Shrewsbury's Head of Sixth Form named 'Outstanding Educator' by US University

A Shrewsbury teacher has received the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator award after being nominated by two former pupils.

Toby Percival, Head of Sixth Form and Higher Education, received the nominations from Old Salopians Boris Petukhov (SH, 2023) and Felix Kershaw (S, 2024) who thanked Mr Percival for his advice during their time at school.

The University of Chicago says that “an Outstanding Educator shapes young minds in meaningful ways—thoughtfully approaching instruction, sharing an infectious love for learning, and caring for students both inside and outside of the classroom.”

In his nomination, Boris said: “My success both within and outside the school is, in part, due to your mentorship. Your readiness to offer advice, constant willingness to help, and insightful guidance, even during your free time, have been invaluable.”

Felix added: “Thank you so much for all of your help with my applications and US college journey over the past three years. I really couldn’t have done it without you.”

Mr Percival said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award from the University of Chicago and am particularly touched by the nominations from Boris and Felix. It is a genuine privilege to be able to work with pupils as they make their plans and then next steps to university; to hear that this has had some form of impact is incredibly gratifying.  With 19 Salopians heading over the Atlantic for university last year alone, the US offers a different prospect that is increasingly popular, and I am always delighted to hear of their successes and endeavours.

“Boris and Felix both made their own significant impacts during their time at Shrewsbury and it is no surprise that they were snapped up by one of the world's top universities, where I am sure they will thrive on UChicago's liberal curriculum and reputation for innovation.”

Shrewsbury School staff have been recognised for awards a number of times by pupils at US Universities: this is Mr Percival’s second award from the US - earlier this year he was named a Morehead Cain Impact Educator, joining our Head of Philosophy and Theology Mike Tonks, who were both nominated by former pupils for the award. Philosophy and Theology Teacher Morgan Bird also received the UChicago Outstanding Educator award last year.