At a time when childhood feels harder to protect than ever before, Hanford offers something increasingly rare: a girlhood that is genuinely, unhurriedly her own. Set in the Dorset countryside and rooted in real academic ambition, it is built on a simple belief that girls flourish when they are given time and space to grow; to develop at their own pace, pursue what genuinely interests them, and grow up with awareness and respect for the world around them.
Sophie Blewitt recently joined Hanford as the new Head, ‘I didn’t come to Hanford to change it. I came because of what it already is, and because I believe, deeply, that what happens here matters more than ever.’
Sophie leads Hanford with academic rigour and genuine warmth. Previously Director of Studies at Sherborne Girls, Sophie has moved to Hanford with her husband and two children. Her vision for the prep school is not a reinvention. It is a deepening of the ethos, the freedom and the quality of teaching that has always defined Hanford.
Life at Hanford
There are no phones, no devices, just time, space and plenty of imagination – the perfect conditions to allow creativity and curiosity to thrive. An IT lesson each week ensures every girl arrives at secondary school digitally confident, without surrendering her formative years to a screen.
The stunning Dorset countryside is not a backdrop; it is part of the curriculum. Ponies are ridden. Trees are climbed. Lessons move outside. The girls help tend to the school’s kitchen garden, with the produce being an integral part of the chef’s cooking. This means girls understand not just what they are eating, but where it comes from and why that matters.
Hanford is small – deliberately so. This enables a family-like atmosphere to flourish where every girl is known, older girls become more like big sisters and pets are never far away, always ready for a cuddle and a bit of attention during free time.
The academic standards are exceptional. Teaching at Hanford is rigorous, inspiring and led by staff who believe every girl in the room is capable of more than she thinks. Girls leave as confident, independent thinkers, and as young people who have learned to look beyond themselves, to live well alongside others and to take care of the people around them. They are ready to thrive at leading senior schools, with many continuing within the Sherborne Schools Group to Sherborne Girls.
– Sophie Blewitt
‘The girls here are curious, funny, kind and determined,’ says Sophie. ‘As someone who cares deeply about all aspects of academics, I can also say they are exceptionally well taught. A magical childhood and academic excellence go hand in hand at Hanford.’
Hanford does not simply prepare girls for secondary school. It gives girls something that cannot be rushed or manufactured – a secure, settled sense of who they are.
‘My ambition is simple,’ she adds. ‘I want every girl who experiences Hanford to feel that they have had a magical childhood and to be absolutely ready for whatever comes next.’
Hanford really does need to be
seen to be believed. Click here to join us at our Open Morning on 16th May. Contact Admissions on:
T: 01258 920847
E: [email protected]
W: hanfordprep.group
