There are many factors to consider when choosing where to begin your child’s education. It might be distance from home or after school clubs, but cost, affordability and value for money are all things which have to be carefully considered, especially during the current economic climate.
Private schools can be more affordable than you think
Independent school annual fees can vary from £12,000 to £40,000 depending on region, whether the school is primary or secondary, day or boarding. In 2022 the average annual fee for private day schools in the UK was £15,655.
At Sherborne House, we are proud to offer children a well-rounded and fulfilling education for less than the national average fees. https://www.sherbornehouse.co.uk/admissions-process/fees/
Are private schools worth the cost?
When making the vital decision on where to educate your child, it is important to consider value for money. A fee paying school with a high quality provision will set your child up for success and further their life chances. The benefits of smaller class sizes, specialist teachers, extra-curricular activities and an enhanced curriculum are incomparable. https://www.sherbornehouse.co.uk/2024/04/15/whats-different-in-a-prep-school/
The hidden charges you can incur when sending your child to state school are often not considered by parents. How much more expensive are private school fees once you factor in school lunches, breakfast club, after school clubs, transportation and trips? There can also be the secondary cost of employing tutors to supplement your child’s learning if they are falling behind.
At Sherborne House, small class sizes are between 10 and 20 pupils, which ensures that each child is challenged appropriately, in order to maximise their outcomes and potential. Further, at Sherborne House, relationships between teachers and pupils are held dear; all teachers make a substantial effort to get to know pupils within and outside their class, which ensures smooth transitions, enhanced continuity and, in turn, fosters a confidence in each child.
As a standalone prep school, we prepare children for all secondary destination schools, whether state, private or grammar. We are academically rigorous and aspirational for all of our pupils regardless of their destination schools.
Providing hot lunches with various options and serving them as a family meal fosters a sense of community and togetherness among the students and staff. Plus, having a chef on-site ensures that the meals are freshly prepared and tailored to meet the dietary needs and preferences of all pupils. Also, healthy snacks are offered daily. This provision begins in the Nursery.
At Sherborne House, we offer a variety of enrichment programs to complement our academic curriculum and to provide students with opportunities for personal growth and development, as well as confidence and empowerment Our enrichment offerings include:
- Arts: classes or clubs focused on creative arts, music, theatre, or dance, allowing pupils to explore their creative talents and express themselves artistically.
- Sports: team sports such as football, netball, hockey, tennis, as well as individual sports like swimming, gymnastics, judo and cross country, promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): enrichment activities related to coding, engineering challenges, or scientific experiments, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills.
- Languages: curriculum lessons and language clubs, encouraging pupils to become proficient in a second or third language and fostering cultural understanding.
- Outdoor Education: Forest School, camping experiences, opportunities to work within our well-being garden, all of which allow pupils to be immersed in nature, develop outdoor skills, and cultivate an appreciation for the environment.
- Leadership and Personal Development: our bespoke Steps to Leadership program allows pupils to develop their leadership skills, public speaking, time management, civic responsibility and character development, empowering pupils to become confident, responsible individuals and citizens for the future.
- Community Service and Volunteering: Opportunities for students to engage with and lead on community service projects, volunteer work, or fundraising initiatives, instilling a sense of empathy, compassion, and social responsibility.
- Academic Competitions: Participation in internal, regional and national academic competitions and debates, challenging pupils to excel academically and develop their intellectual curiosity.
These enrichment offerings not only complement the academic curriculum but also provide students with valuable experiences, skills, and interests that can benefit them both inside and outside the classroom. They contribute to the well-rounded education at Sherborne House that prepares all pupils for success in the future.
Nursery
Many parents assume a private school education for their nursery-aged children will be unaffordable but at Sherborne House we’re proud to offer competitive rates which enable families to access a high quality education for their children in those critical early years.
How can I manage the school fees?
We offer an interest-free monthly payment scheme, which can allow for easier budgeting and help make payments more manageable for parents. The fees for each term are split into three equal instalments and paid during the first three months of the term.
Sibling discount: 10% for the first sibling and 20% for the second sibling
Tax free childcare: included in Nursery and Reception fees (inclusive of the term of their 5th birthday).
Bursaries are means-tested and are usually offered at a rate of 10 – 30%, at the discretion of the Head.
