A home for military families
Consistency and care, when it matters most.
At Hanford Prep we understand the unique needs of military families and the importance of choosing the right school. Stability, continuity, and trust are essential when family life can involve postings, separation, and periods of uncertainty. Supporting Service families is about far more than strong pastoral care. It is about creating a nurturing and reassuring home from home where girls feel safe, supported, and truly known.
Hanford Prep offers a warm, structured, and supportive boarding environment in which girls can thrive, providing valuable continuity for families in the Armed Forces. With many pupils from military backgrounds, the school understands the importance of stability when parents are posted in the United Kingdom or overseas. Weekends are carefully balanced, with a consistent routine of activities, outdoor play, and traditions such as Sunday chapel and letter writing, helping to create a strong sense of belonging. Supported by dedicated staff who are always available to offer guidance and encouragement, girls benefit from a reassuring, home-from-home environment throughout their time at Hanford Prep.
Hanford Prep is more than a school. It is a close knit community that proudly supports military families every step of the way.
The total amount payable for CEA funded pupils will be the CEA allowance plus 10% of the prevailing (full) boarding fee (inclusive of VAT). All the Schools within Sherborne Schools Group offer a 10% discount off day and boarding fees for those families currently working in the armed forces, who do not qualify for the CEA allowance.
Please contact the Admissions team on 01258 920847 or email admissions@hanfordprep.group to discuss any aspect of the admissions process.
I started Hanford in Year 6 and was immediately made to feel welcome and at home. Lots of the staff also have military links so understand my lifestyle, for example travelling overseas for the holidays. I have lots of opportunities to call home and my little sister joined this year, and she loves being at Hanford just as much as me.
Year 8 Boarder
Boarding allows a sense of place...
For girls whose families move frequently, continuity in education is vital.
Starting at a new school can feel daunting, particularly for children from military families who are often adapting to change. At Hanford Prep, however, pupils are warmly welcomed into a supportive community where their experiences are understood and valued. One pupil reflects on her own journey, highlighting the sense of belonging and continuity she has found since joining the School.
Supporting girls to flourish
Polly Hughes (Head of Art) brings empathy and understanding to her role as the liaison for Hanford’s Forces and FCDO families. She has been a cavalry wife following her husband around Europe in and out of 12 army quarters over 25 years. During this time, she was very much involved with the Army Welfare Service caring for spouses and families of deployed personnel, organising and hosting fund raisers and entertainment particularly for young children. She has been Chairman of the Aldershot branch of SSAFA (Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association), Chairman of the Anglo-German Arts Society BRIDFAS (British Decorative and Fine Art Society) in Osnabrück, Germany and curated an art exhibition of work by Army veterans for the mental health charity Combat Stress.
Polly values the importance of the continuity of education within a loving environment where pastoral care is forefront. Her three children thrived at their boarding schools in Dorset and Berkshire, and relished the stability and sense of belonging in an environment that valued weekends as much as week days.
Polly has frequently played the role of sole parent whilst her husband was deployed abroad and understands the toll this can take on both parents and children. She believes Hanford is exemplary for its “home from home” environment and the dedication of its extraordinarily supportive staff.
At Hanford, we offer continuity and reassurance, supporting military families and ensuring every child feels settled, supported, and at home.
Boarding Schools' Association ASPIRE programme
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Sherborne Schools Group has a number of teachers and members of staff who had successful careers in the military before joining us; we recognise how valuable their prior experience is in a school environment and have seen what a positive impact they have in the classroom, and beyond, often taking on leading roles in our impressive Co-Curricular programme of activities and Boarding Houses. Sherborne Boys and Sherborne Girls are delighted to be Ambassador schools for BSA's excellent ASPIRE programme and support ex-service personnel who are interested in finding fulfilling new careers, perhaps in our inspiring full boarding communities. |
