At Sherborne House, we understand that choosing the right school is one of the most significant decisions a family will make. It’s not just about finding a place where your child will be happy and supported — it’s also about feeling confident in the value of your investment.
We believe that affordability should never come at the expense of quality — and that genuine value comes from transparency, excellence, and care in every aspect of your child’s experience.
What Do Prep School Fees Really Cover?
Visit our fees page.
The true cost of a prep school education can often be hard to pin down. While schools may list similar figures, the reality behind those numbers can vary dramatically. It’s not uncommon for families to discover, after enrolling, that essentials such as:
- After-school care
- Extra-curricular clubs
- Learning support
- Educational trips
- Creative and practical materials
are considered “extras” — often with additional charges.
At Sherborne House, we take a different approach.
Our Commitment: Clarity, Fairness and Real Value
We are proud to offer a fee structure that is both transparent and inclusive. We don’t believe in hidden costs or surprise charges — instead, we prioritise what matters most for your child’s development:
- Daily teacher-led after-school clubs are included in our fees
- Specialist learning support is part of our core provision
- Trips and additional experiences are thoughtfully planned to offer genuine educational value
This is part of our wider ethos: putting the child at the centre, and ensuring every family can plan with confidence, knowing that their child will have access to all aspects of school life.
What Are You Really Paying For?
At Sherborne House, your investment goes directly into your child’s learning environment:
- Small class sizes, allowing for individual attention and personalised learning
- Highly qualified and passionate teachers, including subject specialists from the earliest years
- Well-resourced, creative classrooms and outdoor learning spaces, designed to spark curiosity and confidence
We purposefully maintain a low pupil-to-teacher ratio, meaning every child is seen, heard, and supported — every day.
No Surprises. No Compromises.
We understand that families need consistency and clarity. That’s why we are committed to ensuring that what we promise is exactly what you receive.
From your first visit to your child’s final year with us, our aim is to partner with you — openly and supportively — so that your child can thrive without hidden costs getting in the way.
Read our previous blog: Independent Education Within Reach for more information and our fee breakdown.
Real Outcomes, Real Value
Ultimately, value is measured not just in cost, but in outcomes. Our pupils consistently secure places at leading grammar and independent senior schools, supported by expert guidance and bespoke preparation throughout their time with us. Further, year on year, pupils in Year 6 at Sherborne House are awarded scholarships to various secondary schools, which means that they can be recognised for outstanding achievement. Scholarships include: Academic, Art, Music, Sport, or Drama.
But it’s not only about academic results. At Sherborne House, we nurture the whole child — building character, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. This is the return on your investment: confident, capable children ready to take the next step with pride.
School Value Comparison – Hampshire (2024–25)
Here’s a value comparison table designed to clearly communicate fees, class sizes, and value-added offerings among Hampshire state primaries, Sherborne House School, and an average prep school.
| Feature | State Primary Schools | Sherborne House School | Average Prep School |
| Average Annual Tuition Fees | £0 (state-funded) | £13,000 – £15,000 (all-inclusive) | £17,000 – £18,500 (plus extras) |
| Class Sizes | 28–32 pupils per class | 14–18 pupils per class | 18–22 pupils per class |
| Teacher-to-Pupil Ratio | Average 1: 25–30 | 1:10 | Average 1:12 |
| Specialist Subject Teachers | Rare (mostly generalist teaching) | Yes – from Early Years onward (e.g. languages, PE, music, science) | Yes – from Early Years onward (e.g. languages, PE, music, science) |
| After-School Clubs | Limited; often outsourced and paid for | Included in fees – teacher-led enrichment clubs | Additional cost (varies by club) |
| Trips and Enrichment Activities | Basic; often limited by funding | Regular trips, workshops, and experiences included or low cost | Offered, many at extra charge |
| Facilities | Standard; variable between schools | Dedicated studio, forest school, large sports hall & drama spaces | On average, large site, sports grounds, halls and labs |
| Pastoral Care | Generalist form teacher | Personalised approach with dedicated pastoral lead and pupil Wellbeing Ambassadors | Structured pastoral programme |
| Secondary School Destinations | Local comprehensives or grammar by test | Only standalone 11+ prep school in the area, allowing regular placements at a range of top grammar and independent senior schools | Majority progress to linked secondary schools |
| Flexibility for Families | Term-time only; fixed hours | Wraparound care, flexible clubs, strong home-school partnership | Wraparound care, clubs, strong home-school partnership |
| Learning Support (SEND/Extension) | Variable; resource-dependent | Available in core provision* | Available in core provision |
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Add in sentence about additional learning support being offered ona case by case basis (taster day, assessment etc)
Key Takeaways:
- Sherborne House School offers an ideal middle ground: small class sizes, specialist teaching, and holistic development at a more inclusive cost than many independent schools.
- State schools offer free education but often lack the individual attention, resources, or enrichment activities parents seek.
- An average prep school delivers a premium experience but with notable additional costs for enrichment, clubs, and extras.
Discover the Sherborne House Advantage for Yourself
We’d love to welcome you to Sherborne House to see what sets us apart. Our admissions team is here to help with any questions you may have about our fees, our ethos, or our learning environment.
Book a personalised visit today or get in touch to find out how we can support your child’s journey.
Visit our fees page.
02380 252440
admissions@sherbornehouse.co.uk
