Question 1

Tatler School's Guide 2026 - Headmaster Leo Winkley shortlisted for Best Head of a Public School

Accepted Answer

Headmaster Leo Winkley has beenshortlisted in Tatler’s BestHead of a Public Schoolcategory, an award voted for by parents and the school community. This recognition reflects the esteem in which he is held by Shrewsbury families and underlines the strong sense of community that makes Shrewsbury such a special place to be.Senior Deputy HeadKevin Brennansaid:“Inclusion in Tatler’s Schools Guide 2026 is a powerful affirmation of Shrewsbury’s whole person education in action.“We are also delighted that our Headmaster, Mr Leo Winkley, has been shortlisted for Best Head of a Public School — a richly deserved honour made all the more special because it reflects the voices of parents and our wider school community.“Entering his eighth year as Headmaster, Mr Winkley continues to drive our commitment to a whole person education — nurturing intellectual curiosity, personal integrity, and a spirit of service that equips our pupils for life beyond our gates."In challenging times for the UK independent sector, we are deeply grateful for the clarity of vision, wise stewardship, and principled leadership he brings to our school — qualities that ensure Shrewsbury will continue to thrive and flourish as a place where every pupil can reach their full potential.”Shrewsbury School is also featured in The Tatler Schools Guide 2026.The Guide highlights Shrewsbury’s distinctive ethos of whole person education, noting parents’ comments on the School’s ability to nurture pupils as individuals while ensuring 'they feel part of a collective journey, where personal growth and community spirit go hand in hand.'Shrewsbury’s Floreat model underpins every aspect of school life, balancing the intellective, active, expressive, and reflective domains of learning to ensure pupils flourish in every sense. This is combined with a vibrant co-curricular life and a spirit of Serious Fun, encouraging pupils to discover passions, stretch their talents, and contribute positively to the world around them.

Question 2

Talk Education - Finalist in Community Engagement and Charity Fundraising 2025

Accepted Answer

Shrewsbury has been named a finalist in theCommunity Engagement and Charity Fundraisingcategory at Talk Education’s 2025 Awards for Innovation in Education.This accolade celebrates the commitment of our staff, pupils, and partners to making a meaningful and positive difference beyond the academic sphere. It reflects our ethos of whole person education and, with Old Salopian Charles Darwin’s legacy in mind, our aspiration to promote the ‘survival of the kindest’.Headmaster Leo Winkley said:"We are delighted that Shrewsbury has been selected as a finalist for the Community Engagement and Charity Fundraising category at Talk Education’s 2025 Awards for Innovation in Education.“This recognition is a testament to the incredible work of our staff, pupils, and partners. Our award-winning programme of Partnership and Community Engagement is central to a Shrewsbury education. All pupils and staff benefit from the experience of outreach, caring for and connecting with others, and developing a strong sense of social responsibility."

Question 3

Microsoft Showcase School 2025 - 2026

Accepted Answer

Shrewsbury School is proud to announce that it is one of distinguished group of schools recognised as a Microsoft Showcase School for the second year running.Microsoft Showcase Schools are recognised for their educational transformation that includes innovation in teaching, learning and preparing students for the future.The programme is an opportunity to engage with Microsoft, get support from local Global Training Partners and engage with like-minded school leaders around the world to deepen and expand education transformation.This accolade is awarded to just 90 state and independent schools in the UK, and to 450 from across the globe.The Showcase School accolade comesafter Shrewsbury was named as a winner inthe Edtech 50Award for Innovation in AI and Digital Learningin 2025 and as a finalist in the Independent School of the Year Awards for the Best Use of Education Technology in 2024.As well as the school being named a Showcase School, six members of teaching staff have been named Microsoft Innovator Education Experts for this year.

Question 4

ISP – Shortlisted for Boarding School of the Year 2025 in Independent School of the Year Awards

Accepted Answer

Shrewsbury School is delighted to be shortlisted in the Boarding School of the Year category at the 2025 Independent Schools of the Year Awards. This shortlisting underscores the ongoing recognition of Shrewsbury’s outstanding provision, with the school being shortlisted for national boarding awards every year since 2020, when we were crowned Independent School of the Year.The Independent School of the Year Awards celebrate the excellence of the boarding experience provided by the UK’s independent schools, and Shrewsbury has been recognised for its outstanding commitment to creating a supportive and enriching boarding environment.This commitment is consistently validated - most recently by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (2024), which praised pupils as “kind,” “supportive in the boarding houses,” and appreciative of the school’s inclusive and diverse community.Senior Deputy Head, Kevin Brennan, said: “We are delighted that Shrewsbury School has been shortlisted in the Boarding School of the Year category at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards. This recognition is a tribute to the strength and spirit of our whole community, with boarding at its heart.“At Shrewsbury, we are proud to offer a whole person education that nurtures kindness, courage and integrity. To see this celebrated on a national stage reflects the dedication of our staff and the energy and engagement of our pupils.“At a time of continued investment in our boarding provision and community life, it is especially rewarding to receive recognition from such a prestigious awards programme.”Boarding at Shrewsbury is built on a nurturing “survival of the kindest” ethos, supported by a bespoke induction programme and a strong mentoring culture. In 2025, Shrewsbury became one of only three schools to receive the Oppidan Mentoring Gold Award, the highest accolade from Oppidan Education.

Question 5

Edtech 50 - Award for Innovation in AI and Digital Learning

Accepted Answer

Shrewsbury School is delighted to announce that it has been named among the winners of the prestigious Edtech 50 Awards, supported by Intel, in recognition of its innovative and forward-thinking use of technology to enhance teaching and learning.Organised by Edtech UK, an independent organisation that champions the effective use of education technology in schools across the country, the Edtech 50 celebrates the most impactful and imaginative uses of digital tools in education. Shrewsbury School was selected from entries across England, joining a list of institutions leading the way in educational innovation.Henry Exham, Assistant Deputy Head, said: “I am delighted that Shrewsbury has been named in the EdTech50 list for 2025 alongside other schools who are doing great work in this space.“We have been awarded this due to our well rounded and thoughtful approach to AI. We have taken a series of considered steps as to how AI can be used to improve teaching and learning, at the same time as acknowledging the risk and challenges posed by the technology.“This is a fast-moving area so all stakeholders must remain agile, but we feel we are well equipped to cope with this, and we are committed to providing our pupils with the digital literacy they need to be successful at school and beyond.”Shrewsbury has been recognised specifically for its work in artificial intelligence education, underpinned by its evolving AGILE strategy - a dynamic, whole-school approach that equips pupils with the skills to thrive in an AI-influenced future while addressing ethical, social, and security implications.A key initiative contributing to the award was the launch of Shrewsbury’s new AI Digital Literacy Course, offered as an optional programme to Sixth Form pupils. The course introduces students to the principles, applications and implications of AI in the modern world. Every participant in the first cohort indicated they would recommend the course to others - a testament to its relevance and impact.This national recognition affirms Shrewsbury’s commitment to preparing pupils for the evolving digital world beyond school.

Question 6

Spear's Magazine - World Top 100 Private Schools 2025

Accepted Answer

We are delighted to be named as oneof ‘The world’s top 100 private schools in 2025’ and 'Top 25 best UK Senior Schools in 2025' inSpear’s Magazine.Spear’s has produced their 2025 Schools’ Index, a guide to the world’s 100 leading private schools whereschools are picked for a mixture of their academic prowess, theirrange of social, cultural, and pastoralofferingsand their international reputation.Spear's School Index 2025

Question 7

Oppidan Education - Gold Mentoring Award

Accepted Answer

We are delighted that Shrewsbury Schoolhas been awarded the Oppidan Mentoring Gold Award– the highest level of recognition from Oppidan Education. Oppidan Education supports students to fulfil their academic potential through one-to-one mentoring and programmes in schools.Shrewsbury is one of only three schools to have received the Gold Award.Oppidan said: “Following a meeting of our judging panel, we were genuinely impressed by the innovation, creativity and depth of commitmentshown in how mentoring has been embedded across your school. From strong leadership involvement to meaningful pupil voice and long-term strategic integration, your approach is not only highly effective – it is truly pioneering.”“Gold statusis awarded to schools where mentoring is fully embedded in the culture, shaping everything from curriculum design to pastoral care. Your submission made it clear that at Shrewsbury, mentoring isn’t just a programme – it’s a mindset. This award recognises your outstanding dedication to building a school environment where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.”Read more here

Question 8

ISI - Significant Strength - ISI Report 2024

Accepted Answer

We are delighted to share with you the latest Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection report for Shrewsbury School. All standards were met and exceeded, and our commitment to excellence in whole-person education and pupil wellbeing was recognised.I am particularly thrilled that Shrewsbury was awarded the very rare accolade of‘a significant strength’for our Partnership and Community Engagement (PCE). The inspectors praised“the extent and sustained nature of pupils’ contribution to external communities”and found that“pupils are kind and recognise the value of service to others”. I can think of no higher educational aim than this.There are numerous positive comments on the affirmative attitudes and efforts of the pupils; the dedicated work of our teaching and support staff; the supportive and analytical governance; and the vibrant, inclusive culture of the School.The report highlights our dedication to providing an environment where each pupil is valued and supported, showcasing our diverse curriculum, and a distinctive sense of a 24-7 community.Our focus on individualised support and listening to our pupils’ voices ensures that we continuously evolve to meet their needs.I am proud of the achievements outlined in the report and grateful to our staff, students and families for their unwavering dedication and commitment to the ‘serious fun’ of The Salopian Way.Leo WinkleyHeadmasterOur Significant StrengthShrewsbury is one of just a few independent schools that has been awarded the accolade of ‘significant strength’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). They recognised the depth and range of our Partnership and Community Engagement (PCE) programme.ISI Inspection Report Guide

Question 9

Tatler - Shortlist for Tatler Schools Awards 2024

Accepted Answer

Shrewsbury School was delighted to be nominated in Tatler Schools Awards 2024 for Best Public School.The Tatler Schools Awards handpick the nominated schools from a carefully created shortlist, following the Taters Schools Guide team travelling across the country touring independent schools.Headmaster Leo Winkley commented: “It is an honour to be recognised by the Tatler Schools Awards as a nominated school in the category of Best Public School. To be chosen as one of five schools from across the host of excellent British public schools – which remain the gold standard around the world – is a fantastic accolade and a great honour.Read more here.

Question 10

Spear's Magazine - 25 Best UK Senior Schools in 2024

Accepted Answer

We are delighted to be one of ‘The 25 Best UK Senior Schools in 2024’ in Spear’s Magazine.

Spear’s have produced their 2024 Schools’ Index, a guide to the world’s 100 leading private schools and it is within the UK section that Shrewsbury is listed as one of the top schools in the country.

Question 11

ISP – Finalist of Independent School of the Year Award for Best Use of Education Technology 2024

Accepted Answer

Shrewsbury School was delighted to have been named as a finalist in the 2024 Independent School of the Year Awards for Best Use of Education Technology.These awards highlight the excellence of the pupil experience offered by the UK’s independent schools and Shrewsbury has been recognised for its commitment to implementing technology into the classroom.Lead by our dedicated Head of Digital Learning, Shrewsbury is focused on integrating technology into education, recognising its crucial role in preparing pupils for a digitally-driven world. By equipping classrooms with state-of-the-art tools and fostering digital literacy from an early age, Shrewsbury ensures that pupils not only become proficient with technology but also develop critical thinking skills necessary for navigating an ever-evolving landscape.Headmaster Leo Winkley comments: "Being named a finalist for the Best Use of Education Technology award is a testament to our focus on delivering creative, contemporary teaching and learning. Our innovative curriculum, empowered staff and enthusiastic pupils have come together to create a dynamic learning environment where technology enhances every aspect of education. This recognition reflects our commitment to preparing pupils for the future, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in an increasingly digital world."Henry Exham, Head of Digital Learning, said: “I am so proud of the work we have done at Shrewsbury with our use of Education Technology.“The current rate of change within technology as shown by the rapid rise of AI, presents challenges however, it also comes with opportunities for growth and innovation which is what we have focussed on.“We aim to implement technology into the classroom in order to improve pupil outcomes but also provide the vital digital skills that school leavers require to thrive inHigher Education and the future workplace. Being named as a finalist in this category is a fantastic reward for all the hard work that has gone into developing and delivering our Digital Strategy.”In 2020 Shrewsbury was namedIndependent School of the Yearwithin these awards, and has been named as a finalist in the Student Careers programme category in 2022 and 2023.

Question 12

The Cricketer - Top 100 Senior School

Accepted Answer

Shrewsbury School has been featured in the Top 100 Senior School in this year’s The Cricketer's Schools Guide.This year's guide is a special 10thanniversary edition and features the top 100 senior, top 50 prep/junior, top 20 all-girls schools for cricket and for the first time, the top 25 state schools.We have been pleased to feature in this prestigious list multiple times over the years, as the cricket programme at Shrewsbury goes from strength to strength.Director of Cricket at Shrewsbury School, Will Hughes said: “It is an honour to be included again and reward for all the hard work that everyone puts in to make Shrewsbury a top cricket school.“It is down to the whole team: coaches, players, groundstaff and caterers. A huge thanks to everyone!”The Cricketer magazine editor Huw Turbervill said: “Here at The Cricketer, we’ve covered the schools’ game since our inception in 1921, as part of our commitment to follow cricket at all levels.“We’re proud of this coverage, and the 10thanniversary of this guide recognises the fantastic cricket programmes that exist in school curricula up and down the country.“One of the most phenomenal things about the last decade is seeing cricket usurp rounders as the sport for girls."

Question 13

Tes - Shortlisted for Tes Boarding School of the Year 2024 (Fourth consecutive year!)

Accepted Answer

Shrewsbury School is delighted to be shortlisted as Boarding School of the Year in the 2024 Tes Schools Awards for a fourth consecutive year.This shortlisting follows being nominated for Best Public School in the Tatler Schools Awards 2024, as well being named as Great for Boarding in 2023 in The Week’s Independent School Guide.The Tes Schools Awards recognises the very best schools from the UK’s state and independent schools.The panel of awards judges includes school leaders, experts and education researchers. The objectivity, professionalism and high standards of the Tes Schools Awards judges and the judging process has helped establish them as a well-respected achievement for any school chosen as a finalist or winner.Headmaster Leo Winkley commented: “We are thrilled that Shrewsbury School has been shortlisted for the fourth consecutive year for these prestigious awards.“We are proud to offer our whole person education in a thriving boarding and day community and for this to be recognised in the Boarding School of the Year category is testament to the hard work of staff and pupils.“It is wonderful to receive recognition for Shrewsbury’s flourishing full boarding community in a year when we opened a fifth girls’ boarding house and completed extensions to three boys’ boarding houses.”Jon Severs, Editor of Tes Magazine added: "Congratulations to all the shortlisted entries - the standard was so high this year despite the challenges schools face. It is critical we celebrate excellence and share it widely so we can ensure that the fantastic work happening in education is properly recognised."

Question 14

ISP - Winner of Independent School of the Year and Community Outreach Award 2020

Accepted Answer

Shrewsbury School was thrilled to be named theIndependent School of the Yearat a virtual national awards ceremony held on 8 October 2020, where it also received the award forCommunity Outreach 2020.These accolades were awarded at the Independent Schools of Year Awards, where Shrewsbury School was recognised for the positive impact and contributions its pupils and staff have made by working with and supporting communitiesand was awarded the top award as the overall Independent School of the Year for 2020.Hear from Headmaster, Leo Winkley, following the announcement.

Question 15

Tes - Highly Commended for Tes Boarding School of the Year 2020

Accepted Answer

Shrewsbury School receives TES Boarding School of the Year ‘Highly Commended’ Award.The TES (The Times Educational Supplement) Awards recognise the most outstanding independent schools from across the country.Headmaster Leo Winkley said:“We were delighted to be shortlistedfor Boarding School of the Year, which is one of the three ‘headline’ awards, and also to be shortlisted for the Creativity Award.Whilst we didn’t come away from the TES Awards ceremony with a winner’s medal, we did get a ‘silver’ in the Boarding School of the Year category. The worthy winner in this category was a small residential school for children with autism and other learning disabilities. Listed alongside schools such as Rugby and Wellington College, the judges gave Shrewsbury School a special mention as ‘highly commended’. This was the only additional award of the evening - so, a tremendous achievement in itself and a real source of collective pride, as well as an inspiration to keep working together to deliver the best possible experience for the children in our care."Read more here.

Question 16

Tes - Shortlisted for Tes Boarding School of the Year 2021

Accepted Answer

Shrewsbury School is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted for the Boarding School of the Year Award for the second year running in the nationalTES Independent School Awards.This follows the national success of being named the Independent School of the Year at the Independent School of the Year Awards in October 2020, where we were also the joint recipient of the Community Outreach award.Leo Winkley, Headmaster of Shrewsbury School, comments:“I am delighted for the pupils and staff of Shrewsbury School that we have been short-listed for Boarding School of the Year 2021. The past twelve months have required communities and individuals to draw deeply on their reserves of resilience and adaptability. As a community that is seven days a week, whether in remote or in person, the pupils and staff have stayed together. As a school, we have worked hard to contribute positively to the community around us, as well as providing the best possible experience for the girls and boys in our care. Shrewsbury aims to empower children to flourish in life and to lead lives that benefit others.Read more here.

Question 17

ISP - Shortlisted for Independent School of the Year for the Performing Arts and Community Outreach Awards 2022

Accepted Answer

Shrewsbury School was delighted to beshortlisted in three categories in the Independent School of the Year Awards 2022.These awards highlight the excellence of the student experience offered by the UK's independent schools, and Shrewsbury was shortlisted in the Independent School of the year for Performing Arts (Music&Drama), The Green Award for Environmental Achievement and Independent School of the Year for Student Careers Programme categories.Shrewsbury was then selected as a Finalist in the Student Careers Programme category.Headmaster Leo Winkley commented: “We’re delighted to have been shortlisted in these categories covering diverse areas of whole person education at Shrewsbury. To be commended for our performing arts, environmental work and careers advice is a fabulous validation of the vibrant efforts of our pupils and staff."Read more here.

Question 18

ISP - Finalist in Independent School of the Year Awards 2022

Accepted Answer

Shrewsbury School is delighted to be announced as a Finalist in this year’s Independent School of the Year Awards for the Student Careers Programme category.These awards highlight the excellence of the student experience offered by the UK's independent schools and Shrewsbury has been recognised for its dedicated careers programme that is delivered by our unique Futures Department.

Question 19

The Week - Great for Philanthropy 2022

Accepted Answer

In 2022, Shrewsbury's Partnership and Community work was recognised by being highlighted as'Great for Philanthropy'in The Week's Independent School Guide 2022.

Question 20

ISP - Finalist for Independent School of the Year Awards 2023

Accepted Answer

Shrewsbury School is delighted to be named as a finalist for the second consecutive year in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards in the Student Careers Programme category.Shrewsbury's dedicated careers programme, delivered by the unique Futures Department, has been recognized by these awards, which highlight the excellence of the student experience offered by the UK's independent schools.Read more here.

Question 21

Tes - Shortlisted for three Tes Schools Awards 2023

Accepted Answer

It is with great pleasure that we wereshortlisted as finalists in three distinguished award categories in the Tes Schools Awards 2023.We were shortlisted in the following three categories: Independent Senior School of the Year; Boarding School of the Year and Excellence in Creative Arts. Shrewsbury's recognition serves as a testament to thehard work, commitment, and dedication toward achieving excellence in our educational provision.Read more here.

Question 22

School Sport Magazine - Top 200 Sporting Schools of 2023

Accepted Answer

Shrewsbury School is delighted to be ranked as the 21st school for sport in School Sport Magazine Top 200 sporting schools of 2023.In the third top 200 chart to be published, Shrewsbury has improved their position by 26 places from our ranking last year, placing the school in the top 1 per cent of schools in the UK. This result is a fantastic recognition of the achievement of our pupils and testament to the hard work of the sporting staff and the encouragement of whole school participation.Shrewsbury has celebrated an incredible year of sporting success, with our boys and girls flourishing in both elite performance pathways and well as at recreational level: from representing Great Britain in several sports, to success on the football and cricket pitches and on the river.Director of Sport at Shrewsbury, Andrew Pembleton, said: “It’s fantastic to be recognised as the 21st ranked school for sport by School Sport Magazine.This places Shrewsbury in the top 1% of schools in the UK and is testament to the hard work, commitment and excellence of our pupils, teaching and coaching staff.“We are in a fortunate position to have a great team behind our young sportspeople that include our ground’s team, sports facilities team, catering and medical team that allow our pupils to strive to be the best that they can be.“The positive impact of sport stretches far beyond the courts, pitches, track and river which we compete on. The science is clear: sport benefits physical health, mental health and academic outcomes too.”

Question 23

The Week - Great for Boarding 2023

Accepted Answer

In the same week, as being nominated as a Finalist in the Tatler Schools Awards, we were delighted to be named as 'Great for Boarding' in The Week's Independent School Guide 2023.

Question 24

Quality in Careers Standard

Accepted Answer

Shrewsbury has successfullyachieved the national Quality in Careers Standard using the Career Mark approach.As England’s dedicated national quality award, the Quality in Careers Standard – through external assessment – uniquely accredits the four components of the CEIAG:Careers EducationCareers InformationCareers AdviceCareers GuidanceShrewsbury was delighted to be awarded this accreditation and expresses enormous gratitudeto the OS Community, the parent body and friends of Shrewsbury School who have supported various initiatives during recent academic years. These have varied from careers insight talks, to concepts for new events (such as our inaugural ‘Enterprising Futures Conference’), mock interviews, work experience placements, university panels and much more.

Question 25

World Athletics Heritage Award

Accepted Answer

Shrewsbury School is honoured to be named as one of seven recipients awarded with a World Athletics Heritage Plaque, as well as being an institution placed in the distinctive virtual Museum of World Athletics ‘Indoor Athletics and Out of Stadia Collections’.The World Athletics Heritage Plaque, a location-based recognition, is awarded for “an outstanding contribution to the worldwide history and development of the sport of trackandfield athletics and of out of stadia athletics disciplines such as cross country, mountain, road, trail and ultra-running, and race walking.”Shrewsbury School has been awarded the plaque alongside Japan’s first Olympic champion andtheNew York City Marathon, as well asfiveother sites across Europe and South America.The Royal Shrewsbury School Hunt(RSSH)has been awarded the plaque under the ‘Culture’ category.

Accolades and Awards

Best in Boarding 2023
Best in Philanthropy 2022
The Week, Independent Schools Guide

One of the top 10 'most generous' independent schools.
The Sunday Times

Shrewsbury is in the top 80 schools in the country for Oxbridge offers.
The Spectator's Oxbridge Files

Recent Accolades and Awards