Hanford Prep

Hanford Prep is a day and boarding school for girls aged 7 – 13 years set in beautiful, rolling Dorset countryside where childhood is cherished. We offer a unique approach to education. Childhood is celebrated in a warm, inclusive community. Pupils develop lifelong skills and interests alongside being free to play, climb trees, ride ponies and form friendships for life.

We are a small school where everyone is known and valued. Dedicated teaching staff bring out the best in every girl and small class sizes ensure each pupil is supported to achieve beyond her potential, with many gaining scholarships to senior schools year on year. We are more greenhouse than hot house, looking to bring out the best in each individual girl.

Boarding is at the heart of the Hanford experience, with most pupils choosing to board at some stage of their time with us, developing confidence, independence and learning to live alongside each other happily in a supportive environment. Day girls blend seamlessly with their boarding peers, very much part of our close-knit community. In a small school the girls are well known by all staff, her tutor acts as a sounding board and mentor liaising with parents and encouraging girls to make the very most of opportunities on offer.

Hanford is a truly creative school with a strong tradition of drama, singing, music and art; girls make their own clothes, write their own plays and stories, and dream up their own games. Our extensive co-curricular programme – with over 60 options a term – encourages girls to have a go, building confidence, skills and knowledge.

One of the most distinctive features of Hanford is riding - girls like nothing more than spending time with the ponies, helping out in the stables in their free time. Riding is an important part of the girls’ experience, enjoying lessons in our riding arena, out rides over surrounding hills and, for older girls, catching the ponies from the fields before breakfast.

Part of Sherborne Schools Group, the education Hanford offers shapes girls for the 21st century while enabling them to enjoy a carefree, adventurous childhood.