Shiplake College is a thriving boarding and day secondary school near Henley-on-Thames for 540 pupils. September 2023 marked the introduction of co-education in Year 7, a significant development alongside celebrating 25 years of sixth form coeducation. A strong 44% of girls allowed for the best possible start and from the very first day the atmosphere in the year group was positive and, whilst new in so many ways, also felt completely normal. In September 2024 the College has a record school roll of 540, including 42% of girls in the Lower School (Years 7 and 8) and 40% girls in the Sixth Form. Flexi, weekly and full boarding is available from Year 9 (age 13).
Overlooking the River Thames in Oxfordshire, the College is situated in an inspirational rural site just two miles upstream from Henley-on-Thames, famous for its Royal Regatta. Shiplake is conveniently located 40 minutes from Heathrow airport, and is close to the major railway and motorway networks, with easy links to Reading, London and Oxford.
The Headmaster, Mr Tyrone Howe, says: “Everything we do at Shiplake we try to base on our three core values, known as the Three I’s – Inclusive, Individual, Inspirational. We’re inclusive! A school of around 540 pupils with girls and boys currently in Years 7, 8 and the Sixth Form, and soon to be fully co-educational throught. Everyone matters, we’re a community and, above all, we are kind to each other. There are countless opportunities for all to opt in, be involved and try new things.
Individual. We recognise and respect that you’re all different and thank goodness for that. This is a personal best school and whatever your academic prowess, artistic flair, or sporting ability, we aim to get the very best out of every single pupil. With small class sizes and such an array of sports and co-curricular activities it gives us a really good chance of achieving this.
And finally, inspirational. We have amazing teachers, whose mission is to inspire young people. We have an amazing setting along with superb facilities. And most importantly, pupils inspire each other. We want to instil in our young people a strong and true sense of ambition and aspiration.”
With a greater focus on academic rigour in recent years, it is no surprise that the College continues to achieve a year-on-year improvement in GCSE and A Level examination results. There is a wide range of A Level and BTEC subjects available, with all Sixth Formers also undertaking an additional UCAS-points earning qualification such as the EPQ as part of a bespoke PULSE (Personal Understanding, Learning Skills and Enrichment) programme. Leavers secure places at a variety of leading institutions, including Oxbridge, Russell Group and Ivy League universities.
In addition to a strong academic foundation, the College offers excellent sporting, artistic and co-curricular opportunities. Two afternoons are reserved for an array of clubs and activities, including a comprehensive outdoor education programme, with pupils encouraged to extend their horizons and experience new challenges and responsibilities.
Shiplake has a formidable reputation for sports, particularly in rowing and rugby. Other major sports include football, hockey, cricket and tennis. Training takes place on three afternoons a week, with the majority of fixtures scheduled for Saturday mornings.
Academic lessons take place within the five-day working week and each day ends with an hour of academic support during which pupils undertake independent study or seek help with homework from teachers.
140 weekly and full boarders become fully integrated into Shiplake’s inclusive and welcoming environment. International pupils join from all over the world, and represent approximately 4% of the school. A thriving programme of evening and weekend boarding activities ensures all boarders are fully engaged.
Shiplake College continues to evolve as the school grows, not just in pure numbers, but in its ambition and aspiration. Six new playing pitches inland have replaced five by the riverside that get waterlogged for large parts of the year. Work has started on creating a full-size artificial playing pitch, 3G training pitch, and more cricket nets, which should be finished by spring 2025. Simultaneously, ten more classrooms and five new science laboratories have been created in recent months.
In September 2025 a co-educational hub for Sixth Form day pupils will be opened, freeing up standalone Sixth Form boarding houses. The Davies Centre, opened relatively recently, continues to wow both rowers and non-rowers, with its a state-of-the-art boathouse along with a fitness suite, two-storey climbing wall, an indoor archery and rifle range and enhanced facilities for the school’s comprehensive outdoor education programme.
An ISI Inspection in May 2022 showed the College achieved full compliance and the top category of ’excellent’ in both Achievement and the Personal Development of the pupils. Mr Howe comments: “Two particular quotes for me include: “Success comes in many guises at this school, and pupils grasp the opportunities offered and work hard to achieve their goals, be it as a professional athlete, entrepreneur, doctor, or artist,” and “Pupils exhibit a mature sense of self-understanding and self-esteem, without any hint of arrogance. I urge you to read the report in full as it sums up what makes Shiplake so special. It is a terrific endorsement for the College.”
Entry points are normally at Year 7 (11+), Year 9 (13+) and Year 12 (16+). Means-tested bursaries are available and Academic, Art, Music, Drama and Sport Scholarships are offered. The College also offers one 100% All-Rounder scholarship to a girl or boy currently at a state-maintained primary school who would be looking to join Year 7, who would not be able to attend Shiplake without substantial financial support.
Prospective families are encouraged to arrange an individual visit or attend an open morning, which take place twice a year. Please go to www.shiplake.org.uk to book your attendance, register your child, or request our prospectus, as well as explore the whole site, which contains a wealth of information relating to all aspects of life at Shiplake. This is the first port of call for details of admissions processes, fees, bus routes and answers to most academic, co-curricular and pastoral questions that prospective parents may have. News articles are posted every day during term time, showcasing a wide variety of activities and celebrating the many successes of its pupils.
SHIPLAKE COLLEGE NEXT OPEN DAYS
Having a look around and meeting our welcoming staff is the best way to find out whether Shiplake is the perfect school for you. Open events include a tour of the College, presentations and an opportunity to speak with staff. We always look forward to welcoming new families to the College, and hope visitors find the events interesting, informative and enjoyable.
- Whole College Open Event Saturday 22nd March 2025
SHIPLAKE COLLEGE CONTACT DETAILS
- Contact: Mrs Esther Pasmore, Admissions Registrar
- Tel: +44 (0)1189 402455
- Email: registrar@shiplake.org.uk
- X: @ShiplakeCollege
- Instagram: @ShiplakeCollege
- Facebook: @ShiplakeCollege
