Year 8 Leavers

Having had a chance to get to know the school over this year, and as we apply reflective thinking and research from the impact of the pandemic, I am convinced of the need to help future proof our pupils and prepare them for what lies ahead.

As part of this we are seeking ways to ensure children are equipped with not only a broad and rigorous curriculum, but also are given opportunities to develop vital skills needed for the next stage of their education and for the future workplace. A knowledge-rich, skills-orientated framework built upon character and learning virtues which is fit for the 21st century is needed to increase capabilities, competence and success in future personal and professional life. We hope to ensure that children depart from Sherborne Prep with a toolkit of skills rather than only a briefcase of grades. Collaboration, communication, independence and leadership will be high on the agenda to ensure that every individual child has the opportunity to succeed and to thrive.

There are exciting developments ahead too as we seek to enrich the offer pupils receive at SPS. We have planned to extend the benefits of the merger with Sherborne School further next year with Music and Sport benefitting from close collaboration, the use of the expertise of specialist staff and co-ordinated facility use. The Director of Music, James Henderson, and Director of Sport, David Guy, will help to oversee our provision in collaboration with our new Head of Music and Head of Sport and this will open up excellent opportunities for our pupils.

Facilities wise, the first phase of our new Sports Centre will open in September with phase two opening the following year, and this will include two full size sports halls, squash courts, fitness studio, sports performance studio, indoor climbing, basketball, indoor cricket nets as well as the swimming pool. In addition, we are opening Netherton House on the SPS campus as our new Performing Arts Centre in September to give Music, Drama and Dance a more inspirational space and to allow these creative arts to develop and flourish further. Our existing Sports Hall will become a collaborative learning and activities space, assembly hall, and will also be available as an on-site theatre in addition to the Powell Theatre and Greenfield Hall at the Sherborne International campus for productions and performances.

I am very much looking forward to continued partnership with you to support the wonderful pupils that make SPS.

‘the best of the best in the UK for sport’