'A boy is sent to a public school to acquire self-knowledge'. William Johnson's definition of the purpose of a public school education remains as relevant today as it was over a century ago.
How does Sherborne set about helping the boys who come here to acquire this self-knowledge?
First of all by providing a stable background against which they can grow up into balanced, educated and purposeful citizens; a background which helps a boy to know where he stands in a world of rapidly changing standards. Next, there is the sense of belonging to a school and the town. With no campus and with many of the school buildings scattered through the town, School forms an integral part of the local community and has close links with local institutions. Finally there is a sense of the past. Nobody can visit Sherborne, even briefly, without feeling that it is a place deeply rooted in the past. The experience of spending five impressionable years in the shadow of Sherborne Abbey cannot but colour one's view of life. Against such a background, how do we at Sherborne seek to help a boy gain self-knowledge? Firstly by allowing him an independence of approach, within certain clearly defined limits, on the observations of which the whole school depends.
We then try to help him find the things at which he can excel; for the pursuit of excellence should be the hallmark of a great school. Experience shows that the ability to shine at any occupation breeds confidence which quickly spreads to other aspects of a boy's life.
Prospective parents are cordially invited to acquire the prospectus and to visit the school.
