Shrewsbury School
School summary
Founded in 1552, Shrewsbury School carries nearly five centuries of history into a modern, co-educational setting in Shropshire. Around 851 pupils are taught from age 13, with boarding available and a sizeable sixth form of 382 students. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent for both education quality and personal development, and a pupil-to-teacher ratio of roughly eight allows for close, individual attention. With entry from 11+ alongside the main 13+ intake, this is a school for families seeking an established academic environment with deep boarding traditions.
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
60%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
39%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
77%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 12 March 2024
Teaching & academics
Results sit at a solid level, with 60 per cent of GCSE grades at 9-7 and 77 per cent of A-levels at A*-B, including 39 per cent at the top A*-A band. The sixth form leans towards the sciences and economics, with Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Economics among the most popular A-level choices, complemented by strong humanities such as History and English Literature. Pupils can take the EPQ alongside A-levels, and languages on offer extend to Chinese and German as well as French and Spanish. Notably, just over a quarter of pupils receive SEN support, suggesting a school accustomed to accommodating a range of learning needs.
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Headmaster · Leo Winkley
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 382
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Sport is a genuine strength, with cricket and cross-country among the school's main pursuits. Beyond the academic and sporting, the breadth of scholarships, including art, music and the distinctive Michael Palin All-rounder award, signals a culture that values talent in many forms.
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1552
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 25.67%
- EHC plans
- 0.12%
Mobile phone policy
Managed through the pupil IT acceptable usage policy
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £37,548 - £39,579
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £54,744 - £56,736
- Bursaries up to
- 50% of fees
Range of Foundation awards and scholarships worth up to 50 per cent can be topped up with a bursary
Schools nearby
Shrewsbury High School GDST
West Midlands
St Winefride's RC Independent School
Shrewsbury, West Midlands
Bettws Lifehouse
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 historic, academically serious boarding school with the resources to nurture all-rounders. Generous Foundation awards and bursaries of up to 50 per cent mean its considerable fees need not be the final word.
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 School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.