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Location

Shropshire

Focus

Empowering students to flourish

Day fees 2024/25

$44,000–$46,500 (incl. VAT)

Boarding fees 2024/25

$64,300–$66,600 (incl. VAT)

Pupils

839

Ages

13–18

Spear’s Review

There have been Salopians (alumni of Shrewsbury) since the 16th century, all with floreat – individual flourishing – on their minds. The purpose of a Shrewsbury education, the school says, is to empower each individual pupil to find their own way to flourish and make a positive contribution to the world around them. 

In this mixed boarding school for 13-to-18-year-olds in the west Shropshire town from which it gets its name, that means ‘serious fun’, an ambitious approach to academic studies, co-curricular activities and outward bound sports that take advantage of the hilly countryside and run by dedicated ‘Head of Adventure’ Tom Folker.

Academics

54 per cent of GCSE results are grades 7–9. 

43 per cent of results at A-Level are A* or A. 

School Profile

Shrewsbury School has a world-class reputation for all-round excellence. Fully co-educational, with a seven-day boarding heartbeat and an integral day community for ages 13 to 18, we deliver a dynamic education that develops the abilities and enthusiasms of each and every individual girl and boy. 

Founded in 1552, Shrewsbury School combines tradition with a vibrant, modern co-educational vision. We believe that our wide range of both academic and co-curricular offerings, combined with our strong sense of community and our ‘serious fun’ approach to learning, is the perfect way to deliver that ‘whole person’ education that inspires and empowers our pupils. 

We are fortunate to be located on a beautiful campus-style site on the edge of one of the most historic county towns in England where we welcome our pupils on site each day. 

Life at Shrewsbury is founded on a close partnership between staff, parents and pupils to promote the strength of family life, foster responsibility and balance the claims of developing individuality with the needs of a vibrant community

University and college destinations

In the class of 2024, 10 students received Oxbridge offers, 87 per cent progressed to their first-choice university, and 19 pupils were set to attend to North American universities, including two to Harvard. 

Head teacher

Leo Winkley has been headmaster of Shrewsbury School since 2018. Prior to that, he was head of St Peter’s School in York, and deputy head of Bedales School in Petersfield. A graduate of Cranleigh School, he has a master’s in theology from the University of Oxford and a Master of Education degree from The Open University. 

Admissions

According to the school, most applicants begin their journey with Shrewsbury three years prior to starting at the school, and families are encouraged to attend an open day at the school in the first instance. As part of the application process, students entering at Year 9 will need to have taken the common entrance examinations, or will be asked to sit Shrewsbury’s exam. Sixth Form applicants will take assessment exams in line with their A-Level plans and attend an interview with a senior member of staff.

Accessibility

Heathrow Airport: 2 hours 45 minutes / Birmingham Airport: 1 hour

Location

Click for more information about the research process and expert insight behind the Spear’s Schools Index.

Rank: Top 100

Top 100 2024, UK Senior Schools

Phone

01743 280552

Address

The Schools, Shrewsbury, SY3 7BA, United Kingdom

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