Our History

Honouring the past, shaping the future.

Sherborne’s past is not a relic – it’s a foundation. We are proud of our rich history, which gives us the strength and clarity to look ahead with confidence. Here, tradition fuels innovation, and boys grow up with a deep sense of place, and possibility.

A Heritage That Inspires

Sherborne’s story stretches back to the 12th century, when boys were first educated within these ancient walls.

That same spirit continues today: a belief in the transformative power of education, rooted in a Christian ethos, and dedicated to forming character for life. Our founding values – kindness, courtesy, determination, and compassion – are as vital now as they were then.

They shape how we teach, how we learn, and how we live together in community.

A Vision Realised, a School Transformed

In 1850, the Reverend Hugo Daniel Harper reimagined Sherborne for a new era.

Under his leadership, the School grew rapidly, buoyed by the arrival of the railway, and the energy of a town embracing its educational future. What began as a modest grammar school evolved into a flourishing institution, known for its academic strength, broad horizons, and the sense of fellowship it fostered. That transformation still resonates – in our classrooms, our Boarding Houses, and every corner of daily life.

Living History, Every Day.

Today, our boys are part of a story nearly 900 years in the making.

As they walk the same paths as generations before them, they are inspired by history – not bound by it. They are encouraged to ask questions, to embrace the present, and to prepare for the world that lies ahead.

This is what makes a Sherborne education truly special: a place where the past shapes not only who we are, but who we dare to become – following in the footsteps of alumni such as Alan Turing, Chris Martin, and Hugh Bonneville, who have gone on to make their mark on the world.

To discover more about Sherborne's rich history, please visit the School Archives.

School Archives