How to Get Into Shrewsbury School : A Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process

Shrewsbury School is one of the UK’s most prestigious and historic boarding schools, known for its rigorous academics, outstanding extracurricular opportunities, and a strong sense of community. With a highly selective admissions process, gaining entry requires a well-prepared and compelling application.

For students hoping to secure a place at Shrewsbury, understanding the admissions process and what makes an applicant stand out is crucial. Below is a step-by-step guide to the Shrewsbury School admissions process, along with expert insights on how to maximize your chances of acceptance.

Shrewsbury School Admissions Process: Step-by-Step

1. Register for Admission

The first step in applying to Shrewsbury School is completing the registration formavailable on the school’s website. It is recommended that prospective students register at least two years in advance of their desired entry year, especially for competitive entry points such as 13+ and 16+ admission.

Upon registration, families will receive further details about assessments, interviews, and school visits.

2. Attend an Open Day or Arrange a Visit

Shrewsbury School strongly encourages prospective students and their families to visit the campus. The school offers:

✔ Open Days – A structured event with tours, talks, and Q&A sessions with staff and students.

✔ Private Visits – One-on-one visits to explore specific academic and extracurricular interests.

Visiting the school is an excellent way to understand its culture and showcase your enthusiasm for joining.

3. Complete Entrance Exams

Applicants must sit entrance exams depending on their year of entry:

For 13+ Entry:

✔ Common Entrance Exam (CEE) – Required for students from UK prep schools, testing English, Maths, Science, and other subjects.

✔ Shrewsbury School’s Own Entrance Exam – Required for students from non-CEE schools and international applicants.

For 16+ Entry:

✔ Shrewsbury’s 16+ Entrance Exam – Typically includes subject-specific assessments to evaluate academic potential.

Strong performance in these exams is crucial, but Shrewsbury also considers the whole application holistically, including interviews, recommendations, and extracurricular achievements.

4. Submit Academic Reports and References

Shrewsbury School requires:

✔ School reports from the past two years to assess academic consistency and progress.

✔ References from current school teachers or the headteacher, providing insights into the student’s character, academic strengths, and extracurricular involvement.

Building strong relationships with teachers and engaging actively in school life can ensure compelling recommendations.

5. Attend an Interview

The interview is a key part of the selection process, designed to assess a student’s intellectual curiosity, personality, and suitability for Shrewsbury’s community.

✔ For UK applicants: Interviews are usually conducted in person at Shrewsbury.

✔ For international applicants: Interviews may be conducted online.

During the interview, students should be prepared to:

• Discuss their academic interests and ambitions.

• Talk about their extracurricular activities and achievements

• Explain why they want to join Shrewsbury School and how they would contribute to the community.

Admissions officers look for confident, articulate, and well-rounded individuals.

6. Scholarship and Bursary Applications (Optional)

Shrewsbury offers academic, music, art, drama, and sports scholarships for exceptional students. The application process may involve:

✔ Additional assessments or auditions for specialist subjects.

✔ Interviews with subject experts to assess talent and potential.

Families requiring financial assistance can apply for means-tested bursaries, which help support students from diverse backgrounds.

7. Receive an Offer and Confirm Your Place

Shrewsbury typically issues admissions decisions in the months following entrance exams and interviews. Offers may be:

✔ Unconditional – Guaranteed entry.

✔ Conditional – Dependent on achieving specific grades or criteria.

Once an offer is received, students must confirm their place by the deadline and pay the required deposit.

How to Strengthen Your Shrewsbury School Application

With a competitive applicant pool, it is essential to go beyond strong grades and demonstrate unique qualities. Here are some key strategies:

1. Develop a Strong Academic & Extracurricular “Hook”

Shrewsbury values students who excel in specific academic or extracurricular areasrather than being simply well-rounded. Examples of strong “hooks” include:

✔ Excelling in STEM competitions or advanced research projects.

✔ Winning prestigious writing or public speaking awards.

✔ Competing at a high level in sports offered at Shrewsbury (e.g., cricket, rowing, football).

✔ Demonstrating exceptional musical or artistic talent.

Instead of participating in too many activities, focus on deep engagement and impactin a particular area.

2. Show Intellectual Curiosity & a Love of Learning

Shrewsbury looks for students who are naturally inquisitive and passionate about learning. To demonstrate this:

✔ Pursue independent projects or research outside of school.

✔ Read widely and discuss books or ideas in your interview and personal statement.

✔ Show enthusiasm for your subjects through competitions, clubs, or additional courses.

A strong applicant conveys a genuine love for learning, not just a desire for high grades.

3. Authenticity Matters More Than “Perfection”

Admissions officers can easily spot exaggerated applications. Instead of trying to appear perfect, focus on telling a compelling personal story. A strong personal statement should:

✔ Highlight a meaningful experience or defining moment.

✔ Reflect on challenges and lessons learned.

✔ Showcase personal growth, resilience, and self-awareness.

Authenticity and a strong narrative resonate more than a list of achievements.

4. Demonstrate Leadership & Initiative

Shrewsbury values students who take initiative and make an impact in their communities. Strong applicants should highlight:

✔ Leadership roles in school clubs, sports teams, or community projects.

✔ Initiatives they started, such as tutoring programs, charity drives, or online ventures.

✔ Experiences where they inspired or influenced others.

Shrewsbury seeks students who don’t just participate but lead and innovate.

5. Prepare Thoroughly for the Interview

The interview is a crucial factor in the admissions decision. Students should practice articulating their thoughts confidently and prepare for common interview questions such as:

✔ Why do you want to attend Shrewsbury School?

✔ What are your academic strengths and passions?

✔ Tell us about a challenge you faced and how you overcame it.

✔ How do you contribute to your current school community?

A strong interview should be genuine, engaging, and enthusiastic, rather than overly rehearsed.

Final Thoughts: A Strategic Approach to Shrewsbury School Admissions

Gaining admission to Shrewsbury School is a highly competitive process, but with careful planning, a strong application, and a compelling personal narrative, students can improve their chances.

✔ Start early and plan ahead for entrance exams and interviews.

✔ Develop a clear academic or extracurricular strength.

✔ Be authentic and passionate in your application and interview.

✔ Show evidence of leadership, initiative, and intellectual curiosity.

By following these steps and crafting a well-rounded, standout application, students can position themselves as top candidates for one of the UK’s most prestigious boarding schools.

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