Ellesmere College: A Local Gem with a Global Outlook
For families in Shropshire, Cheshire, North Wales and beyond, Ellesmere College offers something genuinely special: a school where children are known, supported and encouraged to thrive in every sense of the word
Set in over 140 acres of beautiful countryside just outside the historic market town of Ellesmere, the College provides an inspiring and nurturing environment for pupils aged 7 to 18. Ellesmere offers the kind of education that feels both traditional and forward-looking.
And crucially, it’s all right here on your doorstep.
A Safe, Supportive Environment to Learn and Grow
Parents want to know their children are not just getting a good education, but that they’re happy, secure and well cared for. At Ellesmere, pastoral care is not an afterthought, it’s the foundation of school life.
Each pupil is part of a house system that creates a family atmosphere within the wider school. Experienced house staff, tutors work closely with students and parents to ensure a smooth journey through school life, academically and emotionally.
Whether attending as a day pupil, a weekly boarder who returns home for weekends, or a full boarder immersed in the life of the school seven days a week, every child is treated as an individual, with their own path, talents and potential.
“We work hard to ensure each child is supported to thrive – not just academically,
but as a whole person.”
Academic Choice and Challenge
Ellesmere’s academic offering is broad, flexible and ambitious.
Our Lower School curriculum offers a broad and wide-ranging academic programme. Pupils are introduced to a diverse array of subjects, including Latin and Classics and the curriculum also emphasises hands-on learning, with regular opportunities for practical work in science laboratories, encouraging curiosity and developing essential investigative skills. This comprehensive approach ensures that students experience a rich and stimulating education from the outset, nurturing both academic excellence and a lifelong love of learning.
In Year 9, the curriculum is designed to give pupils the opportunity to explore potential GCSE subjects before making their final choices, allowing them to gain insight into the content, expectations and learning styles of each course. This early exposure helps pupils make informed decisions about their future studies, ensuring they embark on their full GCSE programme in Year 10 with confidence and clarity.
At Sixth Form, students have the choice of either A-levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB), depending on their strengths and aspirations. Small class sizes mean teaching is highly personalised and pupils are challenged and encouraged to push their thinking. The result? Ellesmere pupils regularly achieve places at top UK universities, including Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions, as well as leading international and specialist colleges in areas such as the arts, business, engineering and sport.
“Pupils don’t just leave Ellesmere with strong results - they leave with direction and confidence.”
Recognised Excellence
The school’s commitment to excellence is nationally recognised. Ellesmere holds the Artsmark Platinum Award, the highest honour from Arts Council England, for its exceptional focus on creativity across the curriculum. It is also designated a High-Performance Learning (HPL) World Class School, part of a prestigious global network committed to academic excellence and the belief that high achievement is accessible to all.
These recognitions reinforce Ellesmere’s standing as a place where children are encouraged to aim high, think differently and discover what they’re truly capable of.
A Flourishing Creative and Sporting Life
Education at Ellesmere goes far beyond the classroom. The school offers an exceptionally rich co-curricular programme, giving pupils the opportunity to discover and develop interests across the arts, sciences, sport and beyond.
Drama and Music flourish at Ellesmere. With its own professional-standard theatre, rehearsal spaces and a music technology suite, the College stages full-scale productions and supports a wide range of musical ensembles and solo opportunities. Art and design are equally well supported, giving pupils space to express themselves creatively and critically.
Sport is also a huge part of life here. With excellent facilities, including a golf course, sports halls, indoor tennis courts and extensive playing fields and students of all abilities are encouraged to take part. For some, this leads to regional or even national representation in their chosen sport. For others, it’s simply about enjoyment, health and team spirit.
“Whether your child is a budding athlete, a musician, a scientist or a future entrepreneur - there’s room for them to explore, excel and enjoy.”
Local and Well-Connected
While Ellesmere feels like a peaceful retreat, it’s also surprisingly well connected. Just 10 minutes from the A5 and with nearby Gobowen Station offering direct rail links to Shrewsbury, Chester and even London (in just over two hours), the school is easy to reach for families across the region and beyond.
With daily bus routes covering a broad area, this network of routes is designed with flexibility in mind, making it easier for parents to manage school logistics, even from more rural or outlying areas. Weekly boarding is a particularly popular option for families living in rural or semi-rural areas nearby, giving pupils a rich school experience during the week and relaxed family time at weekends.
“You don’t have to look far to find a world-class education - sometimes it’s right on your doorstep.”
Looking to the Future
Ellesmere College combines the best of both worlds: strong traditions and a modern outlook. It’s a school that values character as much as results and prepares young people not just for exams, but for being life ready!
In a world that feels increasingly fast and uncertain, Ellesmere offers something genuinely reassuring: a school community rooted in care, driven by ambition and committed to giving every child the tools they need
to succeed, but on their own terms.
Whether you’re new to the area, exploring options beyond city life, or simply looking for a school where your child can flourish, Ellesmere College is a local treasure worth discovering.
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