Educational Guardianship · Dorset

A trusted
home from
home

Personal, experienced guardianship for international students centred at Sherborne's leading schools, as well as covering the surrounding area of Somerset and Dorset — offered with warmth and deep knowledge of the local community since 2008.

Our Story Get in Touch

Who We Are

Local knowledge.
Personal care.

Sherborne Guardians is a private, local Educational Guardianship Service with long experience and knowledge of the school environment and the unique challenges facing international students far from home.

We offer encouragement and practical support — liaising with schools and house parents, being available to students at any time, and visiting them regularly to ensure they receive the care and attention they need throughout their time in the UK.

As a Host Family since 2008, we have welcomed many students primarily from Sherborne's outstanding schools. Many have returned to us year after year.

Thank you for looking out for her — it is much appreciated.
— Parent of a Sherborne student
Both of them really enjoyed staying with you.
— Family with two students

Speak with Monica

The garden at North Knapp, Milborne Port

North Knapp · Milborne Port · Dorset

Hosting & Care

A real home,
not just a room

Students staying with us are treated as members of the household. The room is theirs — a quiet place to study and relax, comfortable, and full of character. Time outside school is spent in the garden, on walks, and exploring the beautiful Dorset and Somerset countryside, with opportunities for trips into town or further afield.

Student bedroom at North Knapp
Accommodation

A characterful room with their own space

Students in bluebell woods near Sherborne
Life in Dorset

Bluebell woods, walks, and a full English welcome

What We Provide

Guardianship with
genuine care and experience

For the duration of the student’s time in the UK, we are here — not as a formality, but to provide genuine support. Throughout your child's time at school we offer help with any practical concerns as they arise, and maintain frequent routine visits and contact with your child.

Host Family Care

Students who stay in our welcoming home in Milborne Port are treated as members of the household with warm hospitality and good food. We would generally collect and drop off students from their school house ourselves.

School Liaison

Regular communication with house parents and staff ensures we are fully informed of each student's progress, wellbeing, and any matters needing attention. And of course, we also maintain contact with parents.

Always Available

Reachable at any time for practical matters — from a minor concern to an unexpected situation — so students and parents always have a trusted contact.

Transport & Transfers

UK airport collections and returns, plus transport to interviews, medical appointments, or other engagements — arranged with care and reliability, through approved local taxi companies.

Approved Host Network

Should additional hosting be needed, we can arrange placements with other carefully vetted and approved host families in the area.

Parental Communication

Families overseas receive regular updates and can contact us at any time with confidence that their child is safe, cared for, and settled.

Our Town

At the heart of
Sherborne

We are part of this community. Sherborne is one of England's finest market towns — home to its ancient Abbey, outstanding schools, and a way of life that students from around the world come to love.

Enquire About a Place

Families We've Served

Words from
our parents

Her good friends suggested she stay at yours, praising how lovely a guardian you are.

— Parent of a Sherborne student

Thank you for looking out for her — it is much appreciated.

— Parent, international family

Thanks so much — both of them really enjoyed staying with you.

— Family with two students

Students in bluebell woods near Sherborne
"Making memories in the English countryside." Life beyond the classroom · Dorset

Fees & Arrangements

Transparent,
simple pricing

Our fees (2025/2026) are straightforward and set out clearly from the outset. For expenses, a deposit of £1,100 at the commencement of the guardianship covers initial hosting and care expenses and may be topped up at the start of each term, with any outstanding surplus refunded to parents at the end of the school year.

Further details of our Ts and Cs can be provided on request.

Additional costs may arise for trips, entertainment, and meals out, and will always be agreed in advance.

Enquire Now

Guardianship fee
Per term, payable in advance		 £500 / term
Full-day hosting
24-hour care		 £57 / day
Day care
Part thereof		 £30 / day
Transport
Airport & other journeys		 £0.50 / mile
Initial deposit
Covers first-term hosting costs		 £1,100

Get in Touch

We would love to hear
from your family

Every student is different. We are happy to discuss your child's individual needs and explain how we can help.

Contact Monica