Shrewsbury School is an international school in Shrewsbury, United Kingdom. Founded in 1936. It serves 826 students for students aged 12–18.
Explore This School
Location & getting here
Nearest airports
Framed for international families — drive times are from the school, not the city centre.
| Airport | Distance | Drive from school | International note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | 74 km | ~106 min | BHX — Midlands gateway |
| Manchester | 80 km | ~114 min | MAN — Northern gateway; global connections |
| Luton | 187 km | ~253 min | LTN — European and budget carriers |
NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Scholarships Available
Means-tested bursaries are available. Contact the school admissions office for details.
Academic Performance
ISI Inspection Report
All Independent School Standards are met across all key areas including leadership, education quality, physical and mental health, social and economic education, and safeguarding. The school demonstrates strong governance, effective leadership with a self-critical approach, and a well-designed curriculum that balances breadth with specialization. Key strengths include effective pastoral care, safe boarding provision, and pupils' significant contributions to external communities, with recommendations to strengthen economic education in Year 9 and ensure consistent pupil engagement in lessons.
Key facts
Fees & the true cost of attendance
Published fees · inclusive of VAT
| Phase | Per term | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Lower School Day | £12,516 | £37,548 |
| Lower School Boarding (UK/EEA) | £18,248 | £54,744 |
| Lower School Boarding (non-UK/EEA) | £19,249 | £57,747 |
| Sixth Form Day | £13,193 | £39,579 |
| Sixth Form Boarding (UK/EEA) | £18,912 | £56,736 |
| Sixth Form Boarding (non-UK/EEA) | £19,922 | £59,766 |
Compulsory extras (on top of tuition)
| Item | Frequency | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | One-time | £180 |
| Deposit (UK families) | Per term | — |
| Deposit (overseas families) | Per term | — |
Budget beyond the sticker price. Assume the real annual spend is 5–15% higher than the headline fee. Hidden costs typically include: registration fee, acceptance deposit (usually one term's fees, refundable at the end of schooling), uniform + sports kit, trips and expeditions, individual music tuition, exam entry fees, travel to/from home.
Ask the Bursar for a sample "all-in" first-year invoice before committing.
Merit-based scholarships (7 types)
ℹ️ This school has not published the exact % fee remission for each award. Ask the admissions team directly — typical independent school scholarships range from 5% to 50% of fees.
About
Founded in 1552, Shrewsbury School stands on a beautiful 110-acre site overlooking the River Severn in Shropshire. The school combines tradition with a vibrant, modern co-educational vision and is well-known for its academic, musical and sporting excellence.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
What Makes This School Different
Academic Results
Admissions
| Entry point | Assessment | Assessment date | Registration deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 7 (11+) | Informal engagement activities assessing character, interests, talents, personality; personalised discussion with Prep School Headteacher | Spring Term (Year 6) | 1st October of Year 6 (late registrations welcome) |
| Year 9 (13+) | Common Entrance OR own papers in English & Maths + interview + headteacher reference | June (Common Entrance) or November prior to entry | Must register before sitting exam; varies by entry year |
| Year 10 (14+) | Bespoke application; details not fully specified in admissions pages | Bespoke process | No specific deadline given |
| Year 12 (16+) | Four written papers in chosen subjects (at GCSE spec) + interview with Admissions Tutor + headteacher reference; EAL candidates sit English as Additional Language as 4th paper | November (first Friday and Saturday) | August 13 months before entry (forms sent); return by early October |
How to apply
- Attend Open Day or arrange bespoke visit to experience school life
- Register child with Registration Form and pay registration fee (£180 inc. VAT)
- Sit entrance examination (dates vary by entry point: November for 13+/16+, Spring Term assessment for 11+)
- Attend interview with school staff and provide headteacher reference
- Receive conditional or unconditional offer of place
- Accept offer by completing Acceptance Form and paying deposit (10% of term's fee for UK/EEA; 90% additional for overseas)
What you'll need to submit
- Registration Form with preferred house choice
- Entrance examination (school-administered or arranged at overseas location)
- Headteacher's reference and school report
- Personal Statement (Sixth Form only)
- Confidential Statement of Financial Circumstances (for bursary applications only)
Open events
- Open Days (tailored to entry point: 13+/14+ or Sixth Form)
- Bespoke individual family visits (email admissions office to arrange)
- Foundation Fortnight (immersive two-week induction for new Third Formers)
- New Pupil Event (pre-entry for successful applicants)
- A Level Options Fair (January, last Saturday, for Sixth Form entrants)
- Shrewsbury 360 Virtual Tour (online)
Scholarships: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Design & Technology, Sport, and Sir Michael Palin All-Rounder Scholarships available at 13+ and 16+ entry; ~8 academic and ~12 specialist scholarships for Sixth Form. Also Margaret Cassidy Sports Scholarship (up to 100% fees, means-tested) and Alex Wilson Scholarship (local sports, up to 100% day fees). Comprehensive bursary program (£3.8m awarded in 2024-25).
Admissions contact: [email protected]; phone 01743 280552; Joanne Haswell (Admissions Officer) [email protected] +44 1743 280553; Matthew Clark (Sixth Form Tutor) [email protected]
Comprehensive admissions information for all four entry points. Assessment routes vary significantly by entry age; 13+ offers greatest flexibility (Common Entrance or own papers). Clear timeline and process steps for each pathway. Forces families receive 90% fee reduction. International applicants detailed separately. Extensive scholarship and bursary provision clearly documented.
Why Families Choose
- Academic excellence
- Musical excellence
- Sporting excellence
- Edinburgh Fringe Festival productions
- 110-acre riverside location
Student Life
Facilities & Programmes
Student Demographics
School Background
Independent
Edinburgh Fringe Festival praise for school plays and musicals