Shiplake College

Shiplake College is a co-educational senior independent day and boarding school located in a stunning setting overlooking the River Thames just two miles upstream from Henley in Oxfordshire. In September 2022 the school welcomed almost 520 pupils, an increase from 486 the previous year.

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 just over 500 pupils with boys from Year 7 to 13, girls in the sixth form and soon to have girls in Year 7 from 2023. 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.”

From September 2023 the College will welcome girls into Year 7 to join the already well-established co-educational environment in the Sixth Form. Mr Howe adds: “It is a natural evolution of the school - and it is important to remember that we have had girls in our Sixth Form for more than 20 years. They have a hugely positive impact on our school community and if we are preparing our young people for life after school, those relations between boys and girls, I believe, need to be experienced and learned from a young age. We have also heard many times - if only there was a Shiplake for girls - and so in being true to that first core value of inclusive we feel that offering girls those same opportunities from Year 7 makes Shiplake an even more positive experience and even better learning environment. 

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.

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 in September 2023, who would not be able to attend Shiplake without substantial financial support.

Mr Howe warmly invites prospective families to an open morning, taster day, Headmaster’s Lunch or an individual visit. Please go to www.shiplake.org.uk to book your attendance, complete a registration form or see the admissions assessment timeline for entry at Years 7, 9 or 12.