A range of scholarships are available to candidates entering the School at 16+ (Sixth Form). Eligibility for all such scholarships is conditional upon the candidate having satisfied the School’s academic entry standards and been offered a place at the School. In addition, candidates for certain scholarships must satisfy any other conditions that apply to them, including success in the competitive selection processes that apply. These scholarship assessments all take place in the Autumn, prior to the academic year of entry.
The following options are available:
Academic
Sherborne offers several Academic Scholarships to pupils for Sixth Form entry. These will be awarded to candidates showing academic proficiency and promise. Candidates considering entering for these scholarships should normally be predicted six or more A*, A, 8 or 9 grades at GCSE.
The Sixth Form Academic Scholarship assessment will be held in November 2025 (for 2026 entry candidates) and will include online cognitive tests, an academic interview and subject based interviews based on the candidates' chosen A level subjects.
Music
Music scholarships are available on entry into the Sixth Form offering an exciting opportunity to boys to make a wide-ranging contribution to the busy musical life of the School as well as developing their own individual musical ability.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to meet and informally play/sing to the Director of Music in advance of their scholarship audition and interview. Please contact the Admissions Department to make the necessary appointment.
Sports (Walford Award)
Several sports awards are available on entry into the Sixth Form for boys demonstrating exceptional talent and potential in their chosen sport or sports.
Additional Bursarial Support for Scholarship Candidates
Scholarship candidates who require additional bursarial funding must complete a scholarship application form. Upon receipt of this completed form, the Admissions Department will forward a link to apply with Bursary Assessment Associates (BAA). The BAA application deadline for 2026 Sixth Form candidates is Friday 20 October 2025.
Any bursarial support awarded will be subject to annual review of parental circumstances, and in accordance with the criteria set out in the Bursary Policy. We will aim to confirm the amount of any bursarial support at the same time as the outcome of the Scholarship process, but this is not always possible if, for example, further information or a home visit is required.
Sixth Form Open Bursaries
In line with the School’s Charter and the objectives of the Charity, the governors of Sherborne School are committed to offering eligible parents or guardians means-tested financial assistance with the payment of school fees to enable boys to attend the School who would otherwise not be able to do so.
Such support is known as a bursary and these awards are made on the basis of an assessment of a family's financial circumstances, including their savings, investments, and realisable assets, as well as their income, the size of their family, any other persons dependent upon them and other relevant factors. Awards are subject to repeat testing of parental financial circumstances each year and may be varied upwards or downwards, depending on parental circumstances.
Open Bursary candidates must complete an application form, available via Admissions following a completed registration. Upon receipt of this form, the Admissions Department will forward a link to apply with Bursary Assessment Associates (BAA). The BAA application deadline for 2026 Sixth Form candidates is Friday 20 October 2025.
Please note that Open Bursary applications cannot be made in conjunction with any scholarship application