Shrewsbury High School GDST
School summary
Part of the Girls' Day School Trust and founded in 1885, Shrewsbury High School GDST is a small, non-denominational independent school in Shropshire taking pupils from 4 to 18. With around 285 on roll, it has an exceptionally low pupil-to-teacher ratio of roughly six to one, which points to small classes and close attention. Its 2025 ISI inspection rated the school excellent for both education quality and personal development, and all compliance standards were met. A school of this scale suits families who want a closely-knit environment rather than a large institution.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
50%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
20%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
53%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 30 September 2025
Teaching & academics
Academic results are a clear strength: half of GCSE entries reach grades 9-7, more than double the national average of 23%. A-level outcomes are closer to national benchmarks, with 20% at A*-A and 53% at A*-B. The sixth form of 79 pupils favours subjects such as Psychology, Mathematics, History, English Literature and the sciences, and the EPQ is offered alongside A-levels. Around 12% of pupils receive SEN support, and French, German and Spanish are all taught.
Languages
GCSE subjects
Head · Darren Payne
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 79
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Sport is well established, with netball, hockey, gymnastics, tennis and rowing among the main offerings. Scholarships are available in academics, sport, music, art and drama, signalling breadth beyond the classroom.
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1885
- Religious character
- Non-denom
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 12.43%
- EHC plans
- 1.48%
Mobile phone policy
No mobile phones to be used on the school site.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £13,233 - £20,550
Schools nearby
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Shrewsbury, West Midlands
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Shropshire, West Midlands
Prestfelde School
Shrewsbury, West Midlands
The Fitzroy Academy
West Midlands
Adcote School for Girls
Shrewsbury, West Midlands
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A small GDST school with standout GCSE results and tiny classes. Best for families seeking individual attention and strong academic foundations.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Shrewsbury High School GDST 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.