Head's Welcome

Ellesmere College is a leading co-educational boarding and day school set in the beautiful Shropshire countryside. The 150 acre campus on the outskirts of the market town of Ellesmere provides an exceptional environment in which to learn. The school is rich in history but has a firmly forward thinking and progressive outlook.

We are down to earth, but with a sense of ambition and a genuinely holistic approach There is a refreshing balance between academic challenge and character development. We believe the very best academic results are achieved when pupils enjoy coming to school each day and for this reason pupil wellbeing is central to all that we do. We are small enough to ensure that every pupil is known and nurtured, but large enough to provide a vibrant and dynamic environment.

Ellesmere provides countless opportunities for students to find their niche outside of the classroom, whether it is playing in an orchestra, competing on the sports field or completing the Duke of Edinburgh awards. Ultimately, we want all our pupils to be equipped with the skills, character, and the sense of responsibility to make a difference in whatever path they take in life.

If you wish to find out more, I would encourage you to see Ellesmere College for yourself. I would love to meet you in person or even online to discuss whether Ellesmere is the place for your son or daughter.

Mr Jonathan Shaw

Head

For more information on Woodard, please click here.

The Head's Weekly Messages' - September 2025 - July 2026

19/09/25 - Head's Weekly Note

Dear Parents,

Ellesmere’s co-curricular programme is in full swing and it was lovely to witness excellence in so many areas of school life during the first full weekend of the year.

On Saturday morning the rugby and hockey players were training with a real sense of purpose and intensity. To any parents who were able to attend the presentations in the Arts Centre, the importance of values and character particularly shone through in both talks by Alex Murphy (Head of Rugby) and Simon Taylor (Head of Hockey). This has certainly been borne out in what I have witnessed to date on the pitches, in the pool, on the Astro and in the tennis centre.

And it’s not just the sport. Whilst sitting in my office on Sunday afternoon, it was a joy to hear the sound of the choir rehearsing, their harmonious voices drifting down the corridor. Standing at the door of the Chapel, I watched for a while as Tony Coupe (Director of Music) led the rehearsal with passion, enthusiasm and exquisite attention to detail.

There is a palpable sense of joy as teachers and coaches work with our pupils; excellence is pursued without sacrificing fun.

Looking ahead, I will send out a survey to parents next week to gather feedback on what we are doing well but also on how we can further improve. I am also looking forward to meeting some Lower School parents for ‘Coffee and Croissants’ on the morning of Friday 3 October. Please see the Lower School Newsletter for more details. On Friday 26 September we hope a number of you will be able to join us for the Macmillan Coffee morning in the Tuck Shop between 8.30am and 10am.

All details regarding upcoming sports fixtures can be found on our website.

With best wishes
Jon Shaw

26/09/25 - Embrace Discomfort

In the senior school assembly this week, inspired by the British sprinter Amy Hunt, who recently won silver in the 200m at the World Athletics Championships, we reflected on her comment in an interview after her race: “I am so proud of myself for choosing the harder path.” In a world designed for convenience and comfort —where we do not need to leave the home to shop, robotic mowers cut our lawns, and new cars no longer need placing the key in the ignition – choosing the harder path seems quite counterintuitive. However, whilst convenience makes life easier, it also makes us lazier. Significant progress is often made when we embrace discomfort, welcome struggle or grit our teeth. It is often in struggle we grow. Physical discomfort is the obvious place to start but this also applies to our social and intellectual lives. Whether it’s early morning swim training or pushing through a tough workout, physical effort is needed to make us faster and fitter. This also applies to seemingly insignificant daily choices. My 83-year-old father deliberately keeps a key in his workshop on a hook just out of reach, so that he must stretch to reach it. Though a small thing, I am sure that the daily stretch is one of the reasons he is still an active 83-year-old. Social Discomfort can prevent us from introducing ourselves to new people, joining a club, or auditioning for a play. However, we need to learn to step out of social comfort zones to build community and to do new things. Pupils were challenged to do this as we start the new academic year. And last but certainly not least, intellectually, we need to embrace academic challenge and recognise that it is in struggle real learning takes place. Struggling isn’t a setback; it’s a sign of progress whether it is a Maths problem, a Chemistry question, or an English essay which seems too difficult. Amy Hunt’s example, balancing elite athletics with studies at Cambridge, reminds us that choosing the harder path can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Pupils were encouraged to take the harder path and to ‘embrace discomfort’ physical, social or intellectual to ensure that they make the most out of school life.
Jon Shaw

03/10/25 - Space

Dear Parents and Guardians

During my first month at Ellesmere, I have been genuinely impressed by so many aspects of life here. The warmth of the community, the vibrant busyness of each day, and the shared commitment to high standards all stand out. I have also been struck by the sense of space that defines the Ellesmere experience. Set in the heart of the beautiful Shropshire countryside, there is space to train, space to learn, and space to simply be.

This is the first school I’ve worked in with a golf course, expansive playing fields quite literally on the doorstep and a first class indoor tennis centre. This space translates directly into opportunity—opportunity to practise, to play, to compete. This was clearly reflected in some recent highlights: our golf team winning the ISGA Northern Cup, our girls‘ hockey team triumphing in the recent Wrekin 7s tournament, and one of our talented tennis players achieving a world ranking. These achievements are testament not only to the talent and commitment of our pupils, but also to the environment that nurtures them and the coaches who prepare them.

And alongside all this activity, there is also space for stillness. The tranquil, reflective space of our school chapel plays a central part in our weekly life. Regardless of personal faith, the chapel provides a place to stop, to pause and reflect amidst the busyness of daily life. While the classroom is where pupils spend much of their time, the opportunity for both activity and quiet reflection outside of lessons are essential to the balance of life at Ellesmere. It was apt that as we reach this exeat weekend, the week closes with our first evensong of the term.

With best wishes

Jon Shaw

10/10/25 - Ikigai

Dear Parents,

During Wednesday's assembly I introduced the Japanese concept of Ikigai, which roughly translates as “the happiness of always being busy” or more simply “the reason you get out of bed in the morning”. The Japanese government recently defined Ikigai as something that “brings value and joy to life” and can include friends, your work as well as your activities or hobbies. The Japanese believe that finding your ikigai is based around three things: having a purpose for each day, nurturing friendships and doing things you love.

It was the fabulous music concert, ‘Last Night of the Proms’ on Saturday that reminded me of ikigai, as I witnessed the joy of the singers and musicians. Music clearly brings joy to both those performing and those of us fortunate to be in the audience. For many of our pupils, music will be part of their ikigai – the thing that brings them joy each day. The recent pupil survey highlighted the wide spectrum of activities and lessons that pupils most enjoy about school life, the places they find their joy; sport, drama, art, a particular academic subject, the CCF or one of many other activities all featured.

This week it has been a joy for me to witness pupils engaged and finding their ikigai, in a wide variety of ways. Some of the highlights have been the house debating on Thursday afternoon, rugby and hockey matches, the focus of the tennis players honing their shots, the swimmers’ dedication to training or pupils fully engaged in difficult concepts in IB Maths lessons. I was also impressed to listen to the start of the talk by a visiting sports nutritionist and learn a little more about the support the sports physio brings to our sporting programme.

There is a lot of joy to be seen in everyday school life as pupils are engaged in the things they love. Thank you to all the teachers and coaches that make this possible and to parents for your support.

Best wishes
Jon Shaw
Head

17/10/25 - Eat, Sleep, Move

Dear Parents,

In following up on World Mental Health Day, there was a focus on good mental health in the Year 11 and sixth form assemblies this week. I was particularly struck by the simplicity of Mr
Murphy’s message to Year 11s and his focus on sleep, exercise and healthy eating as the core of mental wellbeing. Whilst there are many other elements that contribute to our mental health, getting these three basic elements right builds a very strong foundation.

As a school, Ellesmere pupils are extremely active. I am also delighted with the ongoing improvement in the quality of food provided during mealtimes. To further promote healthy choices, we are reviewing the tuck shop offerings and plan to introduce more healthy options in the coming months. Mr Murphy’s final plea focussed on ensuring mobile phones do not rob us of our sleep, an apt message for adults and pupils alike.

I am also very grateful for the outstanding pastoral care provided by our school nurses and counsellors to support the wellbeing of our pupils.

I would like to wish good luck to all pupils heading out on expeditions next week, particularly if they are on CCF, PGL or DofE camps. Being in the great outdoors always does wonders for our sense of well-being.

Best wishes

Jon Shaw

24/11/25 - Global, Courteous and Welcoming

As the first half term of this new academic year draws to a close, it has been a privilege to be immersed in and welcomed by the Ellesmere community.

One strong impression is the friendliness and courtesy of all pupils who say hello in corridors, hold doors open for each other and can confidently chat with me in the lunch queue. This is not something that happens everywhere and says something very positive about our community.

The global outlook is another important element that I have valued; the IB and the rich diversity of learning with students from across the globe is something that marks Ellesmere apart. Whether it is performing in house plays together, hitting balls in the tennis centre or working with the prefect body, it is fabulous to see the integration of all nationalities within the school community.

And finally, I have been bowled over (to use a very English expression) by the commitment of Ellesmerians to their sport, to their wider activities and to their studies. There has been a whirlwind of activity over the last few weeks; the choir rehearsing on a Sunday afternoon, the swimmers training at an unearthly hour of most mornings and the equestrian teams departing even earlier for competitions, all reflect the commitment pupils (and parents) give to their various pursuits. This dedication is reflected throughout the school community in so many different pursuits and is something of which we should be very proud.

Well done to everyone on a positive and uplifting first half term.

Best wishes

Jon Shaw

07/11/25 - The Value of Sport

Dear Parents and Guardians

Congratulations and well done to all the girls in the 1st XI hockey team who narrowly missed out on reaching the National Finals, despite being undefeated in normal play during the U18 Midlands’ Regional Finals at the Nottingham Hockey Centre this week. They won all 4 of their group stage matches and the semi-final against Nottingham High, scoring 11 goals and conceding only one. After the final against local rivals, Shrewsbury, finished 0-0, the team were unfortunate to lose out in the ‘penalty shuffles’. Despite the disappointment of missing out so narrowly in the final, I understand from the coaches that the team were a joy to be with. It was lovely to greet them off the bus as they returned late on Wednesday evening – the team spirit and great relationship with coaches were clearly evident.

The 1st XV rugby team also continued their excellent run of form, defeating Lymm High School in the National Plate competition. They have now won 6 of their 7 fixtures this season and we look forward to the semi-final against Lancaster Grammar School. Meanwhile the tennis teams were busy with both the A and B teams beating Old Swinford Hospital 6-0 6-0 in the LTA national competition. Next week we have 3 tennis teams in the LTA Schools regional finals. There also continues to be individual success for our swimmers, golfers, shooters, riders and tennis players at impressively high levels of competition. I am equally pleased that others have represented Ellesmere at volleyball, football, basketball and badminton in friendlies against other schools in recent days. Well done to everyone involved.

The value of sport in teaching about teamwork, leadership, discipline, time management, resilience, healthy living and socialisation (to name but a few reasons) cannot be underestimated. I continue to be extremely impressed by the quality of the coaching and the pursuit of high standards in all sports at Ellesmere. Whilst it was lovely for the first teams to enjoy such success this week, much is also learnt, particularly about character, when results go against you.

Jon Shaw
Head

14/11/25 - Silence ( In the age of noise)

Dear Parents,

I am currently reading the book, ‘Silence, in the age of noise’ by the Norwegian polar explorer Erling Kagge. His main focus is the profound value of silence in our modern, connected world. Kagge argues that silence is a refuge in an era dominated by constant distraction with 24 hour access to news, games, music, video, podcasts and radio. His message is that by embracing silence, we are able to notice detail, gain perspective and appreciate what truly matters.

It is purely coincidental that my reading coincides with Remembrance Sunday and Remembrance Day on Tuesday 11 November. On Sunday in the Chapel, and on Tuesday outside on the terraces, looking out over the Shropshire countryside, the school paused to honour and remember those who have died while serving their country in war and conflict. Central to this was the two minute silence at 11am, preceded by the evocative Last Post, played on a trumpet by Henry in Year 10. Standing in the light rain, we reflected on the many Ellesmerians (over 200) who gave their lives in the two World Wars of the 20th Century. They, no doubt, had stood where we were.

Cherishing moments of silence and reflection, amidst the busyness of everyday life is vital not only for ourselves but our children. My hope is that the rhythm and traditions of life at Ellesmere College provide times of quiet reflection in an age of noise.

With best wishes
Jon Shaw
Head

21/11/25 - A Good Strategy

Dear Parents,

In assembly on Wednesday, I referenced the rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner and how they spur each other on to train harder for that competitive edge. Their approach reminded me of a quote from the America’s Cup skipper, Jimmy Spithill. He is famous for being the youngest winning skipper in 2010 and for later overhauling a 1-8 deficit against New Zealand to win 9-8 in 2013 for the USA. It is one of the great comeback stories in sport. On winning this race he commented,

“Rarely have I seen where doing less than the other guy is a good strategy.”

His simple message was that if you want to do well, if you want to succeed, you can’t expect to do less work than others and still come out on top.

Whilst this message is important for sport, pupils were encouraged to take the same approach to their academic studies. Good results next summer will be earnt through habits that are put in place now. Doing less revision than your friends or perhaps, more importantly, less revision than those at other schools, is rarely a good strategy. As Alacaraz and Sinner prepare to compete again next year, it is the work on the practice courts that will make the difference. The work pupils do behind the scenes on their ‘practice courts’ will make the difference to their exams. As a school we will ensure pupils have clear revision guides, tailored to their exams, to set them up for success.

With best wishes，
Jon Shaw
Head

28/11/25 - Community Matters

Dear Parents,

Last night we hosted the wonderful Community Carol Service in a very full School Chapel, the first of four Carol Services over the next few days. It was a truly beautiful service led by the Chaplain, our Director of Music and our amazing Choir. Throughout this term, I have been struck by the importance of community to Ellesmere College and this service and the refreshments in Big School afterwards certainly cemented this view. It was great to see so many young and older Ellesmerians present and lovely to welcome friends from Ellesmere town.

In the whirlwind of my first term here, the support of parents, former teachers and staff and Old Ellesmerians has been a stand out feature; Ellesmere is a wonderful community of which to be part. The happiness of pupils is largely down to the community of friends they find themselves part of within houses, sporting teams and the myraid of other activities and clubs.

I am grateful that we have such supportive parents, whether it is cheering from the sidelines at a sporting event, helping with the recent Fashion Show or simply ferrying children to and from school at strange hours of the day. It has also been a pleasure to connect with Old Ellesmerians at events such as the drinks event in London, on the touchline to watch the 1st XV or chance encounters with visitors throughout the term.

Community matters. It gives us each a sense of belonging, connection and purpose. Thank you to everyone for being part of the wonderful Ellesmere community, whether you are here in person or reading from afar.

With best wishes,
Jon Shaw
Head

05/12/25 - Graditude

Dear Parents,

In our final assembly of term, we were all encouraged to focus on gratitude. As Christmas approaches, the tendency can be to focus on what we want, rather than being grateful for what we already have. Gratitude isn’t just saying “thank you”; it’s recognising the positives in our lives, even the small things — running water, central heating or more importantly friends and family. Research supports this approach, demonstrating that being grateful makes us happier, less stressed, and more connected to others. I hope we can all experience a little more of this over the Christmas break.

In my first term at Ellesmere, I have been extremely grateful for the welcome and friendliness of pupils, staff and parents. I am also grateful for the hard work of staff, many behind the scenes who ensure everything runs smoothly – whether it is caring for our beautiful grounds and buildings, preparing meals or logistical support of the day to day running of the school.

I appreciate Christmas is some way off yet, but I wish you all the very best for the festive season and I look forward to welcoming pupils back early in the new year.

With very best wishes,
Jon Shaw
Head

The Head's Weekly Messages' - September 2026 - July 2027

11/09/26 -

11/09/26 -

Mr Jonathan Shaw

Head