A Unique
Blend
of tradition
+ innovation

Sherborne Boys
Alumni
Old Shirburnian Society

In this section

The Old Shirburnian Society

A lifelong Community.

When a boy joins Sherborne, he becomes part of a lifelong community. During his time here, he builds friendships and values that stay with him forever, carrying the spirit of Sherborne wherever he goes.

The Old Shirburnian Society (OSS)

The Old Shirburnian Society exists to keep that connection alive. When pupils leave Sherborne, they automatically become Old Shirburnians, joining a global network bound by shared experiences and enduring friendships.

The OSS hosts events around the world - often in partnership with Sherborne Old Girls - creating opportunities to reunite, reminisce, and forge new connections.

Professional Suport & Networking

We provide extensive career support for Old Shirburnians at every stage of their professional journey.

For recent leavers: Each September we run industry-focused career and networking events for OS at university or recent graduates. These events connect them with experienced OS, OGs, and parents working in fields they are interested in.

For those further into their careers: We organise industry-based dinners, lunches, and drinks for those working in Media, Law, the City, Insurance, Financial Services, Property, the Military, and Technology.

The OSS hosts events around the world, often in partnership with Sherborne Girls, creating opportunities for Old Shirburnians to reconnect, reminisce, & make new connections.

We also offer professional support through career events and mentoring.

The OSS Charitable Trust provides means-tested assistance to Old Shirburnians wishing to send their sons to Sherborne, helping to continue the tradition from one generation to the next.

Our online platform, Sherborne Connect, has over 6,000 members and ensures Old Shirburnians can stay in touch wherever they are. Available as an app, it keeps the Sherborne spirit close – anytime, anywhere.

The Old Shirburnian Society

Sherborne Connect

Sherborne Connect is our online platform that enables Old Shirburnians, parents, and Sixth Form pupils to engage with a global professional community representing a wide range of industries.

Many members offer advice, mentoring, and professional support—helping young OS and current pupils explore career paths, make informed decisions, and build meaningful connections.

With almost 5,000 members worldwide, Sherborne Connect keeps the community connected from anywhere. Key features include:

Industry, regional and interest groups
A jobs board
A business directory
A lively news feed
Dedicated careers support

The OSS Charitable Trust

The OSS also operates a Charitable Trust to support Old Shirburnians with the cost of school fees should they wish to send their sons or grandsons to Sherborne. Support is offered on a means-tested basis.

This kind of interaction is what makes Sherborne Connect so valuable. It’s more than a directory – it’s a living network, built on shared experience, and a lifelong resource for every member of the Sherborne community.

Notable Alumni

John Le Mesurier (1912-1983)

Actor

Attended Sherborne School (Lyon) 1926-1930. Actor, best known for playing Sergeant Wilson in Dad’s Army.

Michael Hopkins

Architect

Sir Michael Hopkins attended Sherborne School (Westcott) 1949-1952. Architect whose works include the Mound Stand at Lord's Cricket Ground and many others.

Nigel Dempster (1941-2007)

Journalist

Attended Sherborne School (School House) 1955-1958. Journalist, author, broadcaster, and columnist.

James Purefoy

Actor

Attended Sherborne School (Harper) 1977-1980. Actor, who has appeared in Rome, A Knight’s Tale and Fisherman’s Friends.

Alfred North Whitehead (1861-1947)

Philosopher

Attended Sherborne School (School House) 1875-1880. Mathematician and philosopher, co-author with Bertrand Russell.

Simon McCoy

Journalist

Attended Sherborne School (School House) 1975-1979. Journalist and presenter on BBC TV News at One.

Jason Lewis

Author

Attended Sherborne School (School House) 1980-1985. Adventurer and author.

Peter Oborne

Author

Attended Sherborne School (Harper) 1970-1974. Author, journalist and broadcaster.

Sir John Weston

Ambassador

Attended Sherborne School (Westcott) 1951-1956. Diplomat, Ambassador, Permanent Representative to NATO and the UN, poet, and former School Governor.

Julian Thompson

Author

Major General Julian Thompson attended Sherborne School (School House) 1948-1952. British Army Officer and author.

Tim Spicer

Army Officer

Attended Sherborne School (School House) 1966-1969. British Army Officer and Chief Executive of Sandline International.

Hugh Bonneville

Actor

Attended Sherborne School (Harper) 1977-1981. Actor, best known for playing the Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey.

Chris Martin

Musician

Attended Sherborne School (The Digby) 1990-1995. Songwriter, musician, record producer, lead singer and co-founder of the band Coldplay.

Alan Turing (1912-1954)

Scientist

Attended Sherborne School (Westcott) 1926-1931. Mathematician, computer scientist, and Second World War codebreaker.

Tom Bradby

Journalist

Attended Sherborne School (Abbey) 1980-1985. Journalist and author, presenter of ITV News at Ten.

Christopher Chataway (1931-2014)

Politician

Rt Hon Sir Christopher Chataway attended Sherborne School (Harper) 1944-1949. Politician, broadcaster, represented GB at the 1952 and 1956 Olympic Games.

Hyla Stallard (1901-1973)

Surgeon

Attended Sherborne School (Lyon) 1914-1919. A distinguished eye surgeon. Immortalised by Daniel Gerroll in the 1981 film The Chariots of Fire.

Richard Eyre

Film Director

Sir Richard Eyre attended Sherborne School (Westcott) 1956-1961. Director and producer, winner of five Olivier awards and a BAFTA.

Jeremy Irons

Actor

Attended Sherborne School (Abbey) 1962-1966. Actor, who has appeared in The French Lieutenant’s Woman, Brideshead Revisited, The Mission, The Lion King.