The Sherborne Prep Diploma
Where Learning Meets Character
Introduction
The Sherborne Prep Diploma is a bespoke two-year programme for pupils in Years 7 and 8, designed to bring together academic challenge, personal growth and a spirit of discovery. Our bespoke model at Sherborne Prep prepares pupils with the skills, character and confidence they need to flourish at senior school and beyond.
At this stage of their education, pupils are old enough to take on genuine responsibility and leadership, yet still young enough to enjoy the warmth, individuality and breadth of prep school life. It is a pivotal time, a chance to stretch their minds, build independence and grow in confidence, all within a supportive community where childhood is celebrated.
Through a rich blend of classroom learning, co-curricular adventure and pastoral care, our pupils learn not only what to think, but how to think. We place high value on critical thinking, and it goes hand in hand with empathy.
The Sherborne Prep Diploma ensures that every child leaves us ready for the next step: grounded in values, equipped with life skills and inspired with a lifelong love of learning.
Academic depth and discovery
At Sherborne Prep, learning in Years 7 and 8 is defined by challenge, curiosity and breadth. Pupils are encouraged to think deeply, question widely and take genuine ownership of their learning.
Tailored learning
Every child learns differently. At Sherborne Prep, we design our teaching to ensure that each pupil is both supported and challenged at the right level.
In core subjects – English, mathematics, science, languages and humanities – teachers provide personalised pace, stretch and encouragement. Our curriculum goes beyond the national curriculum, incorporating a variety of assessments, extended projects and learning experiences that build a strong foundation for GCSE and beyond.
Our small class sizes allow for close guidance and meaningful feedback, while enrichment opportunities such as debating, philosophy, STEM challenges and creative writing clubs extend learning beyond the classroom.
Breadth of study
The Year 7 and 8 curriculum combines academic rigour with creative breadth. Pupils study a rich range of subjects including art, design and technology, music, drama, computing and sport, alongside traditional disciplines.
Interdisciplinary learning connects ideas and builds curiosity: a science topic may inspire an art project; a history module might link to creative writing or drama. This breadth not only keeps learning exciting, but also helps pupils discover their own strengths and passions.
“My son’s resilience is a testament to the excellent all round education and support he has always received at Sherborne Prep.”
Current Parent, 2025
Assessment and progress
Assessment at Sherborne Prep is designed to recognise each pupil’s progress and encourage their growth. Progress is reported in both attainment and skills, acknowledging not only what pupils know but how they learn.
A combination of exams, topic tests, projects, presentations, debates, vivas and ongoing teacher feedback contributes to each pupil’s portfolio. Our 10 point scale, from Emerging to Exceptional, provides clear, constructive insight into academic outcomes while highlighting the learning habits that enable pupils to thrive. These skills are explored in greater depth through our Skills for Life programme, which underpins every aspect of the Diploma.
Skills for life
Our teaching aims not only to build strong subject knowledge, but to nurture the qualities that help pupils thrive in any field. In Years 7 and 8, the six Sherborne Prep Core Skills form a common thread running through lessons, activities and daily school life:
These skills sit at the heart of the Diploma, strengthened through steady encouragement and clear guidance. They help pupils understand how they learn, how they work with others and how to approach challenges with resilience, confidence and clarity.
The Sherborne Project Qualification (SPQ)
Independent thinking. Real-world curiosity. Academic confidence.
A highlight of Year 8 at Sherborne Prep is the Sherborne Project Qualification (SPQ), an extended independent research project that gives pupils genuine ownership of their learning and the chance to explore a subject that truly inspires them.
Each pupil chooses an area of personal interest – anything from the science of renewable energy or the common causes of cancer to the psychology of sport or the ethics of fast fashion. Guided by a project mentor, they plan, research and present their work over several weeks, developing advanced skills in independent study, critical thinking, organisation and communication.
The SPQ encourages pupils to think deeply, question widely and express their ideas with confidence. They learn how to investigate a topic, structure an argument and communicate complex information clearly, which offers invaluable preparation for the demands of senior school and beyond.
The process culminates in one of the most anticipated events in the academic calendar: the SPQ Exhibition. Here, pupils share their projects with staff, parents, governors and visiting representatives from senior schools, creating a genuine celebration of curiosity, creativity and achievement.
“I now realise more and more how much I actually took from the project... all the inspiration, motivation, challenges, and joy. But also, amongst all those mixed feelings, such a strong, indescribable sense of happiness in being able to do something I love.”
Year 8 Leaver, 2024
Recent topics have included:
• How has women’s football changed over the past five years?
• Gene editing
• Fast fashion
• The acoustics of the Royal Albert Hall
• The psychology of colour
• The Boxing Day tsunami 2004 and its impact
• The history of Lego
• How rugby laws have evolved around safety
Skills programme
Developing confidence, curiosity and capability
Woven throughout the Sherborne Prep Diploma, the skills programme helps pupils in Years 7 and 8 grow into confident, independent and compassionate young people. It builds the essential skills that underpin every aspect of learning and life.
Independent responsibility
As pupils mature, they are ready for genuine responsibility. They learn to manage their time, organise prep and take ownership of their work. Leadership roles, from mentoring younger pupils to supporting House events, develop initiative, empathy and the self-discipline needed for senior school and beyond.
In practice, pupils:
• take part in enterprise and entrepreneurship projects, developing creativity, teamwork, and financial awareness
• explore marketing, budgeting and presentation skills
• gain life and outdoor skills through bushcraft, orienteering and team problem solving
• learn strategies for wellbeing, time management and managing pressure
• record their progress and reflections in a personal skills log
• hear from inspiring professionals through the Lent Lecture Programme
• prepare for senior school through revision workshops and carousel sessions
• receive careers advice
By the end of Year 8, pupils understand how these skills shape success and leave ready to step forward with confidence, clarity and care.
“The most wonderful, nurturing school”
Current Parent, 2025
Leadership in action
Leadership at Sherborne Prep is not confined to titles – it is a mindset and a shared responsibility. In Years 7 and 8, pupils are encouraged to lead by example, with empathy and integrity.
From mentoring younger children and acting as ambassadors at school events, to captaining sports teams and supporting House activities, our pupils understand that leadership is about service, encouragement and courage.
These experiences foster communication, self-belief and community spirit, preparing pupils to lead well, wherever life takes them.
Stretch, challenge and scholarship preparation
Ambition nurtured. Potential realised. Excellence celebrated.
Sherborne Prep is a place where ambitious and curious pupils thrive. Through the Sherborne Prep Diploma, Years 7 and 8 offer the depth, pace and opportunity that inspire children to aim high, whether they are preparing for a scholarship or simply eager for greater challenge.
Our outcomes speak clearly: around half of our Year 8 pupils achieve a scholarship or award each year, with recent cohorts ranging from 46% to 51% recognised for excellence across academics, the arts and sport.
Pupils with particular drive benefit from a rich programme of stretch and support designed to develop confidence, skill and independence. This includes:
• academic enrichment sessions, lectures and workshops led by staff and visiting specialists
• collaborative projects and mentoring across Sherborne Boys, Sherborne Girls, Sherborne Prep and Hanford Prep, broadening horizons and deepening subject expertise
• specialist tuition and coaching in music, art, drama or sport, with opportunities to lead ensembles, support productions or join small group training programmes
• careful progress tracking and personalised guidance, ensuring pupils remain challenged, motivated and developing at pace
All of this sits within a culture where aspiration is shared. Pupils learn alongside peers who enjoy exploring ideas, tackling challenges and discovering their strengths. With broad enrichment, vibrant co-curricular life and high expectations, every child is encouraged to be themselves, stretch themselves and strive for excellence.
By the time they leave the Prep, pupils are motivated, grounded and ready for the next step, fully equipped to excel at the highest level in their senior schools.
“Around half of our Year 8 pupils achieve a scholarship or award to their chosen senior school.”
Discovery, challenge and adventure
Life as a pupil at Sherborne Prep is vibrant and full of opportunity for discovery, challenge and adventure, all within the safe and supportive Prep bubble, here in gloriously leafy Dorset. It is hard to pack it all in, especially in the magical years between primary school and senior school.
Our co-curricular programme motivates and encourages every child to find their passions, develop new skills and grow in confidence, with character education at the heart of everything we do.
Music
With over 100 individual music lessons each week, and choirs, ensembles and chamber groups performing in everything from informal teatime concerts to formal recitals, there is always a dulcet harmony echoing around the Ham stone buildings.
Pupils in Years 7 and 8 take leading roles in school chapel services, House Music and performances at Sherborne Abbey. They are the band leaders, the choreographers, the readers, and, very often, the soloists.
Many also join the Joint Schools’ Orchestra, gaining valuable experience alongside older musicians from Sherborne Boys and Sherborne Girls.
Drama and performance
With annual productions for every year group, individual class plays and workshops, pupils here cannot help but build their confidence, their self-expression and their love of storytelling and performing.
Classrooms provide spaces for debate, for public speaking, for joke telling or magic tricks. There are no lights under bushels, but all are shining brightly, in a warm and welcoming ecosphere.
Sport
No day is without sport at the Prep. A full and varied games programme promotes teamwork, fitness and healthy competition, with access to the outstanding facilities across Sherborne Schools Group.
With so many teams and so many sports, both individual and team-based, pupils in Years 7 and 8 step into roles of responsibility and challenge throughout the year, finding their niche in an ever-expanding basket of sporting opportunities.
Captains and Vice Captains lead warm-ups, organise drills, greet the opposition and take ownership of the team dynamic. At the top of the school, sport provides daily opportunities for both skill and character development.
Art and design
The Prep is so lucky to have so many dedicated studios around the schools providing space for painting, sculpture, ceramics and imaginative design.
Exhibitions at the Prep and beyond, Artist of the Week, Art Ambassadors – all talent, any talent – is richly and heartily applauded here.
With more than 130 enrichment activities and Saturday morning activities on offer, such a wide range of lunchtime and after-school clubs (from debating and coding to outdoor cooking and photography), the Prep ensures each term is full of variety for the upper school.
Leadership roles, the ability to teach the lower years, to run small parts of a session –all of this gives our valued senior years the chance to shine, to flourish, to mature and to enjoy the feeling of being at the top of the tree, respected by the school.
On top of this, residential trips, Forest School, team challenges, entrepreneurship sessions and outdoor learning build resilience, independence and unforgettable memories for them – some outstanding trips, run by their staff in beautiful surroundings; sometimes a week away with friends, creating friendships for life.
Clubs and activities
Boarding and House spirit
Boarding in Years 7 and 8 offers growing independence within a warm, family environment.
• Flexible boarding options to suit each family: full, weekly, regular or occasional
• Builds confidence, responsibility and deep friendships
• The House system — Normans, Greeks, Trojans and Romans — promotes camaraderie and belonging
• Pupils take on leadership roles and support one another in their House communities
Boarding life is joyful, inclusive and full of opportunity, preparing pupils for the next step with confidence.
Looking ahead
By the end of Year 8, Sherborne Prep pupils are ready to embrace the next stage of their education. They leave us with:
• Strong academic foundations
• A spirit of curiosity and discovery
• Emotional intelligence and maturity
• The resilience to overcome challenges
• The values, independence and empathy to thrive
Our aim is not simply to prepare pupils for senior school, but to set them up for life.
“Boarding gives all our children the stability throughout the school week, and it means we can have that key time at weekends that we all enjoy.”
Previous Parent, 2023
Sherborne Prep
Acreman Street
Sherborne
Dorset DT9 3NY + 44 (0) 1935 810911
admissions@sherborneprep.group
sherborneprep.group