Shrewsbury UK

Shrewsbury School was founded by Royal Charter in 1552. Its grounds of more than 100 acres stretch down to the majestic River Severn and overlook the medieval town of Shrewsbury, the county town of Shropshire. Until 2008, it was a boarding and day school for boys between the ages of 13 and 18, but its Sixth Form is now co-educational with more than 70 girls currently studying there. A second girls' boarding house will open in 2011.

The links between Shrewsbury UK and Shrewsbury International have been strong since the beginning, and grow ever stronger as the years pass. In 2008, a highly successful orchestra tour to the UK was organised, and for the past three years Shrewsbury’s Director of Music Mr John Moore has travelled to Bangkok to be the conductor at the renowned 'Last Night of the Proms' concert. The UK Director of Liaison, Chris Conway, visited Shrewsbury International in February 2010, and three UK governors also sit on the board of Shrewsbury International. In January 2011, two gap-year students from Shrewsbury UK arrive to enjoy a six-month work placement at Shrewsbury International, and more are expected to follow them next year.

A letter from Mark Turner, Headmaster, Shrewsbury School UK

As Shrewsbury School’s recently-appointed 27th Headmaster, I am delighted to have this opportunity to send my very best wishes to everybody involved in the Shrewsbury International School community.

There is no doubt that, since its inception in 2003, Shrewsbury International School has enjoyed a remarkable and meteoric rise, which has led, quite justifiably, to a reputation for excellence in all areas. I am glad that, during those years, a close partnership has developed between the two schools, with rich diversity anchored in deeply-held common values. I am pleased that the partnership between the old and the new is proving so effective and productive. It is excellent for those of us who are rooted in tradition to be reminded of what can be achieved with the freshness and enthusiasm of youth.

There is no doubt that technological innovations and modern travel have shrunk our world. To discover such a fine, mutually beneficial relationship within the global village is a cause of great celebration. We look forward to developing future liaison and exchange initiatives as neighbours – albeit from a considerable distance!

Where there is a shared commitment to encouraging intellectual curiosity and respecting diversity, I am confident that both schools will be able to learn from and grow with one another in the coming years. For my part, I am very much looking forward to visiting Shrewsbury International School during the course of 2011, to see for myself the strong foundations, which have allowed such impressive growth.

With very best wishes.

Mark Turner

Headmaster

Shrewsbury School, UK

Shrewsbury UK