I NTRODUCT I ON “A man - or woman - who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.” So wrote Charles Darwin, one of Shrewsbury Shrewsbury School is an ‘all-in’, ‘both-and’ school. ‘All-in’ School’s most celebrated former pupils. In its because we want every individual child to embrace a broadest sense, the point of school is to discover wide range of opportunities in a community that the value of life. To grow and learn in a supportive values participation and the enjoyment of learning. but challenging environment, to explore and ‘Both-and’ because we believe that the development discover your individual passions and enthusiasms in of the whole person is best pursued through a vibrant and caring community. To use every exposure to a full range of academic challenge, expert minute to the full, whether it is spent in learning, pastoral care, a wealth of co-curricular opportunity, physical activity, socialising or quiet relaxation: every rich cultural and intellectual extension and the shared minute matters, just as every individual in the experience of living and learning together. school community matters. Our school motto gets to the heart of our “The staff at Founded in 1552, Shrewsbury School combines educational vision. Intus Si Recte Ne Labora – if tradition with a vibrant, modern co-educational right within, trouble not. Ours is not a superficial, Shrewsbury are of vision. We are a school with a strong sense of skin-deep education but one that seeks to develop rare quality, community and a willingness to look beyond our the whole person. If our values are true, and we 110 acres and make connections across sectors live by them with honesty and conviction; if we combining their and around the globe. look beyond the surface of things to question and champion independence of mind; if we learn deeply academic strength On my first visit to Shrewsbury School, I experienced in order to lead lives of meaning and purpose, we with a real desire first-hand the rare and special atmosphere of calm will see the full fruits of a Shrewsbury education. purpose that pervades the community here. Girls to teach and and boys appeared to be thriving in the beautiful The choice of the right senior school is as complex develop the pupils.” surroundings and a mood of possibility prevailed. as it is important. It is a matter of feeling as much Pupils seemed comfortable in their skin and at as it is a rational and measured decision. As such, Parent home with one another. They greeted me with a personal visit is the best way to form a view as friendly openness and gentle confidence. There to what makes Shrewsbury School so special. was a sense that each moment, each day, was being put to good use and enjoyed to the full. Come and see us to find out more. We look forward to welcoming you. Leo Winkley – Headmaster T HE S I TE “ The most beautiful playing fields in the world, spreading and mingling imperceptibly with the pastureland of Shropshire.” Sir Neville Cardus, staff member, writer and cricket correspondent High above a gracious curve of the River Severn, The school buildings surround the grounds as the School occupies a commanding position. a village does its green. We are lucky to enjoy Look one way to the heart of the medieval town wide horizons, immaculate playing fields and below; look the other, and the hills of Shropshire well-tended gardens and, like their surroundings, remind us that we are in one of the most beautiful Salopians have the reputation for being open, parts of England. generous and far-sighted. This brings many advantages: the grounds are safe and secure; pupils can walk into town in ten minutes when they have free time; the countryside and hills all around offer countless opportunities for walking, canoeing, rock-climbing, field trips and Duke of Edinburgh expeditions; our rowers are at the boathouse in under two minutes. Shrewsbury School Founded by Royal Charter in 1552 O UR P HIL O S O P H Y “They encourage you to be ambitious but “ I think Shrewsbury is a place where you most of all to find the can really be yourself and where everyone’s right thing for you.” Pupil personality has a place.” Sixth Form girl Two statues at Shrewsbury sum up our educational Both combined rare talent with humility and a philosophy – those of Charles Darwin and Sir Philip strong conviction of service to their fellow human Sidney, both former pupils and icons for generations beings. This is what we seek to imbue in our pupils. of Salopians. We will welcome your son or daughter into our Sidney – diplomat, courtier, soldier, poet – a man community, discover where his or her talents lie, with breadth of vision and ability, symbolises nurture them, and give them the self-confidence courtesy, compassion and generosity of spirit. to achieve far more than they or you might have Darwin stands for enquiry, dedication and thought possible. They may be a specialist like intellectual rigour. Darwin or an all-rounder like Sidney. We will find out. Sir Philip Sidney (1554-86) Former pupil T HE C LASSROOM “Education is about personal relationships... the age old themes of the individual and society, Michael Charlesworth (1919-2008) the right to be oneself.” Former pupil, Member of staff, Senior Master, “Over my five years Secretary of Old Salopian Club Our pupils achieve such impressive results that The central curriculum is supported by a wide at Shrewsbury I some parents believe our intake must be variety of academic and cultural activities. Lectures, academically highly selective. In fact, we recruit debates and art exhibitions complement visits to have always felt pupils across the ability range. Our Oxbridge entry concerts, plays and galleries. Competitions, essay record, averaging around 15 places a year, places prizes and academic societies stock the mind, that I have been us in the very top bracket of schools nationally. stimulate interest and develop true learning. But we are just as proud of the less academic pushed to the best pupils who surpass expectations as we are of Outside the classroom, your son those who secure a host of A* grades at A Level. or daughter will have time for real of my abilities.” conversation – with friends, teachers, We believe that education goes way beyond the pastoral and support staff. This is Pupil criteria published by exam boards. Teachers at education at Shrewsbury. Shrewsbury are passionate about their subjects. Their enthusiasm, hard work and care for their pupils exceed the call of duty. We want Salopians to learn Lord Rees of Ludlow to think for themselves and grow in independence (former pupil, 1956-60) Astronomer Royal, Master as they prepare for university and beyond. of Trinity College, Cambridge and President of the Royal Society T HE H OU S E S “ This is a ‘happy ship’ and that is due to the lead given by the staff and the caring attitude that is instilled in the pupils.” Parent There are thirteen houses at Shrewsbury: seven such as sport, drama and music, learning to take boys’ boarding houses, two dayboys’ houses and responsibility for themselves and others. four girls’ houses for both boarders and daygirls. They each accommodate about sixty pupils The housemaster or housemistress will be a crucial between the ages of 13 and 18. But the houses figure, giving sound advice when necessary and offer more than accommodation; they are the encouraging pupils to build a rich and varied life at centre of each pupil’s daily life, the very community Shrewsbury. He or she will also be keen to keep to which they belong. in regular contact with you. The house will be a real home, somewhere to The housemaster or housemistress is supported by relax and make friends, as well as work. It is a an assistant, a resident matron and a team of tutors, place where each pupil can feel free to be who will all get to know your son or daughter well. him or herself, where individuals flourish and The rapport between the pupils and the men and where the relationship between age groups women who look after them is based on a blend is natural and easy. Pupils become intensely loyal of informality, trust and mutual respect, which we to their houses and contribute to house activities, believe is very special to us at Shrewsbury. P ER S ONAL T UTOR I NG / C HA P EL “ The pastoral care is exemplary. The staff generate a sense of community which then expands in the mind of every pupil into a personal consideration for the rights of others.” Personal Tutoring The Chapel Parent When it comes to pastoral care, Shrewsbury Shrewsbury is a Church of England foundation, and strongly believes in the personal touch. During Chapel retains its place at the heart of Salopian life. their first three years, all pupils have a personal We believe it is important to look after the spiritual tutor in their house who looks after them and needs of pupils, whatever their religious faith. takes a keen interest in their aspirations and Here, each week, the whole school spends time, for achievements, their progress and any problems worship, private prayer, or simply peaceful reflection. they may encounter. Formally and informally, tutors get to know their tutees very well. Salopians attend Chapel each Sunday morning and Your child will receive excellent personal, once during the week. They often take a leading academic and pastoral support. role, reading, performing or singing in the flourishing Chapel Choir.