Founded by Edward VI by Royal Charter in 1552, Shrewsbury School combines tradition with a vibrant, modern co-educational vision and a strong sense of community.
The School sits on a 110-acre campus perched above the banks of the River Severn, overlooking the historic market town of Shrewsbury, approximately 50 miles west of Birmingham. It is surrounded by glorious unspoilt countryside, close to the Shropshire Hills and the nearby Welsh Marches, and just a short drive away from Snowdonia National Park. All offer countless opportunities for walking, rock-climbing, field trips and expeditions, while the School’s grounds host pitches described as 'the most beautiful playing fields in the world' (Sir Neville Cardus).
Shrewsbury is fully co-educational, with a seven-day boarding heartbeat and an integral day community. There are 12 integrated houses: seven boys’ houses; and five girls’ houses, including Queen Elizabeth Hall which was opened in September 2023.
It is associated with Packwood Haugh, a co-educational prep school for pupils aged 3 to 13 (see IAPS entry).
Number in school. There are 830 pupils in the School (636 boarding and 194 day).
Admission. Most admissions are in September. Girls and boys are admitted at 13 or 14, or into the Sixth Form at 16. Registration forms and other information can be obtained from the Admissions Office. The registration fee, which is non-returnable, is £150.
Entry at 13: Pupils usually take the Common Entrance Examination or the Scholarship Examination in the term preceding that in which they wish to come. The School has its own entrance test for pupils who have not followed the Common Entrance syllabus.
Sixth Form Entry: Direct entry into the Sixth Form depends on examination at Shrewsbury, an interview, and a favourable report from the applicant’s present school.
Scholarships. Shrewsbury School has had a tradition, since its founding Charter in 1552, of making generous scholarship awards. Scholarships fall into various categories – Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Design & Technology, Sport and All-Rounder. Awards are made either to pupils under the age of 14 joining the School in the Third Form, or to those entering the School at Sixth Form level.
Statement of aims. Shrewsbury School has a strong vision, derived from its position as a major co-educational boarding school of international reputation. It aims to instil a rigorous approach to academic work, based on the encouragement of independent thinking and intellectual curiosity. The School believes that learning should be a habit that is inculcated for life, not only a means to short-term examination success.
Through its diverse opportunities, Shrewsbury School aims to encourage and enable pupils to become caring, thoughtful, confident members of society. Ambitious yet not arrogant, generous in spirit, interesting, interested and able to respect and communicate effectively with people of all backgrounds.
To this end, Shrewsbury will always strive to achieve the highest possible standards in the breadth and quality of its curriculum, the provision of its facilities and resources, and the achievements – whether academic, sporting, musical, theatrical or artistic – of its pupils and staff. Shrewsbury delights in the uniqueness of its education; a blend of values, traditions, inspiring people, a beautiful location, participation in the world beyond school, and a strong belief that life is what you make of it.
Academic curriculum. Shrewsbury’s academic provision endeavours to be exciting, challenging, responsive and versatile. We want pupils to be engaged in a learning process that combines inspirational experience with the sort of rigour and precision that will prepare them not only to produce excellent results in public examinations, but also to be empathetic, innovative and leading contributors to the world beyond the school gates.
We actively encourage cross-curricular thinking – synthesising ideas between Faculties and encouraging the transference of skills. Our classrooms are warm, welcoming environments in which pupils can expect to have their thoughts and opinions heard and in which they will certainly be pushed to meet and exceed their potential. Above all else, we aim to engender excitement and enjoyment and to cultivate a love of learning for its own sake, both in the classroom and well beyond it.
An academic programme entitled ‘Origin’ has been introduced for pupils in their first year at Shrewsbury (Third Form). The key motivator for this is a desire to ignite a passion for learning that will transcend the mechanics of examinations and remain with the pupils long after they have left the school. Alongside the core disciplines from which pupils make their GCSE selections, there are also ‘Reading the World’ sessions during the year which offer them the opportunity to consider problem-solving, current affairs, social change and the world of economics. In order to promote independence in learning, pupils undertake a key project, the Third Form Portfolio, which requires them to make a presentation and produce a written report on two self-selected areas about which they feel passionate. Pupils also follow a fortnightly programme of Personal and Social Development which promotes self-esteem, respect and tolerance.
All pupils take English, Mathematics, French, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology to GCSE. They are required to take at least one Modern Foreign Language, chosen from French, German and Spanish. Study of a second (or third) modern language can be undertaken in the option blocks, where the other choices are Latin or Ancient History, Greek, German, Spanish, History, Geography, Art, Design, Philosophy & Theology (RS), Music, Computer Science, Astronomy and PE. All pupils also study a non-examined course in Personal and Social Development.
All pupils in the Lower Sixth embark on four qualifications leading to at least three A level qualifications at the end of their two years in the Sixth Form. The fourth option choice may be an Extended Project Qualification, a further A level course, or the Global Perspectives Qualification. Subjects offered at A level are: Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Classics (Latin, Greek, Classical Civilisation), Design and Technology, Drama, Economics, English, French, Geography, German, History, History of Art, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Music, Philosophy and Theology, Physical Education, Physics, Politics and Spanish.
For those pupils who need it, there is a well-equipped team of Learning Support specialists who work with teachers and pupils. English Language support is available for those for whom English is an additional language.
The Moser Library was extensively refurbished in 2017. It houses the School Library, the Moser collection of watercolours and the Ancient Taylor Library, which contains a large and important collection of medieval manuscripts and early printed books.
Sport. With nine full-size grass pitches, two AstroTurf pitches, 3G football pitch, an indoor Cricket Centre, two boathouses with an indoor tank and ergos, 14 fives courts and an indoor 25-metre deck-level pool, the sports facilities at Shrewsbury are of an exceptional standard.
Shrewsbury’s renowned sporting reputation embodies Serious Fun; empowering our sportsmen and women to flourish while instilling an enjoyment of sport for life.
Salopians compete internationally, particularly in rowing and cricket, and we are one of the strongest football schools in the country. Shrewsbury is also one of the top schools in the country for boys’ and girls’ running and for Eton fives. Pupils also achieve great levels of success in hockey, netball, rugby, racket sports, fencing, athletics, basketball and swimming.
In 2023/24, the boys’ 1st XI football became ESFA National Champions and ISFA 6s National Champions, the U17 boys retained their National Cricket title and we had gold medals in the National Schools’ Regatta. This all alongside individual successes including GB Rowers and two professional cricketing contracts.
Music. Inclusivity is central to the ethos of Shrewsbury School’s Music Department. The Music Faculty aims to give as many pupils as possible the opportunity to take part in the rich musical life on offer, and music of all styles and genres is encouraged. Approximately 45% of pupils receive individual music lessons, often in more than one instrument. Teaching is available in any orchestral instrument, as well as in singing, percussion, piano (classical and jazz), organ, guitar, harp and music theory. There are a large number of instrumental and choral groups and pupils are given regular opportunities to perform in public, ranging from Friday lunchtime concerts, chamber music evenings and pupil-led open mic nights in the Music School’s own 200-seat auditorium, through to full orchestral concerts in Birmingham Town Hall or Cadogan Hall in London.
A purpose-built music school provides a small concert hall, 20 practice and teaching rooms, two classrooms, and an IT suite equipped with the latest hardware and software. Larger concerts are held in the School's main assembly hall, the Alington Hall, which seats 500.
Drama. Drama is an important part of school life, with four major school productions, dance showcases, student-directed work, new writing and a range of house plays every year. Alongside the many opportunities for pupils to perform on stage as actors or dancers, they can also learn the technical theatre skills of designing and operating lighting and sound, and supporting with costume, hair, make-up and stage-management. Additionally, the School hosts at least one professional visiting company or artist in the theatre each year.
Shrewsbury has built up a strong reputation for producing original musicals, with lyrics and music written by members of staff. On alternate years since 1994, these have toured to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where they have attracted great critical acclaim.
All pupils in the Third Form experience a module of Drama as part of the English syllabus, and pupils may study Drama as an academic subject at GCSE and A level.
Our brand-new Barnes Theatre features a 250-seat auditorium with state-of-the-art equipment, a dance studio, a new entrance foyer and further studio spaces for drama.
Other co-curricular activities. Co-curricular activities are a fundamental part of life at Shrewsbury and an extensive range of possibilities are offered to pupils, with one afternoon each week and a full day each term dedicated to these. Many of the activities make use of the unspoilt countryside on the doorstep and the easy access to the Welsh hills: the Combined Cadet Force, leadership courses, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, mountain biking, gliding, scuba diving, the Rovers (adventure club), the Natural History Society.
Arts-based activities include dance, creative arts, creative writing, film and video, music technology, and there are also opportunities to learn skills such as lifeguarding, judo, cooking, horse riding. Many pupils volunteer in the local community and many devise projects of their own through the pupil-led Global Social Leaders programme.
Societies. There is a wide variety of thriving clubs and societies at Shrewsbury. These range from Literary, Historical, Political, Debating, Model United Nations, STEM, Drama and Language societies to those catering for practical skills, including Beekeeping and Technical Theatre. Most academic faculties run their own societies, and their meetings often welcome distinguished academics to give lectures at school. These are also open to members of the public.
Field study centre. Shrewsbury owns a farmhouse in Snowdonia, which is used at weekends throughout the year as a base for expeditions and house trips.
Careers. The Futures Department plays an important part in preparing pupils for the world beyond Shrewsbury School. Led by the Head of Futures and the Head of Sixth Form, the Department works as part of the whole-school team, supported by the Salopian Club, to provide advice to pupils on course choices, universities, work experience and co-curricular activities. Old Salopians also benefit from access to support from the Department.
Careers education at Shrewsbury is embedded within the Third Form through the Personal and Social Development (PSD) and Tutorial programmes. The focus at this stage is on self-discovery and exploration, and enabling pupils to link the key skills they are developing through school life to the world of work. In the Summer Term they undertake pupil-led social action projects which benefit the local community.
Careers education through the PSD and Tutorial programmes continues in the Fourth Form. Pupils are introduced to external speakers from several contrasting professional areas and take part in the National Enterprise Challenge as part of National Careers Week and. During the Easter holidays, they are expected to take part in work experience.
At the beginning of the Fifth Form, pupils take a careers profiling test. The detailed personalised reports provide the stimulus for one-to-one interviews with qualified advisers, and the Tutorial and PSD programmes enable further exploration and support.
The focus in the Sixth Form is on supporting pupils to research information on all the options open to them. The Higher Education Adviser and the Head of Futures, with support from external speakers, deliver a full range of advice through lectures, workshops and one-to-one guidance to enable pupils to identify their strengths, vocations and ambitions. These include presentations and workshops on UCAS, Degree Apprenticeships/School Leaver programmes, LNAT, UCAT, BMAT, studying abroad and gap years. Upper Sixth pupils are guided through the application processes for universities, including Oxbridge, and are given assistance to plan effective and fulfilling gap years if they choose that option.
The Department has seen a continued upward trend of Salopians choosing to study abroad at top universities across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The support offered to students has provided them with the opportunities of pursuing their passion across the globe and this year we were delighted to see our two heads of school accepted to study at Harvard University in a unique double.
Community Service. Through an extensive range of volunteering opportunities and projects, including the pupil-led Global Social Leaders initiative, pupils play an active part in the local community. These include volunteering at Shrewsbury Food Bank, in the local hospital, in primary schools, care homes, charity shops and at Shrewsbury Ark for the homeless.
Shrewsbury House. Founded in Everton, Liverpool as a Club for boys in 1903 by masters from Shrewsbury School, Shrewsbury House was rebuilt as a Youth and Community Centre in association with the Local Authority and the Diocese in 1974. It runs Junior and Senior Clubs for local young people throughout the week. Links between Shrewsbury School and Shrewsbury House are strong, and the Headmaster and three members of staff sit on its Committee. Fundraising takes place at the School throughout the year and there are regular exchange visits, including opportunities for Lower Sixth Formers to take part in residential Social Studies courses at Shrewsbury House.
Shrewsbury International Schools. The school has close links with Shrewsbury International Schools in Bangkok and Hong Kong. Shrewsbury International School Bangkok opened in 2003 and an additional primary school was opened in the city centre in Bangkok in September 2018. Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong opened its doors to primary school children in September 2018. Shrewsbury International School Phnom Penh opened its early years’ provision in the heart of the city in 2022 with the main campus due to open in August 2024. In 2023, Shrewsbury was delighted to announce a new partnership that will see Shrewsbury International School India open in Madhya Pradesh in 2025. Teaching and pupil exchanges take place between the schools, and Governors of Shrewsbury School serve on the boards of management of the International Schools.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Boarders: £15,598–£17,028 including tuition, board and ordinary School expenses. There are no other obligatory extras, apart from stationery. Day Pupils: £10,697–£11,277.
Application for reduced fees may be made to the Governors through the Headmaster.
Old Pupils’ Society. Most pupils leaving the school join the Salopian Club, The Schools, Shrewsbury SY3 7BA; email: oldsalopian@shrewsbury.org.uk. Charitable status. Shrewsbury School is a Registered Charity, number 528413. It exists to provide secondary education.
Governors & Staff:
Governing Body:
Chairman: J D C Pitt, MBA, BSc
Deputy Chairman: D C Chance, MBA
R C Boys-Stones, BSc, FCA
S Ellis, BA
G Hamer, DL Appointed by the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire
S L Hankin, BA Appointed by the Assistant Teachers of The Schools
C Howarth, LLB, MA
Dr S Jones-Perrott, BA Oxon, MBBS, FRCP
W Kenyon, MA Oxon, FCA
Canon J Leigh, MA, FRSA
J M H Moir, BA, MBA
Councillor D Morris, BA
Councillor C M Motley, BA Appointed by Shropshire Council
F Schofield, BA, PGCE
D Stacey, DL
G Walters, BBLS
Clerk to the Governing Body: M Schofield, BA, FCA
Headmaster: N L Winkley, MA, MEd
Interim Chief Operating Officer: M Schofield, BA, FCA
Senior Deputy Head: K Brennan, MSc, PGCE
Senior Master and Director of Admissions: M J Cropper, MA
Deputy Head (Academic): R A Kowenicki, MSci, PhD
Deputy Head (Pastoral): A R Peak, BA
Deputy Head (Co-Curricular): H R Brown, MA, PhD, FTCL
Head of Partnership and Community Engagement: S H Cowper, MA
Director of Shrewsbury School Foundation: O A Jackson-Hutt, MA, MSt
International Development Director: Dr M Tamilarasan, BEng, PhD, FRAeS
Director of Marketing and Communications: G Ferriday, BA, FCIM
Assistant Masters/Mistresses:
* Head of Faculty/Department
† Housemaster/Housemistress
R Adams, BEc, BEd (Business)
G Ansell, MA, CertTESOL (*English as an Additional Language, Chinese)
J Armstrong, MA (Mathematics)
R Arrol, BA (English as an Additional Language)
G G Bandy, MA (English, Drama, *EPQ)
M Barrett, BSc, MA (Business, Economics, †Rigg’s)
Dr R Barrett, MSc, PhD (Physics, Safeguarding Team)
A Baxendale, MA (English)
L Baxendale, BA (History)
G J F Bell, BA (Senior Admissions Tutor)
H O M Bennett, MA (Philosophy & Theology, i/c Tennis)
M C Bird, BA (Philosophy & Theology)
Dr A D Briggs, BSc, PhD, MRSC, ACIEA (*Science, *Chemistry)
A Brogan, BSc (*Mathematics)
E T Capps, BA (Art)
L Carlier, BA (French Assistant)
Dr R A J Case, BSc, PhD (Biology)
C L Cissone Hunter, BA, PgDip (Drama)
M D H Clark, MA (Classics, Sixth Form Admissions Tutor)
C E Cook, MA (History, i/c Rugby)
S K P Cooley, MEng (Mathematics, Physics)
L A E Corcoran, BA (Politics, History)
Dr A R Currie-Jordan, MSc, PhD (Biology)
L Dale, BSc (Chemistry)
N P David, BSc, MRICS (Business, Economics, *Director of Activities)
E J Davies, BA (*Physical Education)
J Davies, BSc (Mathematics)
A R Duncan, BA (Economics, †Severn Hill)
Dr M S Elliot, MA, PhD, CPhys, MInstP (*Astronomy, Physics)
C English, BA (Learning Support)
R F Evans, BSc (Geography)
H S M Exham, BSc (Biology, *Digital Learning, i/c Boarding, †Oldham’s)
H Farmer, BA (Modern Languages, *Pupil Wellbeing, Safeguarding Team)
P G Fitzgerald, MA (*Classics)
S Fletcher, BSc (Biology)
T Folker (*Adventure)
J A Gabbitas, BA, MA (Art)
H L Gale, BSc (Chemistry)
A Garcia, MA (Spanish Assistant)
V R Garcia, BA (Modern Languages)
E A Gibbons, BA (Art/Photography)
S C Griffiths, MSc (History, Politics, Prep School Liaison)
M J Harding, BA, ACA (Business; Economics)
I P Haworth, MA (History, Politics)
T P Heath, BSc, MSc (Mathematics)
E Hellyer, MA, MA (Philosphy & Theology; *Teaching & Learning)
L Hennessy, BA (Assistant Director of Sport)
T Holder, MSc (Graduate Sports Coach)
W A Hughes, BA (Physical Education, i/c Cricket)
A T Hundermark, BSc (Geography, i/c Rowing)
M D B Johnson, BA (Mathematics, *Pupil Behaviour, Safeguarding Team)
S Jones, BSc (Physical Education)
P A Kaye, BEng (*ICT & Computing)
C W Kealy, BComm (*Business)
Revd A Keulemans, BSc, BTh (Chaplain, Philosophy & Theology)
V L Kirk, BSc (Chemistry)
J Knowles, BA, MPerf, ARCO (Lead Accompanist)
M von Kuk, MA (Modern Languages)
S G Latcham, BA (Classics)
R Le Maître, BA (Graduate Sports Coach)
K Leslie, BA (*English)
A H Livingstone, MA, RSA CELTA, PGCert DLD PAPAA (Deputy Head of Learning Support)
K M Lloyd, BA, MA (Design & Technology)
J V Lucas, LLB, BSc (Mathematics, Head of Third Form)
Dr E Lyell, BA, MRes, PhD (Philosophy & Theology)
J A Matthews, BSc (Biology)
Dr F Matthews-Bird, BSc, PhD (*Geography)
G L J McGee, BA (Classics)
M L McKenzie, BMus, MMus, LTCL (*Director of Music)
E D Micklewright, BA, MA (Biology)
K V Mitchell, MA, DipEd, AMBDA, APC (*Learning Support)
R Moreno, BA (*French)
Dr T S Morgan, BSc, PhD (*Biology)
A P Morris, BA (Spanish, i/c Fives)
D Morse, BA (English)
A Moszynska, BA, MA (*Art)
W Mullock, BSc (Graduate Sports Coach)
A X Murray, BSc (Chemistry)
G E Murray, BSc, PGCert SpLD, AMDBA, APC (Learning Support)
G L Muston, MA (History, Politics)
J Nogues, MA (Modern Languages)
Dr C W Oakley, MMath, DPhil (Mathematics, *Academic Administration)
S Paddock, BSc (Mathematics Fellow)
Dr J L Pattenden, MA, DPhil (Physics)
Dr P Pattenden, MA, DPhil, C Phys, MInstP (Physics, Head of Elite University Applications)
I W Payne, BSc, MA (Mathematics)
S E Pearson, BA, MA (English, Safeguarding Team, †Queen’s)
A P Pedraza-Nijjar, MA (*Spanish)
A S Pembleton, BSc (*Director of Sport/Physical Education)
T P Percival, MA (Classics, Head of Sixth Form)
N J Perkins, BSc (*Design & Technology)
E Phillips, MA (English, †Ridgemount)
H E Pook, BA, OCR Dip SpLD (Learning Support)
D Portier, MA, DEA (French, Head of Sixth Form)
C D Potts, BA, MMus (Deputy Director of Music)
N M Pritchard, BA, PGDip (Business, Admissions Tutor, i/c Volunteering)
A Razif, BA (Music Fellow)
I Reade, BA (Drama)
W R Reynolds, BSc (Design & Technology, †Emma Darwin)
J Roach, BSc, MSc (Performance Analyst)
R R C Robbins, BMus, MA, LRAM (*Choral Music)
D M Roberts, BSc, MEd (Mathematics, Computing)
S Rosado, BA (Teaching Fellow)
P J B Rudge, BA, MA (*History & Politics)
M Schofield, BSc (Chemistry)
A J Shantry, PGDip (Cricket Professional)
S L M Shantry, BSc (Mathematics)
W M Simper, BSc (Biology)
M S Skipper, BMus (*Academic Music)
A Smiter, MSc (Physics, *Science Outreach)
A E Smiter, MSc (*Physics)
G Smith, BA (Geography)
M D Spencer, BSc (Mathematics, Physics)
S Stanhope (*Dance)
R J Stockburn, BA (French Assistant)
L R Temple, BA (English, †Moser’s)
F W Tickner, BA (English, i/c The Hunt)
M J Tonks, BA (*Philosophy & Theology, *Guardianship & International Family Liaison)
J Turney, MA (Biology)
J Twigger, MSc (Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach)
T D J Warburg, MA (Modern Languages)
N J Welch, BSc (Mathematics)
T C Whitehead, BA (*Modern Languages, French)
S P Wilderspin, BA (Physical Education, i/c Football)
J T Williams, BSc (Geography)
R D Williams, BEd (Physical Education, †Ingram’s)
S E Williams, MChem (Chemistry, *Head of Middle School)
C H Wilson, BA (Philosophy & Theology, †The Grove)
R M Wilson, MEng, MA (Mathematics)
I A Winkley, BA, MA (History of Art, Philosophy & Theology)
R Witcombe, BSc (Design & Technology)
G Y Y Woo, MSc (Chemistry)
C I U Wordie, TEFL, ACES (German Assistant)
A C Workman, BSc (Mathematics)
D M Wray, MChem, MRSC (Chemistry, †School House)
J J C Wright, BSc (Geography; †Churchill’s)
A J Wyatt, BA (Art, †Mary Sidney)
R Yardley, BA, MEd (Acting Head of French, Modern Languages)
N N Zafar, BA, MA (Economics, Politics)
School Doctors:
The General Practitioner Team, Radbrook Green Surgery, Bank Farm Road, Radbrook, Shrewsbury
Headmaster’s Personal Assistant: S Lees