Ellesmere College
Ellesmere, Shropshire · SY12 9AB
Ellesmere College is a Woodard Foundation boarding and day school in rural Shropshire with a strong traditional ethos and increasing international reach. The school balances academic rigour with a distinctive emphasis on co-curricular excellence, outdoor education, and pastoral care across age groups from 7 to 18. It combines established boarding traditions with modern facilities and a growing international presence through partner schools in Riyadh and Doha.
- →Established boarding provision with strong pastoral care and house system
- →Comprehensive co-curricular offer including sport academies (PSG, cricket, golf), music, and DofE
- →All-through provision from age 7 with clear progression pathways
- →Rural setting with modern facilities and strong sense of community
- →International preparedness through global partnerships and dedicated international programmes
Who thrives here
Pupils who thrive in a structured, traditional boarding environment with strong values; those seeking serious co-curricular engagement (particularly in sport or music); families valuing outdoor pursuits and character development alongside academics.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Ellesmere College
Ellesmere, Shropshire
SY12 9AB
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
General Sir Peter Wall
Former Chief of the General Staff, British Army
Brigadier Sir Evelyn Webb-Bowen
Military officer and landowner
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Ellesmere College?
Day fees at Ellesmere College are approximately £25,500 per year (2024/25). Boarding fees are higher.
How do you get into Ellesmere College?
Ellesmere College admits pupils at 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Ellesmere College's exam results?
At Ellesmere College, 11.4% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 26.6% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Ellesmere College a boarding school?
Ellesmere College offers boarding as well as day places.
What is Ellesmere College's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Ellesmere College “Good” (2018). This grading is no longer issued — both inspectorates have since changed how they report outcomes.
Further reading
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Strong pastoral care and supportive boarding community
✓Excellent co-curricular provision and specialist sports academies
✓Well-maintained facilities and attractive rural campus
✓Caring house staff and clear values-based ethos
✓Effective academic support and individual attention
✓Strong sense of belonging and school community
Common concerns
!Rural location may limit off-campus independence and social opportunities for boarders
!Not yet Ofsted-inspected; inspection grading unknown
!Limited public data on specific outcomes and value-added measures
!Potential concerns about international school satellite operations and brand consistency
!Boarding fees likely substantial; transparency on full cost of boarding not evident from website