International students are required to submit their academic records/latest school report and proof of English proficiency. 
For all prospective international students, we conduct a virtual interview with one of our Senior Leadership Team members. This meeting is an important opportunity for the student to learn more about Sherfield and for us to gain a sense of the prospective student's character and aspirations, as well as their academic potential, interests, and talents.

For students for whom English is a second language, they undertake a PASSWORD Maths and English test to gauge their levels in both subjects under exam conditions, invigilated by their current school or, where applicable, an Agent. 

Boarding students follow a structured routine that includes timetabled lessons with the day students, study periods (for sixth formers), extracurricular activities, meals, evening study time and free time. Weekends often feature trips, activities, and time for relaxation.

When boarders arrive, they are familiarised with the school site and local area as part of their induction. Boarders do have ‘free time’. Year 9 and above can sign out independently on Wednesday after school and on weekends (parental permission will be sought if their destination is other than Basingstoke). Boarders have access to the local village in small groups.
Weekly boarders go home every weekend, while full-time boarders can go home during designated half-term breaks and school holidays. Full-time boarders may also visit home with prior arrangement.

Our dining facilities offer a variety of nutritious and balanced meals, catering to different dietary requirements and preferences. Special themed dinners and cultural cuisine nights are also organised regularly. For more information on our food and menus, please visit our Food page.

The safety and wellbeing of our students are our top priorities. Our boarding houses are supervised by experienced staff, and we have strict security measures in place. Regular fire drills, first aid training, and health and safety protocols are also implemented.

There are coded locks on boarding house entrances and external doors are kept shut at all times. Boarders are reminded in their induction that these codes must not be shared with third parties.

All pupils should make sure that their property is marked with their names or other identifiable mark.

Archer’s Lodge has a safe to store passports, BRP cards and pocket money and this may be withdrawn as needed. We strongly advise all pupils to hand in passports and money for safe- keeping as the school cannot accept responsibility for their loss if they are not handed in.

Other safety and security information such as out of bounds areas and signing in and out procedures are covered in the boarders’ induction. Each boarder has a drawer in their rooms which can be locked with a small padlock.

Our boarders have compiled a list of useful tips based on their boarding experiences:

• Make sure all your items are labelled so that they don’t get mixed up!
• Don’t worry if you have forgotten anything, you can buy things in the village
• Wake up early enough to avoid a rushed morning
• Don’t worry too much about settling in, everyone here is very welcoming
• Don’t be afraid to mix with anyone, everyone will be happy to get to know you
• Try to spend time in the common rooms to get to know people and have fun together
• If you struggle to find your way around, everybody will be happy to help
• Mix with different year groups, everyone is very friendly
• Talk to us, we have been here a while and will be happy to help you
• Make the most of your time as a boarder. It’s great fun!