Shrewsbury for life - Discover Ryan's story
Ryan Mupesa joined in Shrewsbury School in Third Form in 2018 from Maidwell Hall. Ryan boarded in Severn Hill and in 2022, was named Head of School.
Ryan sat his A Level exams in 2023 and achieved three B’s, with plans to have a gap year after school.
Joining Shrewsbury as a Third Form boarder
I had boarded at prep school but it was quite small, so when I joined Shrewsbury it was different as there were a lot more people in my house, but I really enjoyed it.
At the start I was quite nervous joining, but my Housemaster was brilliant and it was a no brainer choosing Severn Hill.
Foundation Fortnight was hectic, but I loved every minute of it. It was great to be kept busy, especially as a lot of people might have been homesick, so it was a good way to keep them occupied. It was a great way to learn about the school and meet lots of new people too.
Academic excellence at Shrewsbury
Chemistry is my favourite subject; I like knowing how chemicals affect the body and I like the way it links with maths – I like there to be a solution to a problem.
Throughout my time at Shrewsbury, the academic departments provided me with ample amounts of support. Within the chemistry department, as well as many others, clinic sessions were really important for me and my development. These sessions helped me to further develop my skills as well as learn new ones. Within these sessions, it was also helpful to have your teachers present and on hand to help with any queries as well as running extra lessons.
The academic provision at Shrewsbury helped to constantly engage and challenge me. Small competitions such as the Hawksley science competition were engaging and interesting events. These kinds of extra-academic pursuits are what make Shrewsbury unique.
Winning House Debating – one of the biggest academic competitions in school - was one of my highlights; it was a long time coming for Severn Hill but to be able to win that with the people around me was brilliant.
Ready for life education at Shrewsbury
I’d like to think I've matured during my time here – the school is really good at helping you to see past your school life and into the future. The Futures Department was really helpful with trying to create my pathway for what I want to do when I leave.
Shrewsbury has really helped develop my character – especially coming in Third Form and seeing pupils in the years above you going on and doing great things, it was quite inspiring in helping me to see where I could be in the future.
Plenty of co-curricular options
The athletics coaching here has really helped me to develop my running and seen me compete in competitions that I wouldn’t have done before.
I am also part of the CCF and being part of the Army and Marines has been brilliant. We’ve competed in some prestigious events, such as the Pringle trophy with the marines where we came runners up which was an incredible opportunity that you wouldn’t normally get. I also really enjoy the community feel that comes with CCF.
I think being part the CCF really helped me narrow down on the military path route – which is what I would like to do after school. The school has also hosted a variety of talks which have opened my eyes to so many different opportunities and avenues I could take after I’ve left Shrewsbury, so in that sense they’ve been incredibly supportive.
Houses are the best part of Shrewsbury
The houses here are the best part of life at Shrewsbury. It’s been a pleasure representing my house in things like running and debating. There’s a bond that is created within the house community that will carry on past school.
An honour to be Head of School
The first thing I did when I found out I was Head of School was ring my mum! It’s been an honour to be Head of School and especially at a school like this, I couldn't have asked for more.
The role has allowed me to connect with younger pupils which I don’t think I'd have done before, and getting to greet students around the school who I may not have interacted with elsewhere so I've really enjoyed that aspect of it.
What Shrewsbury for life means to Ryan
Shrewsbury for life makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger than myself. When you go to events with Old Salopians it feels like you’re at home - you have a shared experience that connects you, It’s a really special community that you’re a part of – it's a pleasure to be a part of.
Get stuck in at Shrewsbury
My advice to new pupils would be to just get stuck in. One of Shrewsbury’s best qualities is the all-round education and from my perspective I liked to say I’ve tried most varieties of what the school has to offer.
I think the serious fun motto is appropriate as well; it carries out throughout most of the things you do.