Girls boarding schools around Dorset

[AKH123]

Hello, I am looking for opinions on all girls boarding schools in the South West (preferably Dorset area) for my dd who is 10. So far I have St Mary's Shaftesbury which I have heard really good things about, and Sherborne Girls which is also obviously a great school but I'm leaning towards St M's because it's much smaller and I've heard it has a warmer, more family atmosphere. I will go and see them but at the moment I'm just trying to gather some preliminary information. Does anyone know what the boarding accommodation is like at St M's? How many staff live on site and is it all lone Housemistresses or do they have families with younger children living on site in houses as well? I really want to find somewhere small with a proper family atmosphere and families and younger children around at the weekends. Has to go through to 18. Might be a tall order! Ta.

I don't know much about St Mary's, however, do you know about the issue with the Head? The Head of Sherborne International took up the Headship of St Mary's a few months ago and then walked out. I don't know why- but it must have been quite a big problem.

I'm fairly sure that St Mary's do not have staff accommodation other than for key pastoral and senior staff. This is the same at the Sherborne schools. There are not many boarding schools around now that have all staff on site.

Thanks. I have been googling the issues around the Head and why she resigned but can't find anything. Wasn't she there for a few years? And left due to illness? Is there more to it? I have also heard of an issue with the Chair of Governors who has since resigned. I know of someone who visited recently and said it was amazing, a good feel about the place and all the senior staff were really happy and passionate and committed so I hope that means that whatever problems were there are now gone. But I don't know what the problems were!

AKH just be wary that although small and cosy may seem right at 10 it is likely that even by early pre teens your DD will have developed, have different needs and may feel stifled. IME a larger school will have more friendship circles and opportunities. Don't limit your DD by how you perceive her now. Also Sherborne girls will have a boarding house just for the younger girls.
Dorset is quite a small area for choice of girls' boarding schools but I imagine distance from your base is a critical factor?

Thanks send. Yes that's true, I suppose small and cosy is only good if your child is happy within friendship groups etc etc. I have in my head that I want a small family environment (with families and children around) but maybe that's my guilt about sending her to board as she hasn't boarded before. We have a house in dorset which is why I'd like it to be there. I travel a lot with work, often at very short notice and it's just becoming more and more difficult. She generally suits and is happiest in a smaller environment. If she changes in a few years we could always look to move but I think it's right to choose somewhere that suits her now rather than somewhere that might suit her in two or three years time.

Moving is possible but usually for sixth form unless there are problems. It is not something you would wish to do.
Large schools manage creating initimacy by their houses but allow DCs the opportunity to extend out as needed. She will change even in 6 to 12 months. I am not trying to dissuade you from St Mary's, I don't know it.
The alternative is for her to join one of the excellent girls' preps in Dorset like Hanford or Knighton and move to a larger environment at 13 with the others

What year is she in? I would also suggest a prep might be worth it for the next couple of years. Hanford is all boarding and I think would have the family feel you are after.

I'm also thinking about an all girls school for my daughters - likely to be St Mary's or Sherborne - from Year 9. Both offer scholarships in lots of different areas at 13+. Until then we're using a co-ed prep. There are some great options including sendsummer's suggestions.

What about Leweston? Smaller than Sherborne but a large proportion weekly board which may or may it be what you’re looking for.

Leweston is now co-ed. Some questions locally about their finances.

I know it is Wiltshire not Dorset but within an hour - have you looked at St Mary's Calne, Stonar (a few boys I think... so maybe not but lovely atmosphere) or even Royal High in Bath?? All fab schools...

How about Bruton school for girls?
www.brutonschool.co.uk/

do look at Hanford it's a wonderful school. I went to Hanford at 10 then to Sherborne at 12+ with loads of friends so it made the transition easier. Back in my day (90s) Hanford was the main feeder for Sherborne.