We love welcoming visitors to the College to experience our beautiful environment and wonderful people and there are lots of opportunities to do this. We recommend that prospective parents and pupils join an Open Event for your initial visit (as long as timescales allow) but there are other events, formal and informal, which enable you to get to know us.
Open Events
Whole School Open Events
Open mornings begin with presentations from senior staff and pupils and include a tour of the College with opportunities to speak with staff and pupils in every department and facility. These events start at 9.00am and we would expect your visit to be concluded by midday. Confirmation of exact timings will be sent to attendees shortly before the event.
Book onto our whole School Open Event on Saturday 20 September 2025
Book onto our whole School Open Event on Saturday 21 March 2026
Sixth Form Open Event
These events also run from 9.00am until midday but are geared specifically towards prospective sixth formers to attend just before the application deadline.
Headmaster's Lunches
We host regular Headmaster's lunch events where you can join a small number of other parents for a sit-down lunch with the Headmaster and other senior staff and then have a tour of the College. Events start promptly at midday and are usually finished by around 1.30pm. Bookings are taken on a first come, first served basis and these events have proved very popular so early booking is advised.
Headmaster's Lunch: Parents of pupils looking for Year 7 2026 entry
- To be confirmed
Headmaster's Lunch: Parents of pupils looking for Year 9 2027 entry
- Friday 25 April 2025
- Thursday 5 June 2025
Headmaster's Lunch Booking Form
If you are interested in joining the waiting list for one of these events then please email Mrs Young.
Individual Visits
After attending an Open Event, you may wish to see the school in operation on a week day and/or to talk to senior staff in more detail. Please contact the Admissions Team to discuss your requirements and arrange a suitable date. Telephone 0118 970 4764 or email [email protected]
Taster Events
The College holds free taster events and workshops for pupils considering joining Shiplake. Pupils need not be formally registered with us in order to book onto one of these days. Booking forms will be available on this page as dates are confirmed.
Taster Days: Year 7 2026
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.
- Autumn Term 2025
'Experience Shiplake' Taster Afternoon: Year 9 2027
Tuesday 20 May from 4.15pm until approximately 6.45pm
For girls and boys in Year 6 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. Places are strictly limited.
Experience Shiplake - Tuesday 20 May: Booking Form
'Experience Rowing': Year 12 2026
Friday 6 June from 10.00am to 1.30pm
Rowers currently in Year 10 who want to take their rowing to the next level, and are considering Shiplake College for Sixth Form in 2026, are invited to an 'Experience Rowing at Shiplake' morning on Friday 6 June 2025.
Places are limited will be allocated and confirmed on a first come, first served basis.
Arrival time will be 10.00am for refreshments and a talk about rowing and sixth form at Shiplake for prospective pupils and their parents. This will be followed by water sessions, lunch and tours for the pupils. Collection is at 1.30pm.
Experience Rowing at Shiplake: Application Form
Experience Sixth Form at Shiplake: Year 12 2026
Wednesday 25 June from 10.20am to 2.00pm
Tasters begin with a welcome address at 10.20am and consist of three lessons and a tour. Lunch and snacks are provided. Collection is at 2.00pm.
We plan to arrange lesson tasters in subjects that are new to applicants but, numbers permitting, will observe any preferences.
Experience Sixth Form at Shiplake: Booking Form
Should your chosen event be fully booked, please email Mrs Hayley Young to be added to the waiting list.
Speak to Current Parents
We think that Shiplake College is a special place, but why not find out what parents of our current pupils think?
The Admissions Team can put you in touch with other parents so that you can ask the questions they are better placed to answer or just to find out more about their experience of the school. Email [email protected].