Shrewsbury School Overview
Shrewsbury School is a co-educational independent school for students aged 13 to 18, located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Founded by Royal Charter in 1552, the school has occupied its current site by the River Severn since 1882. Shrewsbury promotes a disciplined approach to learning, encouraging independent thought and intellectual curiosity. The school’s philosophy is that education should build lifelong habits of learning, not just prepare students for exams.
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Academic Matters
Students can choose from a wide range of subjects at A level – alongside the usual academic subjects, there are ceramics, photography, computing, design, theatre studies and PE. Academic life outside the main curriculum is vibrant, with sports leadership programme, Arabic, Russian, law, debating societies and Model United Nations. Shrewsbury School is a registered SAT centre, offering tuition for SATs . The School organises “clinics” for those who need the additional help. There are around 130 students with SEN, mainly with mild dyslexia. One full-time and five part-time staff members are hired to provide support. Students are given university and career advice, including help with finding relevant working experience.
Shrewsbury School Courses And Programmes
GCSE
At Shrewsbury, pupils typically begin their GCSE journey in Year 9 (Third Form), with formal courses running through Years 10 and 11. The curriculum ensures a balanced academic foundation while allowing for individual interests to develop.
Core subjects:
- English Language and Literature
- Mathematics
- Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Optional subjects (selection may include):
- Modern Foreign Languages (French, Spanish, German)
- Latin and Classical Greek
- History
- Geography
- Art and Design
- Design & Technology
- Music
- Drama
- Computer Science
- Religious Studies
Pupils typically take 9 to 11 GCSEs, with guidance provided to ensure a broad and strong portfolio that supports A Level choices.
A Level
The A Level programme at Shrewsbury begins in the Lower Sixth (Year 12) and continues through Upper Sixth (Year 13). Pupils usually select three subjects, though a fourth can be added, especially in the first year. A strong emphasis is placed on academic rigour, independence, and preparation for university study.
Popular A Level subjects:
- Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Mathematics and Further Mathematics
- Economics and Business
- English Literature
- History and Politics
- Geography
- Modern and Classical Languages
- Art, Design, and Photography
- Music and Drama
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy and Theology
- Psychology
- Computer Science
Most pupils also complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) to deepen their research and analytical skills, enhancing university applications.
Shrewsbury School Application Deadline
Shrewsbury School Boarding And Pastoral Care
The house system is the heart of life at Shrewsbury School. Each house is a true ‘home from home,’ offering pupils a safe, supportive, and friendly environment where they can relax, study, and thrive socially.
Shrewsbury has 12 houses:
- 7 boys’ houses
- 5 girls’ houses
All houses include both boarding and day pupils, promoting an inclusive, tight-knit community.
List of Houses (from September 2023):
- Churchill’s Hall (boys)
- Emma Darwin Hall (girls)
- The Grove (girls)
- Ingram’s Hall (boys)
- Mary Sidney Hall (girls)
- Moser’s Hall (girls)
- Oldham’s Hall (boys)
- Queen Elizabeth Hall (girls)
- Ridgemount (boys)
- Rigg’s Hall (boys)
- School House (boys)
- Severn Hill (boys)
House Leadership and Support:
Each house is led by a dedicated Housemaster or Housemistress, who is the key figure in ensuring pupils’ wellbeing, academic progress, and pastoral support. The house staff team also includes:
- A resident Matron
- An Assistant Housemaster/Housemistress
- A team of over 8 House Tutors
The house team is always accessible, offering consistent guidance and care, and keeping communication open with parents.
A Vibrant Community:
House spirit is fostered through a range of competitions—especially in sport, but also in areas like debating and performing arts. Loyalty and camaraderie within houses run deep, building life-long friendships.
Pastoral Care:
Shrewsbury places wellbeing at the core of school life. Every pupil has a personal tutor who provides individual guidance and keeps a close eye on welfare and academic progress. The school’s pastoral approach helps pupils develop confidence, resilience, and skills to prepare for life after Shrewsbury.
In 2023, the school expanded its house system by opening Queen Elizabeth Hall, a fifth girls’ house designed to be environmentally friendly and forward-thinking, underscoring Shrewsbury’s commitment to sustainability.
Shrewsbury School Extracurricular Activities
Shrewsbury School Reviews
Shrewsbury School Contact Information
- Official website: https://www.shrewsbury.org.uk/
- Phone call: +44 01743 280552
- Email: admissions@shrewsbury.org.uk
- Location: Shrewsbury School, The Schools, Shrewsbury, SY3 7BA, United Kingdom
