Thinking for Life: Philosophy and Theology Beyond School

A recent survey of Old Salopians has highlighted the significant and lasting role that studying Philosophy and Theology (P&T) at Shrewsbury School plays in preparing pupils for university study and a wide range of future careers. 

Drawing on reflections from former pupils now studying and working in fields including law, economics, journalism, politics, consulting, sales and the creative industries, the survey reveals a consistent message: P&T develops the critical thinking, communication and analytical skills that underpin long-term success. 

Many respondents reflected on how the subject sharpened their academic abilities across disciplines. Isla B (QEH, 2024) noted that studying P&T “helped move my critical thinking skills to a much higher level” and proved “highly useful in every subject I have studied by elevating my ability to develop an argumentative essay.” 

Others described how the subject fundamentally changed the way they think. Hazel M (M, 2024) explained: 

“Studying P&T has genuinely changed how I think… it’s made me pay closer attention to how ideas actually work in the world. I’ve become better at questioning things, organising my thoughts, researching independently, and explaining complicated ideas simply.” 

Several Old Salopians highlighted how the skills developed at Shrewsbury gave them a clear advantage at university, particularly in subjects such as Economics, Law and Politics. Ollie S (O, 2024) reflected that many of the thinkers he studied in P&T “have come up again in my economics module”, adding that prior familiarity helped him “grasp the content a lot quicker”. 

The survey also points to the subject’s strong relevance to the world of work. Dominic Z (Radbrook, 2022), now pursuing a career in law, described P&T as “the best choice I could have made, both academically and for my future career”, explaining that it trained him to anticipate weaknesses in arguments, write with clarity and think self-critically, skills he says have been a major strength in his law conversion applications. 

For others, the benefits extend beyond traditional academic pathways. Saffron M (Mosers, 2020), now working in sales, drew a direct link between philosophy essays and professional persuasion: 

“Creating a thesis for your argument is like creating a sales pitch… the skills I learnt by doing this as a subject were more valuable than anything else.” 

Many respondents also emphasised the broader personal value of studying Philosophy and Theology. Finn S (Porthill, 2021) reflected: 

“Philosophy doesn’t hand you answers, but it teaches you how to ask better questions… when I read the news, draft an essay, or work through a difficult decision, I’m drawing on habits of reasoning that P&T made second nature.” 

Head of Philosophy and Theology Mike Tonks said 

'With so much of the current educational conversation focused on technology and Artificial Intelligence it is important to remind ourselves that genuine education must always have as its starting point a wholehearted engagement with questions about human existence.  

“Schools must continue to encourage all pupils to ask questions such as What is real? and What really matters? They won't find the answers swiping on an App but they will emerge as the result of careful thought and reflection. The ability to think clearly and critically remains the benchmark for an educated individual and is as important now as it has ever been.” 

Across the survey, Old Salopians repeatedly emphasised that studying P&T keeps career options open rather than closing them. As Dominic Z observed, friends from his course have gone on to careers in “law, finance, policy, journalism, consulting and more”, underlining the subject’s versatility. 

The findings of this survey reinforce a clear conclusion: Philosophy and Theology at Shrewsbury School is not only an academically rigorous subject, but one that equips pupils with the intellectual confidence, ethical awareness and clarity of thought required to thrive in an increasingly complex world, long after they leave the classroom.