Shiplake College is an independent co-educational boarding and day school for around 520 pupils aged 11 to 18. There has been a co-educational Sixth Form since 1998 and in September 2023 girls joined in Year 7 as the College goes fully co-educational. Flexi, weekly and full boarding is available from Year 9. Situated in 47 acres of beautiful Oxfordshire countryside near Henley-on-Thames, we offer an outstanding education based on small class sizes, excellent facilities and dedicated teaching staff.
In our ISI Inspection in May 2022 we achieved full compliance and the top category of EXCELLENT in both “the quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements” and “the quality of the pupils’ personal development”. Click here to read more.
Shiplake College is not just a place to learn, but a place to live. Our mixture of boarders and day pupils form a vibrant and busy community; where every day brings fresh challenges and new opportunities. The environment we provide is perfect for those who are able or have the desire to make the most of these opportunities. We are proud of what our pupils achieve, and so are they.
Studying at Shiplake is a unique experience. In line with the values which underpin our College ethos, our pupils should expect to be included, be individual and be inspired throughout their time at school. Not only will your child be equipped with key interpersonal qualities, which we have identified in the Shiplake Seven, we will help them discover and develop talents they never knew they had.
Inclusive
Shiplake has a wholly inclusive environment spanning all areas of College life. All pupils are valued regardless of academic prowess, artistic flair or sporting ability, with opportunities for all to join in and try new things. In the classroom, pupils are not asked to copy down endless notes. Instead, teachers face the class, or sit amongst them. All pupils are invited and expected to contribute. After all, active learning is far more effective than passive. Notes are often emailed, or better still, shared online where pupils can comment, add or disagree, leading to further discussion in class.
Multiple sports teams are fielded in each year group, to give everyone the honour and excitement of representing their College. Every pupil in Year 7 is immediately entered into the Lower School orchestra, regardless of their ability or experience. Some play in their first concert just weeks after picking up an instrument. A list of co-curricular activities available is long and varied. These are just some examples of how every pupil is placed at the heart of Shiplake life.
Individual
We are a small community where the utmost effort is made to get to know each and every person. We are renowned for providing exceptional pastoral care, underpinned by our traditional house system. Every boy and girl becomes extremely well known to their Housemaster and personal tutor. All aspects of pupils’ welfare and progress are continually monitored, to ensure they remain contented throughout their time at Shiplake.
In an academic sense, each pupil’s best method of learning is identified and catered for. In small classes, pupils receive engaging and innovative teaching tailored to their needs. High achieving pupils are continually stretched while those requiring additional support can access it in a variety of ways.
Teaching and learning does not just take place in the classroom. We recognise and respect that every individual is unique, and thus their greatest talents lie in various fields. Interpersonal skills and confidence are discovered through our extensive programme of co-curricular activities. There really is something for everyone.
Inspirational
Inspiration fuels every element of life at Shiplake and defines the unique culture of our College. The environment we provide encourages pupils to take inspiration from their teachers, their surroundings, and each other; stimulating all areas of personal development.
We continue to invest heavily in best serving the needs of the young people in our care. We recruit highly motivated teaching staff with an ability and passion to inspire future generations. We ensure pupils have the best possible learning resources at their disposal, including the revolutionary new Thinking Space. This environment is specifically designed to develop a positive attitude towards learning, which grows alongside pupils’ increasing maturity and commitment as they move through their education.
Feeling Inspired?
Visit Us
The best way to gain a true understanding of what life at Shiplake College can offer is to come and visit us. We warmly invite you to meet our Headmaster, take a tour with a current pupil and discover if Shiplake is the right school for your child.
Make an Enquiry
If you would like to be added to our database to be kept up to date with news and events from the College, please click here to submit your details.
Prospectus
This website provides the most extensive oversight, including further details and up-to-date information about all that goes on at the school, the academic curriculum, co-curricular programme, the pastoral provision and other practical matters such as admissions processes, fees and bus routes. Our prospectus, available to download below, provides a brief insight into life at Shiplake College.
Shiplake College Prospectus