Shrewsbury School and Terra Nova School are delighted to announce a full merger that will see Terra Nova become part of the Shrewsbury global family of schools from 1 August 2025.
For many decades, the pathway from Terra Nova to Shrewsbury has been a popular and successful choice for pupils and parents. Both schools share a deep commitment to excellence and place equal importance on academic excellence and the cultivation of character and skills for life. The Terra Nova motto, Labor et Ludus – ‘Work and Play’ – chimes perfectly with Shrewsbury’s commitment to the ‘Serious Fun’ of whole person education.
Terra Nova School will retain its distinctive identity and continue to prepare its pupils for admission to a range of excellent senior schools. Membership of the Shrewsbury School family will bring security and investment to ensure a bright and confident future for Terra Nova, its pupils, parents and staff.
Shrewsbury School was founded by Royal Charter in 1552 and enjoys a global reputation for excellence in whole person education. Shrewsbury was named Independent School of the Year in 2020 and has been consistently listed in the top 25 private schools in the UK and the world’s top 100 private schools.
Packwood Prep School joined the Shrewsbury School family in 2019. Shrewsbury also has international schools in Thailand, Hong Kong, Cambodia and India. Terra Nova will become the latest member of the thriving Shrewsbury family of schools.
“At a time of considerable change in the independent education sector, it is important that schools that are closely aligned in their educational aims and ethos, come together to form the strongest alliances to ensure the best all-through journey for the children in their care. We are delighted that Terra Nova is joining the Shrewsbury School family and look forward to working together for the benefit of both our communities.”
James Pitt – Chair of Governors, Shrewsbury School
“I am delighted that Terra Nova School is joining the Shrewsbury School family. Through our shared ethos, purpose and vision this partnership secures a bright and optimistic future for Terra Nova and permits opportunities to enhance our excellent educational offering and pupil experience.”
Eleanor Lees-Jones – Chair of Governors, Terra Nova School
“Terra Nova has always been at the forefront of educational innovation delivering an excellent whole child education. Recently we have had to look broadly and consider the innovation needed within the independent school sector as a whole, in order for our wonderful School to thrive. This merger is a fine example of how Terra Nova continues to be a trailblazer, leading the way by adapting to change and looking ahead to a bright and exciting future as part of the Shrewsbury School family. I am really looking forward to collaborating with Leo Winkley and the wider Shrewsbury School family, and all the opportunities that this will bring.”
Christabel Westall – Headmistress, Terra Nova School
“The close existing relationship between Shrewsbury and Terra Nova will go from strength to strength over the years ahead as we work together to provide world class whole person education from Nursery to Sixth Form. Shrewsbury School has a global reputation for excellence. With Packwood Prep School, and our partner international schools in Thailand, Hong Kong, Cambodia and India, the Shrewsbury family of schools continues to provide distinctive whole person education, inspiring and connecting young learners across the UK and around the world. We are very excited to begin the next stage of our journey with Terra Nova.”
Leo Winkley – Headmaster, Shrewsbury School
