Shrewsbury receives Gold Award for mentoring programme

We are delighted that Shrewsbury School has 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 commitment shown 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 status is 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.” 

Our mentoring programme, run through the House system, is designed to foster stronger inter-year relationships and support new pupils as they transition into school life. Every Upper Sixth pupil takes on the role of a mentor, meeting regularly with their mentees to follow a structured programme covering topics such as digital wellbeing, relationships, academic progress and goal setting. The initiative not only creates an additional space for listening and reflection but also helps build a culture of open communication while equipping mentors with valuable life skills for their future beyond Shrewsbury. 

Teacher in charge of Boarding, Henry Exham said: “I am absolutely delighted that our mentoring programme has been selected by Oppidan as one of only three schools to receive a Gold award.  

“As i/c Boarding I have seen first-hand the impact that the programme can have on both the mentors and mentees this year. It has provided the Upper Sixth mentors with some valuable communication skills that they can use in the workplace when they leave Shrewsbury, and it has really helped the new Third Form settle into life at Shrewsbury more easily. This was our first year running this programme and I am excited to see it grow further next year.  

“We will be launching the programme with this year's Lower Sixth at a special event on 18th June including an external keynote speaker on mentoring and some core mentoring training.”