A headteacher who took up his role at a Shropshire school one year ago has said it is a privilege to be in his leadership role and recognised that schools constantly need to evolve to prepare pupils for the demands of 2030 and beyond.
Jonathan Shaw was appointed as head of Ellesmere College in September 2025 and said he wanted to lead by example, with a collaborative approach to leadership, listening to the ideas of pupils, staff and parents to help determine future plans.
Twelve months later, he said it is a privilege to lead the school, to be part of a vibrant and welcoming community and he values the importance of independent schools to the local communities.
He said: “What I have loved most about Ellesmere is the healthy, down-to-earth nature and ‘can do’ attitude of both pupils and staff. The pupils have a refreshing confidence, friendliness and openness about them.
“Culture and values are central to how I lead. Leaders do not have the monopoly on the best ideas, but I believe their responsibility is to find the best way forward through listening and working with others.
“Visibility around school, on the touchlines, supporting concerts and productions are all opportunities to take the temperature of the school and understand what parents and pupils value but also glean ideas for change.
“More formal methods such as surveys to pupils, parents and staff have also helped provide focus as we plan for the future.”
In his first year, changes have largely been subtle. After feedback from pupils, there has been a relaxation of some of the uniform rules and a little more freedom allowed for boarders and sixth formers.
Communication changes include a weekly update on Fridays and prioritising regular communication with parents.
A quiet rebranding is also currently happening with signs being replaced to reflect a more progressive outlook and there is an intention to be ‘educationally progressive’ with a greater emphasis on skills such as entrepreneurship, leadership and oracy.
The school has also seen a healthy 50% increase in pupil numbers in Year 12, from 60 in September 2025 to 93 pupils this academic year, which Jonathan said was ‘particularly pleasing’.
“There are now over 150 students in the sixth form; it is still small enough for each individual to be known, but large enough to be vibrant and busy,” he added.
“Whilst we recognise that some may be supportive of the recent imposition of VAT on private schools, I think this view can overlook the importance of these schools as important employers in the local area.
“It has been very sad to see a number close across the country, in part due to the imposition of VAT by the current government.”
A highlight for Mr Shaw in his first year has been his involvement in the annual Snowdon challenge – where 18 boys and girls ran in relay from the gates of Ellesmere College to the top of the Welsh mountain.
He felt this 70-mile challenge epitomised the Ellesmere spirit – pupils taking their opportunities, determination and commitment, and above all supporting each other throughout.
Mr Shaw moved to Ellesmere from King’s Ely in Cambridge where he was Head of Senior and had previously worked overseas in Kenya and in Guernsey, in the Channel Islands. In addition, he has been an inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) since 2013 and was a safeguarding lead for eight years.
For more information about Ellesmere College visit www.ellesmere.com.
Mr Jonathan Shaw.
