September 5th 2022
There is praise aplenty for Sherborne Prep in the Tatler Schools Guide 2023, which was published at the start of September.
In order to select the best 250 independent and prep schools in the UK to feature in its Guide, Tatler magazine carries out a year-round programme of research, including in-person visits and in-depth questionnaires. It is always a pleasure to show them around the grounds and school buildings as they meet staff and pupils.
Our latest review is as follows:
New head Natalie Bone, who previously taught at Millfield and Millfield Prep, has slipped seamlessly into the job of guiding this small, happy, wholesome and academic school - on average, 40 percent of Year 8 pupils gain scholarships to their chosen secondary.
Although the prep enjoys a close relationship with Sherborne School and Sherborne Girls, other destinations including Bryanston, Canford and Milton Abbey are popular. Sport is particularly brilliant: each student is regularly screened and provided with a personalised set of fitness exercises, and, collectively, there is a huge emphasis on co-ed activity and games. Pupils feel supported and nurtured by their teachers (Richard Pyman, who teaches Latin and English is particularly popular, as is Geography specialist Rose Chatfield).
Everyone loves the Christmas disco, which comes complete with prize-givings, obligatory renditions of the Macarena, and a machine that blasts our flurries of fake snow.
To earn an entry in the Tatler Schools Guide, they must offer the whole package – holistic pastoral care; a focus on character-forming as much as pure academics; and the ability to accommodate and nurture all their pupils so that they leave as well educated and, most importantly, happy young people.
Tori Cadogan, Tatler’s Education Editor, writes.
