Shrewsbury School

Since 2018, Leo Winkley, previously head of St Peter’s School, York. Read theology at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. Taught at Ardingly College and Cheltenham Ladies’ College as head of religious studies; has also been managing head at Bedales. Married

Fairly broad church, looks for potential. At 13+ from 60+ different schools, largest number from Packwood Haugh and Prestfelde. Entry mainly via CE (55 per cent required) or academic scholarship (held in the May before entry). School’s own tests in

Anyone who does not achieve at least five 6s at GCSE will be asked to leave – parents get plenty of warning if this is likely and it doesn’t happen very often.

Nearly all to university, mainly Russell Group – Newcastle, Edinburgh, Durham and UCL

In 2025, 60 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 39 per cent A*/A at A level (77 per cent A*-B).

GCSE options as expected plus computing, astronomy, classical civilisation and triple science, which most pupils do, though a small number will be entered for dual award. More takers for Spanish than French and Chinese wins out over German. Majority

About 130 pupils with SEND – mainly mild dyslexia. One full- and five part-time members of staff provide support. EAL offered but pupils must be able to follow the curriculum. Pupils are assessed on arrival and those with SEND are given an individual

First stop on our tour was the stunning Barnes Theatre, venue for 10 shows a year, house plays, A level and EPQ drama projects and more besides. It’s named after a former pupil who was CEO of AstraZeneca and opened in 2020 with a roaring production

‘Bee keepers are as celebrated as first XI players here,’ says the head. In the next breath he told us that Shrewsbury’s girls’ cricket team were national champions and that the school had ‘invented’ cross-country running. No doubt all these things

It could appear that girls do a bit better than boys on the boarding front, just because the girls’ houses are newer and purpose built, but then again boys are based (on the other side of the campus) in rather grand Edwardian and, in most cases,

Pupils told us that the school’s PHSE programme was ‘very good’ and they had lots of different people they could go to with any worries, ‘and friends too’. When asked about the Everyone’s Invited website, several said they had ‘heard of it’ but we

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Still plenty of loyalty with generations of the same families’ sons (and now daughters) attending. Roughly 20 per cent international (‘it varies’), majority of the rest live within two hours of Shrewsbury. Not a significant destination for London

Range of Foundation awards and scholarships worth up to 50 per cent can be topped up with a bursary – testing, interviews and consultation with prep schools (and some primary schools) for talented children who can’t afford fees. Academic, sports,

One of England’s great schools. Establishment through and through but at the same time fresh, unstuffy and just a bit maverick. Does the business academically and offers so much more along the way. Big-hearted, light-hearted, creative and disruptive,