Introduction

'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 the rights of others. 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.'
A quote from one of our parents to OFSTED, included in their inspection report in November 2010 when all areas of our boarding and pastoral care were rated as 'outstanding'. 

'The quality of pupils’ personal development is excellent, and the school is very successful in its aim of educating the whole person and providing a framework within which individuality may flourish.' ISI Inspection Report 2011.

'Staff and pupil relationships are relaxed, caring and supportive.' ISI Inspection Report 2011.

Please see Inspection Reports for more details.


There are ten boarding houses and two day houses at Shrewsbury. One boarding house, the newly built Mary Sidney Hall, houses senior girls both day and boarding, and a second girls' house, Emma Darwin Hall, will be opening in September 2011. The nine other houses contain up to 60 boys (a few more in the day houses). Each house has a dedicated Housemaster or Housemistress who are supported in their role by matron and a team of four or five tutors.

Senior pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for the good running of the House. Boys live in studies and bedrooms for their early years and then move to their own bedsitters. The house system has created a vibrant community, in which all participate according to their different natures and abilities. The atmosphere in each house is warm and friendly, and house loyalty is strong, and is fostered by a number of house competitions, mostly in sport, but also in, for example, debating and performing.

Under the authority of the headmaster, the Housemaster or Housemistress is responsible for all aspects of a boy or girl's life at school. They are the key figure in ensuring your child's happiness, welfare and progress, and they are the crucial link in communication between parents and school.

Just under 10% of pupils at Shrewsbury are from overseas. They are happily integrated into the friendships and activities of boarding. They give much to the School and the School gives back all that is best in an English education. Overseas pupils are required to have a guardian who can provide a home environment and support in the short holidays and school breaks. The guardian can be a relative, family friend or when necessary can be arranged via a number of different organisations. Parents and guardians are encouraged to take an interest in all that is going on at the School.