Adventure & Leadership
Helping to shape young women of character who are prepared for life beyond school.
At Sherborne Girls we believe that shared endeavour and the challenge of the outdoors play a vital role in a girl’s education. Led by a team of specialists, our Adventure & Leadership programme complements the academic timetable and forms a core part of co-curricular life at the School.
Through this rich and varied programme from L4 to U6, girls learn life skills such resilience, perseverance, teamwork, leadership, courage, and compassion. This progressive, inclusive, and supportive pathway is delivered in both a girls-only and a joint-school environment.
During her time at Sherborne Girls, every girl will experience meaningful challenge so she can learn about and celebrate her individual strengths as well as contributing to collective success. We endeavour for every young women to develop a deeper confidence and a greater sense of self that comes from discovering that they are far more capable than they once imagined.
Nurturing Skills for life
By the time they reach U6, our pupils have developed a mindset that sees challenge as opportunity. They step into the world ready to lead, to collaborate, and to move forward with purpose.
What we do: A progressive pathway from L4-U6
| L4-U4: Foundations through discovery |
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West Adventure Weekend during Michaelmas Term.
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| L5: A year of service, skills, and adventure |
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A structured syllabus that blends community action, practical skills, and expedition training. The year culminates in an overnight expedition and camp which is designed to complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award. Michaelmas Term
Lent Term
Trinity Term
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| M5-U5: Deepening challenge and responsibility |
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Girls can further their experience by taking part in:
These options build stamina, judgment, collaborative skills, and the ability to lead in unfamiliar environments. |
| Sixth Form: Leadership, independence, and advanced expeditions |
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In the Sixth Form, the programme evolves to offer the highest level of challenge and leadership. Girls may choose:
These experiences demand commitment, maturity, and a readiness to take responsibility which are all qualities that define our leavers. |
| Additional Opportunities |
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Climbing Club Open to all year groups, encouraging technical skill, problem-solving, and confidence through indoor climbing in the School’s sports centre. |
Key Programmes
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
A nationally recognised framework that encourages young people to develop skills, volunteer in their communities, pursue physical challenges, and complete a demanding expedition. The Award promotes resilience, independence, service, and personal growth at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels.
The Army’s Ten Tors Challenge
A renowned endurance event held on Dartmoor each spring. Teams navigate entirely self-supported across rugged terrain, carrying all equipment and camping overnight. Routes range from 35 to 45 miles, and success requires teamwork, stamina, navigation, and strong mental resilience.
Sherborne CCF
The Combined Cadet Force at Sherborne is thriving and there are more than 100 cadets from Sherborne Girls enrolled across the three sections of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Army.
From Years 10 to 13, cadets learn:
- Drill and fieldcraft
- Skill at Arms
- First Aid
- Military history
- Leadership and instructing younger cadets (Sixth Form)
Each year includes:
- Two overnight field exercises
- An adventurous training camp (recent destinations include Cornwall and Norway)
- Leadership roles including Head of Section and the contingent’s Regimental Sergeant Major
- The opportunity for Sixth Form cadets to represent the contingent at Sherborne town’s Remembrance Parade
- A formal dinner night for Upper Sixth leavers
- Opportunities to compete in national competitions including the Steuart Pringle Trophy, the Rifles Cadet Cup, and Skill at Arms.
Cadets are supported by experienced staff, including military veterans and personnel from the Cadet Training Team.
Where Next?
