specialists.
Art at Work is a professional development and networking day for art teachers, artists, designers and creative practitioners. Bringing together educators and professionals from across the creative industries, the event offers an opportunity to explore contemporary artistic practice, share ideas and gain inspiration for the classroom and beyond.
• 10am: Arrival, refreshments and networking • 10.30am: Opening welcome and Session One • 11.15am: Coffee break • 11.45am: Session Two • 12.30pm: Lunch • 1.30pm: Plenary session • 2pm: Conference closes and departure
Through a programme of workshops and discussion, delegates will enjoy a day which provides opportunities to exchange best practice, discover new approaches to teaching art, and consider how schools can further develop pupils' creativity in an everchanging world. Designed for both specialist art teachers and those with a broader interest in the creative arts, Art at Work celebrates the value of creativity, innovation and artistic expression. We look forward to welcoming colleagues to Sherborne for a day dedicated to the arts in education and practice. ✓ Booking via Prep School Portal ✓ Art, Staff CPD
We look forward to welcoming colleagues for a stimulating and engaging day dedicated to the future of language teaching and learning in prep schools. ✓ Booking via Prep School Portal ✓ Languages, Staff CPD 21
Diary Overview of the Year SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
JANUARY
11 U11 Football Festival
6 Prep Schools’ Orchestral Day
4 U11 Rugby Festival
2 Guys & Dolls Matineé Dress Rehearsal Performance
12 UK Linguistics Olympiad Workshop
21 Language Competition: Favourite Word
10 A Play in a Day in Spanish
29 Language Competition: Sing a Song
13 Language Competition: Recite a Poem
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Academics Languages Drama / Music Sport Other
Sherborne Boys
Sherborne Girls
SHERBORNE SCHOOLS
FEBRUARY
MARCH
MAY
JUNE
EVENTS ON DEMAND
3 Virtual Cracking the Code
3 U11 Hockey Festival
7 Language Competition: Perform a Play
7 Maths Team Challenge
Turing Time Travellers
26 CPD – Matrons’ Conference: Bodies, Identity & Influence
2 and 3 CPD – Coaching Rugby with Confidence
16 James Adams U11 Cricket Festival
A Rainbow of Language: Talk
5 Language Competition: Do a Dance
12 CPD – Prep School MFL Teachers’ Conference
20 Prep Schools’ Dive into Drama Day
18 and 19 National Festival of Languages
Sport Experience Days
29 CPD – Art Teachers and Creatives Day
Junior Production: Matineé Dress Rehearsal Performance
To find out more, or book your school onto any of these events, please contact Louise Smith, Group Engagement Officer at schoolsliaison@sherborneschools.group, or visit the Prep School Portal for either Sherborne Boys or Sherborne Girls.
Sherborne Boys aged 13-18 Full boarding and day - Dorset location
Sherborne Girls aged 13-18 Full boarding and day - Dorset location
admissions@sherborneboys.group +44 (0)1935 810403
admissions@sherbornegirls.group +44 (0)1935 818224
sherborneboys.group
sherbornegirls.group
PART O F TH E SH E R B OR N E S C HO O LS GRO U P Sherborne Schools Group is a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, No. 4002575 and registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, No. 1081228