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
With both personal and professional experience of military life, Julia Horton, Admissions Manager, brings empathy and expertise to supporting families at Hanford Prep. She began her career in the Royal Naval Reserves, trained at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, and served at sea, in training, and at HM Naval Base Portsmouth.
After leaving the Service, she moved into education, working at Sherborne Girls before joining Hanford Prep. As a military spouse and mother of two, she understands the challenges of frequent moves and overseas postings.
Her children’s education reflects this journey: by their early years, they had attended several schools, including international schools abroad, before benefiting from the stability of schooling within the Sherborne Schools Group. This has given her valuable insight into boarding education, where her children have thrived, and into the importance of strong pastoral care, continuity, a sense of belonging, and a vibrant weekend programme that creates a true “home from home.”
At Hanford Prep, Julia offers 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. |
