Shiplake College is an independent co-educational boarding and day school for nearly 520 pupils aged 11–18, based in the Oxfordshire countryside on the banks of the River Thames. There has been a co-educational Sixth Form since 1998 and in September 2023, girls joined in Year 7 (making up 42% of the cohort) as the College goes fully co-educational.
Ethos. The central pillars of Shiplake are its core values, the 3I’s, ‘Inclusive, individual, inspirational’. We ensure that every pupil is challenged and supported according to their need and ability. We firmly believe that in addition to a solid academic grounding, sporting, social and cultural achievements are vital to a pupil’s long-term development. Shiplake offers a wide range of challenging enrichment activities to ensure an all-round education.
Academic. We aim to admit a well-balanced intake of pupils with a variety of skills and talents. Pupils are selected on his or her potential to make the most of the opportunities that Shiplake can offer.
Pastoral Care. Shiplake is renowned for delivering outstanding pastoral care. Houses are a huge part of the Shiplake community. Each house is run by a Housemaster/mistress who is supported by a strong team of staff including the Matron, Tutors, Medical Staff and the Chaplain. The houses provide excellent support for the pupils in addition to ensuring a comfortable, homely environment for pupils to study or relax. There is a strong house spirit in evidence with competitions organised for arts, games and academic progress.
A Church of England school, there is a programme of worship. The Chaplain, whose role is purely pastoral, is always available to any member of the College community. Shiplake also welcomes pupils of other faiths or no particular faith.
Boarding. Boarding is an integral part of life at Shiplake. Full, weekly, flexi boarding and overnight stays allow pupils to benefit from all the academic and co-curricular opportunities offered. 130 weekly and full boarders enjoy a busy weekend and evening programme, which covers a mixture of cultural, social and sporting trips and activities. International pupils, including a balance of British and non-British students resident abroad, represent approximately 5% of the current school population.
Location. Two miles upstream of the famous Regatta town of Henley-on-Thames, Shiplake is conveniently close to the M4 and M40 and Reading railway station. This idyllic countryside location is just an hour from London and within easy reach of Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
Facilities. Shiplake House, built in 1889 as a family home, is at the heart of the school. The College uses the twelfth-century Parish Church for assemblies and worship. In addition to the main school buildings, Shiplake boasts a range of facilities including a Sixth Form centre and a multi-activity centre with boathouse (Davies Centre) which both opened in 2020.
Academic Structure. Pupils entering the College in Year 7 follow the specially designed curriculum for Years 7 and 8. Pupils enjoy the broad and balanced Year 9 curriculum which provides a strong foundation for GCSE. Sixth Form pupils select three subjects from a choice of 28 and also complete a qualification such as an EPQ.
Learning Development. Shiplake has a dedicated Learning Development Department to provide help for those who are academically gifted and those who find certain subject areas difficult to access. About 12% of pupils receive additional support, to improve pupils’ confidence and self-esteem and equip them with the necessary skills. All pupils are able to approach their subject teachers for additional support whenever necessary.
Sport. Sport is an integral part of life at Shiplake. The College has an excellent sporting reputation and most pupils take part in a sporting activity every day. The College enjoys direct access to the river, sports pitches, tennis courts and an outdoor swimming pool. The sports hall offers a variety of indoor sports, a weight-training gym and a fitness room. The Davies Centre includes over 30 ergometers, weights room, two-storey climbing wall and an archery/rifle range.
Music, Art and Drama. The College has a thriving Arts programme. The annual House Music Competition ensures that every pupil in the school is involved in preparing for a performance and every term there is at least one concert. The Drama Department provides a range of opportunities for the theatrically inclined, to explore and experiment with the subject beyond the constraints of the curriculum. Art exhibitions take place throughout the year.
Activities. Two afternoons are dedicated to a Co-Curricular programme where pupils choose from a wide range of activities including art, cookery, debating and canoeing. The College has a thriving CCF, with Air Force, Army and Navy sections, and a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme with a number of pupils each year collecting Gold Awards. The school has links to a Kenyan School for which fundraising activities are regularly undertaken.
Careers. An experienced Head of Careers with a careers programme from Year 10.
Admission. The Registrar is the first point of contact for all admissions enquiries. Pupils are admitted at 11+ into Year 7, at 13+ into Year 9 and at 16+ into the Sixth Form. Places are offered following an assessment day. Occasional places arise in other years. See the website for details.
Scholarships. Means-tested scholarships and bursaries are offered for academic excellence and to outstanding sportsmen, artists, actors or musicians.
Fees per term (2023-2024). Years 7–8: Day £7,400; Years 9–13: Full Boarders £14,665, Weekly Boarders £13,200, Flexi (2 nights) £11,520, Day £9,410.
Alumni. The Old Viking Society has a programme of sporting and social events and sends frequent e-newsletters.
Charitable status. Shiplake College is a Registered Charity, number 309651. It exists to provide education for children.