Home|Admissions Process|Mid-year admissions

Mid-year admissions

We understand that sometimes a change of school is needed outside the traditional September start. At Sherborne House School, we welcome mid-year admissions across the school, including Nursery and Pre-Reception, for families seeking a fresh start, a better fit or a more supportive learning environment.

We aim to make every transition as smooth and positive as possible. Our experienced and caring team works closely with each child to ensure they feel settled, confident and supported both socially and academically from their very first day with us.

Families considering a mid-year move are warmly invited to visit Sherborne House School for a personal tour. During your visit, you will meet our Headteacher, Cordelia Cripps, along with members of our staff and current pupils, and have the opportunity to explore our school and facilities while gaining a real sense of daily life.

If you feel Sherborne House is the right fit for your child, you will be invited to register your interest using the Registration Pack provided at the end of your visit. We will then arrange a taster day for your child to experience a typical school day in the year group they would be joining. At the end of the day, you will have the opportunity to meet with Cordelia Cripps and the Head of Upper or Lower School to discuss how the day went.

Where both parties are happy to proceed, a formal offer of a place will be made, and once the Acceptance Form has been completed, children can often start immediately — in some cases, as soon as the very next day — ensuring a smooth and timely transition into school life.

Fees

Sherborne House School is proud to offer a fantastic prep education at an exceptionally competitive price. Education, teacher-led after-school clubs and lunch – all from *£1,004 per month.

*We believe that high-quality education should be both accessible and affordable.

Our fee structure is thoughtfully designed to provide exceptional value while maintaining the highest standards of educational excellence.

*Teacher-led after-school clubs are from 4 pm to 5 pm.

We also offer flexible payment options, with the choice to pay termly or through an 11-month payment plan.

Please find the full information on our fees here.

FAQ

What are mid-term admissions?

Mid-year admissions allow children to join Sherborne House School at any time in the academic year, rather than waiting for the traditional September start. This is ideal for families who are relocating, seeking a better school fit, or looking for a fresh start.

How quickly can my child join once we apply?

We aim to make mid-year admissions as smooth and swift as possible. Once an enquiry is made, our Admissions team will guide you through the process, arranging a visit, providing a Registration Pack, and requesting any relevant information from your child’s current school. We will then organise a taster day so your child can experience a typical day in their new year group. Where both parties are happy to proceed, a formal offer of a place will be made, and once the Acceptance Form has been completed, children can often start immediately — in some cases, as soon as the very next day — ensuring a seamless and positive transition into life at Sherborne House School.

Will my child receive support to help them settled in?

We understand that joining a new school mid-year can feel daunting. At Sherborne House, our teachers provide tailored academic support, while our pastoral team ensures every child feels welcomed, secure, and quickly part of the school community from their very first day.

How do you help children catch up if they've been following a different curriculum?

Our teachers assess each child’s starting point and provide tailored support to meet their individual needs. Whether helping to bridge gaps, extend learning, or adapt to a new curriculum approach, we offer personalised guidance to ensure every pupil feels secure, confident, and able to thrive in their learning.

Can we visit the school before applying?

Visiting Sherborne House is strongly encouraged. Families are welcome to arrange a private tour, meet our teachers, see classes in action, and gain a real sense of daily life at the school. We are always happy to answer questions and guide you through how Sherborne House can support your child’s transition.

Can my child try a day at Sherborne House before we decide?

Yes — we are happy to arrange a Taster Day for your child, allowing them to experience a typical day in the year group they would join. At the end of the day, you will have the opportunity to meet with Cordelia Cripps and the Head of Upper or Lower School to discuss how the day went and share any feedback, helping you make an informed decision.

What if my child is nervous about joining a new school?

We make settling in as easy as possible. Taster days, buddy systems, and personalised support plans ensure children quickly feel at home. Many mid-year joiners tell us they felt part of the community within days.

How much support is available for parents during the transition?

We provide extensive support to help families feel confident throughout the process. You will have a single point of contact within our Admissions Team to guide you through paperwork, timelines, and communication, keeping everything clear and manageable. We also provide advice on uniforms, transport, schedules, and any other information you may need to ensure your child’s first day is smooth and stress-free. Where helpful, we can also put you in contact with current parents to share their experiences and offer reassurance.

We hope these FAQs give a clear insight into how Sherborne House supports children and families joining mid-year. Each transition is carefully planned, with personalised academic guidance, dedicated pastoral support, and opportunities for every child to make friends and feel fully part of our community from day one. If you are considering a mid-year move, we would be delighted to welcome you for a visit, answer any questions, and explore how your child can thrive here. Book a tour and discover all that makes Sherborne House so special.