A Shiplake College education is transformational. We are a selective school but welcome a broad range of academic abilities. What is far more important is the sort of person you are. And what excites us is the sort of person you can become.
A broad curriculum offers opportunities for all, while outstanding facilities provide an abundance of co-curricular activities – Shiplake provides a truly holistic education. Above all, rigor lies at the heart of everything we do and our focus is on adding value to every single pupil. Our fuel is ambition and aspiration, and the commitment to always seek improvement. This is a school in which the little things matter and from which great things can be achieved. It’s cool to care and try hard.
The central pillars of Shiplake are its core values, the 3I’s, ‘Inclusive, individual, and inspirational’. This is our DNA and gives us direction, provides cohesion and fosters a genuine sense of mission. We are a family and look after each other, the wellbeing of both pupils and staff is paramount. Every person matters.
Our setting is beautiful and uplifting. Who else can boast lunch in the Great Hall while watching our world-class rowers train on the Thames? But it is the people who provide the magic and create Shiplake’s authentic and unique culture. Shiplake College is an independent boarding and day school for boys aged 11 to 18 and girls aged 16 to 18. Situated in 45 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.
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, but we will also help them discover and develop talents they never knew they had.
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 honor and excitement of representing their College. Every boy 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. The Headmaster, meanwhile, invites those in senior year groups uncertain about their choral ability to join his very own choir. These are just some examples of how every pupil is placed at the heart of Shiplake life.
