The Thomas Adams School
90%
Capacity
1,207
Pupils
2.0x
Demand
About The Thomas Adams School
The Thomas Adams School is a co-educational boarding secondary school in Shropshire, West Midlands, catering to pupils aged 11 to 18. The school has 1,207 pupils on roll and is well-filled (90% of 1,336 places).
Ofsted has rated The Thomas Adams School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Mark Cooper, it falls under Shropshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.50 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 42.3. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 2603rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 14th out of 19 in Shropshire.
The Thomas Adams School is a popular choice with families — it received 410 applications for 206 places, making it 2.0x oversubscribed. Of these, 235 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Thomas Adams School include Music Rooms, Dining Hall, Gymnasium, Astro Turf, Sports Hall, Swimming Pool, Sixth Form Centre, Theatre, Playing Fields.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Cricket, Gymnastics, Rugby and 5 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Science Club, Film Club, Model UN and 7 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 18.1%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Shropshire, The Thomas Adams School is one of the options available in the West Midlands region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Lowe Hill, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 5UB |
| Headteacher | Mark Cooper |
| Local Authority | Shropshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,207 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 18.1% |
| School Capacity | 1,207 / 1,336 (90% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
| Boarding | Yes — Boarding school |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
13 Sept 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 15 Nov 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.50)
2603rd of 3,141
Nationally
307th of 371
In West Midlands
14th of 19
In Shropshire
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly less progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
37.0
'22/23
28.1
'23/24
29.7
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
20Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed206
410
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
235 families put this school as their 1st choice (57% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Thomas Adams School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Lowe Hill, Shrewsbury
Shropshire, SY4 5UB
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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