I NTRODUCT I ON “The staff at Shrewsbury are of rare quality, combining their academic strength with a “ For us at Shrewsbury real desire to teach and develop the pupils.” the celebration of Parent individuals and individual talents is where true education begins.” Mark Turner – Headmaster I am delighted to anticipate welcoming you to Shrewsbury is a great school, combining a long Shrewsbury School. tradition of values and beliefs with an innovative and dynamic view of the future. For over 450 Shrewsbury is an ancient school, which for almost years the alchemy of brilliant teaching, genuine five centuries has been refining and evolving the care and joint endeavour has nurtured young quality of the education that it offers. We aim men and women of poise and ideas who have to provide a rigorous approach to learning, an left their mark in a thousand different fields. extraordinary variety of extra-curricular activities, personal pastoral support and an environment We are fortunate to enjoy one of the most that encourages young men and women to grow beautiful and well-equipped schools in the country, in understanding and become caring, thoughtful where your sons and daughters will develop so and confident members of society. that they leave Shrewsbury with the aim of making a real difference to the communities in which they At Shrewsbury we appreciate the trust that you will will work and live. Along the way we hope that be placing in us. We know that choosing the right they will cement strong friendships... and have fun. school can be a daunting process, one in which the emotional investment and financial commitment is considerable. At the same time we believe the rewards provided by inspirational teaching and the opportunity to live and learn within a community that is both challenging and supportive are immeasurable. 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 op HY “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: from such as sport, drama and music, learning to take September 2017, there will be seven boys’ responsibility for themselves and others. boarding houses, two dayboys’ houses and four girls’ houses for both boarders and daygirls. They The housemaster or housemistress will be a crucial each accommodate about sixty pupils between the figure, giving sound advice when necessary and ages of 13 and 18. But the houses offer more than encouraging pupils to build a rich and varied life at accommodation; they are the centre of each pupil’s Shrewsbury. He or she will also be keen to keep daily life, the very community 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 Personal Tutoring The Chapel the rights of others.” 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. Late Sunday evening candle-lit services, Sixth Formers need very particular advice and when all are relaxed at the end of the weekend, are support in developing personal enthusiasms, sometimes held in place of the morning service. making the transition to A level, and selecting the The whole community values these occasions, right university and career. With this in mind, we which carry a very special atmosphere of their own. ask each Sixth Former to choose a teacher to be a tutor and personal mentor. He or she will look The School welcomes pupils of all faiths or after your son's or daughter’s academic welfare, none, and encourages attendance at appropriate helping them to develop their abilities and places of worship. achieve their full potential. S P ORT “ Back passes to the goalkeeper were my speciality; indeed I scored my only goal this way, a back pass lofted high into the top corner of the net.” Michael Palin CBE (former pupil, 1957-61) We are passionate about sport. We are firm in Girls train and compete locally and nationally in our belief that sport is part of a balanced hockey, netball, tennis, fives, rowing, lacrosse, cricket education and therefore encourage every Salopian and cross-country.