A New Music School for Sherborne Boys
(click here to see the project taking shape)

"Music is an integral part of Sherborne life."
Simon Eliot, Headmaster

Every Shirburnian is taught music as a core subject from the start of his career, and more than 50% of the 570 boys study at least one instrument per week.

"The new Music School is an exciting project which will be a clear statement of the School's commitment to music, and which will ensure that music-making at Sherborne continues to be at the leading edge of independent schools' music in England. For the first time since the 1960s, Sherborne's music will be under one roof and yet the modern sound-proofing will enable proper individual work to be carried out by teachers and pupils alike."
James Henderson, Director of Music and OS, m, 1979-84

Excellent and Diverse Musical Output

The existing accommodation was not designed specifically for music teaching, rehearsal or performance, and sound-proofing is generally poor.  This means that conditions for teaching are cramped and equipment has to be moved regularly.  Despite this, Sherborne has an excellent and diverse musical output.  However, the department struggles to be cohesive and its growing popularity demands the use of several disparate buildings.

The proposed Music School comprises a single, state-of-the-art, purpose built centre including a recital room to seat 120, a recording suite and a range of group and individual teaching and practice rooms.  All will be fully sound-proofed and ideal for music.  The building will also be available for public performances and other events.  It could be made available to local schools and should prove to be of major benefit to the wider Dorset community.

Having already secured gifts and pledges totaling over £2.4m, the Foundation hopes that as many OS, parents and friends of the School as possible will be able to contribute towards the remaining £30,000 and become a part of this landmark project for Sherborne.

Naming Opportunities

There are a number of Naming Opportunities within the building including:

Seats in the Recital Hall
Prelude Seat £250 (or £10 per month)
Sonata Seat £500 (or £20 per month) 
Concerto Seat £1,000 (or £40 per month)
Balcony (in the Recital Hall) £10,000
Practice Room £20,000

"This Music School will provide a flagship building, and represents one of the biggest developments for the School in 50 years."
Guy Hudson, Chairman of the Sherborne School Foundation and OS, m, 1975-80.

For further details, please telephone Adrian Ballard, Head of the Foundation on 01935 810554 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

You can make a donation to the new Music School securely via our online giving partner "Just Giving" or please contact us with any questions you may have.