A Unique
Blend
of curiosity
+ wonder

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Strategic Framework

Since the formation of Sherborne Schools Group (SSG) last year, we have been developing a strategy for both the Group and each individual school.

Our shared vision is to be recognised as the UK’s leading group of independent schools, known for a character-led approach that blends academic excellence, personal growth, wellbeing, and 21st-century skills.

To bring this vision to life, we have drafted a Strategic Framework built around five Key Pillars.

Our aim is to deliver a forward-thinking, Transformative Education that respects tradition while boldly embracing the future.

Grounded in excellence, driven by character, and powered by innovation, we prepare every pupil to be not just successful, but significant - leaders, creators, and changemakers in a fast-evolving, globalised world.

Our strategic priorities deliver The Sherborne Difference on the ground, translating the Group vision into daily learning experiences, character development, and innovation, equipping pupils to solve complex challenges and make responsible, measurable contributions to society.

Our Five Key Pillars —

Character & Leadership
We will nurture kind, confident, and responsible children who show empathy, integrity, and initiative - qualities that help them grow into thoughtful leaders.
  • Embed the SSG Framework for Character & Wellbeing Education across academic, co-curricular, enrichment, and pastoral provision, linking actions to ethical leadership, reflection, and real-world contribution.
  •  Encourage reflection, goal-setting, learning from failure, and personal growth throughout each child’s journey.
  • Promote our values through classroom, sports, boarding, and social experiences, fostering teamwork, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving.
  • Strengthen boarding opportunities as environments for independence, resilience, and community living.
  • Broaden leadership opportunities via pupil voice, school council, peer mentoring, eco-council, and service projects, including practical community leadership experiences.
  • Expand tutor and mentoring programmes to support long-term personal development, self-awareness, and ethical leadership.
Academics & Futures
We will offer a broad and ambitious education that balances academic rigour with creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning. 
  • Deliver a forward-thinking curriculum that balances core subject excellence with creativity, critical thinking, and curiosity-driven learning.
  • Embrace innovative teaching methods and personalised learning approaches that maximise each pupil’s potential and develop AI/digital literacy.
  •  Develop reflective learning habits through self-assessment, pupil-led review, and feedback, using The Prep’s six core skills.
  • Strengthen individualised tutoring and tailored learning pathways in Years 6-8, supporting academic progress, wellbeing, and confidence.
  • Build on the Sherborne Prep Diploma, a two-year programme fostering independence, curiosity, critical thinking, and practical project-based learning.
  • Expand our Aspirations & Futures Programme with speakers, enrichment, and career exposure to help children explore diverse pathways and real-world applications.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
We will foster curiosity creativity, and confidence, encouraging pupils to explore new ideas and develop a spirit of innovation.
  • Expand entrepreneurial projects in Years 6-8, giving pupils the opportunity to design, pitch, and lead their own ideas - learning by doing and building real-world skills.
  • Grow collaborative projects that encourage teamwork, imagination, problem-solving, and communication.
  • Cultivate a culture of curiosity, adaptability, and open-mindedness, encouraging children to explore ideas ethically and purposefully.
  • Integrate creative problem-solving, design thinking, and real-world project work across all subjects.
  • Deepen links with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community partners to help pupils see how ideas become practical solutions.
  • Leverage the SSG Turing Centre for Innovation & Future Readiness, including Start-Up Studio and modules introducing leading-edge technologies.
Partnership & Community 
We will strengthen our caring community and nurture partnerships that broaden horizons, deepen belonging, and inspire shared purpose.
  • Ensure that Sherborne Prep is a nurturing Christian school community where everyone is valued, regardless of faith, and given opportunities to flourish in every area of life, including spiritually.
  • Expand collaboration across Sherborne Schools Group, sharing values, initiatives, and opportunities.
  • Strengthen academic, enrichment, and practical links with senior schools and external organisations to broaden horizons and prepare children for the next stage.
  • Leverage Friends of Sherborne, alumni, and global networks to enrich school life through talks, mentoring, and events.
  • Grow community, diversity, and belonging through events and initiatives that foster empathy, negotiation, and teamwork.
  • Deepen local partnerships, volunteering, and service initiatives, enabling children to contribute to society responsibly and compassionately.
  • Embed our Christian ethos as a foundation of inclusion, kindness, and shared values.
  • Promote civic engagement, ethical fundraising, and collaboration with wider communities to teach social responsibility.
Sustainability & Humanity
We will educate children to care deeply - for themselves, for others, and for the world around them.
  • Expand regenerative campus projects and service-learning to develop environmental stewardship and practical sustainability skills.
  • Deepen climate literacy, systems thinking, and responsible decision-making across the curriculum.
  • Support pupil-led sustainability and ethical initiatives, empowering children to make a positive difference in school and beyond.
  • Strengthen global partnerships and real-world projects, helping pupils understand diverse perspectives and act with compassion.
  • Increase local and international service opportunities to foster empathy, responsibility, and leadership in action.
  • Integrate hands-on engagement through citizen science, circular economy projects, and sustainable innovation.
  • Encourage reflection, gratitude, and thoughtful action in complex, interconnected world challenges.

Through The Sherborne Difference, we will cultivate ethical, innovative, and globally-minded leaders prepared to navigate and shape the challenges of the 21st century.

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