Click here for a printable Year 7 September 2024 Entry Timeline
We have conducted our main assessments for Year 7 entry in September 2024 but can consider late applications. Please call us discuss this on 0118 940 5221.
| Event |
Timing |
| Whole College Open Morning |
Autumn Term of Year 6 |
Registration Deadline
Scholarship and Bursary Application Deadlines |
December of Year 6 |
| References Requested from Current School |
December of Year 6 |
| Assessment Days |
January of Year 6 |
| Scholarship Assessments |
January of Year 6 |
| Decision Letters Sent |
February of Year 6 |
| Deadline for Place Acceptances |
March of Year 6 |
| Waiting List and Late Applications Considered |
April of Year 6 Onwards |
| Welcome Events |
Spring and Summer of Year 6 |
Shiplake College is very proud to be an all ability school and, as such, we operate as holistic an assessment process as possible.
In the morning candidates sit short English and mathematics test papers, written and marked by our own Heads of Department; we do not share past papers. Pupils will also sit a series of short literacy and numeracy skills assessments; these are designed to highlight if support needs exist. Other than use of a laptop for creative writing (if that has been recommended), we are unable to provide exam concessions on our assessment days. However, if a child usually receives these, parents should let us know and this will be taken into consideration when marking the papers. Our assessments are intended to show us what pupils can achieve in the time given and not what they cannot.
After lunch with current pupils, there will be an indoor and an outdoor activity (weather permitting) in small groups allowing us to observe each pupil’s interactions with peers and staff in a more relaxed situation. There will also be an informal interview with a senior member of staff.
The purpose of the assessment day is to allow our experienced staff to determine whether each pupil would thrive in Shiplake College’s active educational environment and not to simply see which pupils score the highest in exam conditions.
After the registration deadline has passed in late November, applicants will receive an invitation to an assessment day and a confidential reference will also be sought from present and previous schools.
If you have any concerns, queries or requests regarding your child’s assessment day, please call the Admissions Office on 0118 940 5221 or 0118 970 4764.
Girls and boys in Year 6 who are considering joining Shiplake College at Year 7 have the opportunity to attend a taster event. These take place in the autumn term prior to entry (when the pupils are in Year 6) just before the registration deadline.
Taster Days: Year 7 2024 (girls and boys in Year 6)
Taster Days begin with a welcome from the Headmaster at 10.30am and consist of three lessons and a sports session. Lunch and snacks are provided.
- Tuesday 7 November
- Tuesday 28 November
- Friday 1 December
Year 7 2024 Taster Day Booking Form
'Experience Shiplake' Taster Afternoon: Year 7 2024 (girls and boys in Year 6)
From 4.15pm until approximately 6.45pm and aimed at prospective pupils and their parents
This is an exciting opportunity for pupils to participate in a carousel of taster lessons.
Parents will hear from key members of staff about life at Shiplake, engage in a Q&A session and have a guided tour of the College.
The event will end with hot-dogs for the pupils and refreshments for the adults at our activity centre overlooking the Thames. Places are strictly limited.
Experience Shiplake Booking Form
Please click here to complete an online registration.
Academic, art, drama, music and sport scholarships are available at Year 7. All are assessed on merit and will only be awarded to those pupils offered a Year 7 place at the College. Year 7 scholarships are held for two years, provided that a pupil's conduct, effort and commitment to his area of scholarship is maintained. Scholars must re-apply in Year 8 to be assessed for an award for Year 9 onwards.
Further details of scholarships available to Year 7 applicants and the criteria for selection are available on the scholarships page.
Scholarship applications for these must be received in line with the registration deadline.
Mrs Esther Pasmore, Admissions Registrar