Introduction to our Headmaster

Mark Turner took over as Headmaster of Shrewsbury School on 1st September 2010. He wrote the following letter introducing himself to all parents, and a personal profile.

Dear Parents,

I am delighted to have the opportunity to introduce myself, and to say how privileged and honoured I feel to have been appointed as Shrewsbury’s 27th Headmaster.

I have known and admired Shrewsbury from a distance since the time when as a boy I played cricket on the playing fields of Top Common. Recent months have provided the opportunity to explore Shrewsbury’s illustrious history and to learn how the foundations of vigorous academic endeavour have been built upon over the years to allow today’s school to flourish on such a broad front.

Having now had the opportunity to meet a number of members of the extended community, from Governors to pupils, the question I’ve been asked most often is, ‘What are you going to change?’ My consistent answer has always been: I shall be spending the next few terms looking and learning. Already I have identified an enormous amount that needs to be cherished and sustained. Nevertheless, in keeping with any institution that wishes to evolve in a dynamic and innovative way, there will doubtless be changes in some areas.

The most important component in any community is the people involved. I look forward to the opportunity to meet you in person – do please introduce yourselves at the earliest opportunity.

Elizabeth and I are very excited at the prospect of moving to Shrewsbury. It is clearly a great school with a justifiably proud history. I look forward to nurturing its many qualities and helping it to evolve and embrace the challenges of the future.

Mark Turner