Shiplake Court, the Victorian manor house at the school's heart, was built in 1890 as a private residence for the Harrison family, designed by architect Ernest George. The College itself opened its doors on 1 May 1959 when Alexander and Eunice Everett transformed this riverside estate into a school. For nearly six decades it remained boys-only. Today, the school educates 537 pupils aged 11-18, with girls now fully integrated across Years 7-13 (currently representing 40% of the Lower School and 39% of the Sixth Form). Under the leadership of Headmaster Mr Tyrone Howe, who arrived in 2019, the institution has navigated this co-educational transition with genuine fluency. The ISI inspection in May 2022 awarded the highest possible rating: Excellent in both achievement and personal development, with full compliance across all regulatory standards. The school's three core values, Inclusive, Individual, Inspirational, are not decorative rhetoric but genuinely embedded into daily life.
The campus feels purposeful without being sterile. Pupils move between the Victorian Skipwith House (the original manor), the Goodwin Building (academic hub), and newer facilities with evident ownership of the place. The Great Hall, where assemblies and formal dinners occur, anchors the community. Shiplake College in Shiplake, Henley-on-Thames has a clear sense of identity shaped by its setting and community. Boarding and day pupils integrate seamlessly through structured house systems. The five named boarding houses (Burr, College, Everett, Gilson, Welsh) each have distinctive characters, yet all contain the full social and academic mix. Sixth Form day pupils have their own hub, opened in 2025. Lower School pupils (Years 7-8) are grouped into four forms, each assigned to a house with names drawn from classical mythology (Olympians, Titans, Spartans), small gestures that signal the school's values around individual identity and belonging.
Mr Howe presents as accessible and assured. His address at the start of each academic year emphasises the Three Is repeatedly, and inspection reports note that pupils respond authentically to this language. The staff are predominantly young to middle-aged, with specialists in each department rather than generalists. The 2022 ISI report specifically praised pupils' "extremely accomplished" IT skills and their "very high degree of self-confidence and resilience," observations that ring true when visiting.
The boarding experience is structured but not rigid. Approximately 156 boarders (29% of the school) comprise 109 full and weekly boarders and 47 flexi-boarders who stay selected nights. Boarding is available from Year 9 onwards. The weekend programme balances free time with organised trips (the college operates affiliated memberships with Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake, Dorney Lake, and Reading Sailing Club). Saturday mornings include academic lessons; afternoons are reserved for fixtures, with Sunday offering a mix of chapel, optional activities, and family contact time.
The school ranks 881st in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it comfortably in the top 25%. In the 2025 GCSE cohort, 34% of grades achieved 9-8, with a further 17% at grade 7. This contrasts to the England average where roughly 54% of pupils achieve grades 9-7 overall. Attainment 8 scores average higher than the England benchmark, reflecting a school that welcomes the "broad range of academic abilities" the headmaster describes, yet consistently achieves well above average outcomes.
The school sets by ability in Mathematics, English, and Science from Year 9, allowing differentiated challenge. Sciences are taught separately rather than as combined courses, allowing greater specialism. EBacc entries are strong, with approximately 66% of pupils entering the full complement of English, Mathematics, Science, History/Geography, and a modern or classical language.
The sixth form ranks 753rd in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle 35% of A-level providers. At A-level, 6% achieved A*, 19% achieved A, and 38% achieved B. The combined A*-B rate of 63% sits above the England average of 47%. Twenty-eight A-level subjects are offered, ranging from traditional disciplines (Latin, Greek, Economics) to practical specialisms (Drama, Photography, Design & Technology, Criminology). Sixth Form pupils take between three and four A-levels, with most securing places at research-intensive universities.
In the measurement period, two students applied to Cambridge and one secured entry. The narrow Oxbridge pipeline (1 acceptance, representing an acceptance rate of 100% of offers) reflects the school's size relative to its academic strength rather than any particular weakness in university progression.
The 2024 leavers cohort (110 students) saw 56% progress to university, 18% enter employment, and 2% pursue further education. Leavers regularly secure places at Russell Group universities and beyond, with the school's website mentioning destinations across Edinburgh, Durham, Bristol, Warwick, and Ivy League universities in past cohorts. The careers department is well-established, with specialist advisors guiding students through application processes from Year 10 onwards.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
62.63%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
34.31%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Teaching is characterised by active, participatory learning rather than passive note-taking. The school explicitly moves away from dictation-based pedagogy. Teachers are encouraged to engage pupils through question, discussion, and problem-solving. Small class sizes (average 16 pupils in Years 7-11, typically 10-12 for GCSEs and A-levels) enable this approach. The "Thinking Space," a recently renovated learning commons, provides dedicated independent study facilities with secure technology infrastructure and quiet work zones.
The curriculum follows statutory requirements in the core subjects but offers genuine breadth. Practical subjects are well-resourced. The Science & Humanities Block houses dedicated, fully-equipped classrooms for Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and humanities disciplines. Art provision is particularly strong, with two expansive studios producing ceramics, wire sculptures, and photography work of professional standard. A dedicated Photography Studio equipped with full editing technology allows experimental darkroom work.
Drama is housed in the listed Stableyard, where the intimate Tithe Barn Theatre serves as a performance venue for both formal productions and experimental work. Larger productions utilise the Sports Hall or partner venues such as the Kenton Theatre in Henley. The English, Media, and Careers departments occupy the same Stableyard complex, creating thematic coherence.
Differentiated support is available. The Learning Development Department provides additional tuition for pupils with specific learning needs (dyslexia support is particularly noted as a legacy strength of the school). English as an Additional Language support is available for international students. Neither adds significant academic load, rather, both are integrated as part of whole-child support.
The music department is housed in the state-of-the-art John Turner Building, featuring a fully-equipped recording studio, seven practice rooms, two ensemble classrooms, and a Lecture Theatre with Baby Grand Piano. Exceptional staff deliver specialist tuition: Verity Auty, who trained at the Guildhall School and performed with Glyndebourne and major UK opera companies, teaches vocal performance. The "Music for All" policy ensures every pupil in Years 7 and 8 receives free instrumental tuition on orchestral instruments, with many achieving Grade 1 by the end of Year 8. Upon entry, all pupils are automatically placed in the Lower School Orchestra.
Musical ensembles include the Lower School Choir, Lower School Orchestra, Shiplake Chorus, Shiplake Collective (advanced ensemble), the Big Band, Covers Band, and various chamber groups. Lunchtime Concerts occur regularly, providing low-stakes performance opportunities for musicians of all abilities. The annual Shiplake Rocks festival, a summer music festival with hundreds of attendees, showcases bands, soloists, choirs, and ensembles performing rock, jazz, pop, and classical repertoire. Winter Concerts, Spring Concerts, and Soloists' Concerts fill the calendar. Sound Production and Music Composition using Logic Pro are offered as co-curricular specialisms, taught by specialist staff using industry-standard software. Individual instrumental lessons in all orchestral instruments, piano, vocal, drums, and electric/classical guitars are available at £39.60 per 35-minute lesson.
Drama provision is extensive. The Tithe Barn Theatre, intimate and purpose-built, hosts House Drama events, including experimental theatre linked to Black History Month, Pride and International Women’s Day. Lower School pupils participate in pantomimes each term. Whole-school productions (recent examples include ambitious adaptations) utilise the Sports Hall for larger casts. The Kenton Theatre in nearby Henley is partnered for senior productions. LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) lessons are offered for those pursuing speech and drama qualifications. Acting is taught as both an academic subject (Drama GCSE and A-level available) and as a lived practice through the co-curricular programme.
Shiplake's rowing programme stands as the school's singular most prestigious achievement. The college occupies 2.5 miles of the River Thames upstream from the famous Henley Royal Regatta stretch. The newly opened Davies Centre (2020) houses a state-of-the-art boathouse, fleet of racing boats, extensive storage for watersports and Duke of Edinburgh equipment, two-storey climbing wall, fitness suite with rowing ergometers and weights room, and indoor archery and rifle ranges.
The Boat Club, established in the early days of the school, now comprises approximately 140 members competing at both head races (4-6km time trial format) and regattas. Boys and girls receive elite coaching. Alumni include Olympic medallists Will Satch (Gold Rio 2016, Bronze London 2012 Men's Eight/Pair) and Ben Hunt-Davis (Gold Sydney 2000 Men's Eight). Current and former pupils regularly represent Great Britain at international junior championships. Access to Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake (home to the GB rowing team) and Dorney Lake (Olympic venue) supports elite development. The 2025 boys' eight victory at Henley Royal Regatta underscored the programme's continued strength.
Girls' rowing has expanded significantly since Lucy Walker became the school's first female Rowing Captain (2014-2016). The 2021 girls' crew famously achieved what the boys' team could not, bringing Henley home. The dual-gender pipeline is now established, with girls competing at regional and national level.
Beyond rowing, the school maintains formidable sports provision. Rugby was historically central; the school long participated in "Friday Night Lights," competitive mid-week fixtures hosted by local clubs. The pitch infrastructure has expanded markedly: the Paddocks Pitches, completed in January 2025, now include a full-size artificial pitch (predominantly for hockey but also netball and tennis), a MUGA training pitch for rugby and football, and additional cricket nets.
Hockey is the school's second major sport. The Shiplake College Hockey Club, established in the early 1960s, maintains partnership with Premier League-level Reading Hockey Club and uses both the school's two all-weather AstroTurf pitches (one full-sized, one training) and Reading HC's facilities for fixture expansion. Girls' hockey operates at senior, Lower School, and U13/U14 levels, competing in EHA competitions and local leagues. Boys treat hockey as a spring-term minor sport, though competitive fixtures are scheduled.
Cricket benefits from specialist coaching. The school employs 15 coaches plus cricket professional Chris Ellison, one of only a handful of ECB Level 4 coaches in the country. Berkshire youth teams regularly host home matches at Shiplake due to the facilities' quality. U12 through Senior teams compete in mid-week and weekend fixtures.
Football and tennis are offered as major or minor sports depending on term and year group. A multi-purpose sports centre serves multiple sports, while three large sports fields (Front Field, Phillimore Fields, New Field) maintain high-quality surfaces year-round thanks to full-time dedicated grounds staff.
Multiple sports teams field in each year group, allowing widespread participation rather than elite-only selection. The ethos emphasises representation and development over pure excellence, though excellence does follow from quality provision.
Entry points are normally Year 7 (11+), Year 9 (13+), and Year 12 (16+).
Registration closes in late November. Candidates sit assessments (redesigned in 2024 to blend short online and handwritten tasks, reducing tutoring advantage). A confidential reference is sought from current schools. Successful candidates are invited to an assessment day comprising indoor and outdoor activities in small groups, lunch with current pupils, and an informal interview with senior staff. The admissions office explicitly states the purpose is to identify pupils who will "thrive in Shiplake College's active educational environment," not simply to rank highest scorers. Scholarships are available for Academic, Art, Music, Drama, and Sport achievement, normally carrying 10% fee remission (up to 25% for exceptional candidates). A single 100% All-Rounder scholarship is offered annually to a boy or girl from a state-maintained primary school unable to attend without substantial financial support.
Entry is comparable to Year 7, with similar assessment structures and scholarship opportunities.
Entry requires five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English and Mathematics (exceptions made occasionally). A-level subject choices must be realistic; students cannot enter if foundation requirements are not met. Seventh-Form Rowing Scholarships are available (5-50% discount for exceptional rowers).
The college governors offer means-tested bursaries to eligible families based on financial need and what the pupil "can bring to and gain from the College." Applications require a Bursary Application Form and a home visit from an independent assessment company. Available funds are limited, so early application (before admissions deadlines) is advised.
Recent cohorts record record-high applications. In 2024, the school had 540 pupils (now 537 as of April 2025). The gender integration in Year 7 (44% girls in the initial cohort) was successfully managed, with no observable turbulence.
Every pupil is known by name. Class sizes in the Lower School average 16; individual tutoring occurs where gaps emerge. The pastoral structure comprises form tutors (who know approximately 10-12 pupils intimately), housemasters/mistresses (who oversee 40-60 boarders and day pupils in a house), matrons (present in every boarding house), and the school chaplaincy. Boarding pupils have direct access to night staff; day pupils benefit from an hour of academic support daily (4:45-5:45pm) during which homework support and independent study are facilitated.
Wellbeing initiatives include access to school counsellors, peer support networks, and formal welfare audits. The ISI inspection noted that pupils' knowledge of physical and mental health is "excellent" and their understanding of "how to stay safe" is similarly high. Safeguarding processes are rigorous; the medical wing is staffed, and first-aiders are distributed throughout campus.
The school's approach to behaviour is consistent and fair. House points reward positive conduct; formal sanctions address breaches. Sixth Form pupils take on peer mentor roles with Lower School; leadership structures are genuine (Joint Heads of College, House Captains, etc.) rather than ceremonial.
The school's island, The Lynch, located on the Thames within school grounds, provides adventure base for rafting, camping, and forest school activities. The Paddocks development includes access to rock climbing (via the Davies Centre's two-storey wall), archery (indoor and outdoor facilities), team-building exercises, and canoeing/kayaking. Orienteering, mountain biking, and bushcraft programmes run seasonally. Affiliated memberships with Reading Sailing Club (Sonning) enable sailing tuition and competitive racing.
Pupils in Years 9-13 can undertake Bronze, Silver, or Gold Duke of Edinburgh. The scheme is voluntary but popular. Gold expeditions currently run in Sweden; Silver expeditions are held in Wales and Scotland; participants develop navigation, camping, and wilderness survival skills. The Outdoor Education department, led by Head of Outdoor Education Mrs Marcy Hanlon (recently appointed with RAF Adventurous Training background), oversees expeditions and supports Gold-level participants.
Compulsory for Year 10; optional for Years 11-13 (and optional from Spring Term Year 9). The CCF comprises Army, Navy, and Royal Air Force sections. All cadets participate in shared experiences (Capel Curig week in Wales for adventurous training, Christmas Awards Dinner, Headmaster's Parade). Army cadets use local military training areas; RAF cadets attend flying days at RAF Benson; Navy section utilises the River Thames and Reading Sailing Club. Specialist courses in powerboat training, sailing, paddle sports, and climbing are available to those demonstrating interest.
The co-curricular programme operates on Tuesday and Friday afternoons. Pupils select from a diverse menu:
Fees for 2025-2026 are:
Registration fee: £180 (non-refundable). Acceptance deposit: £1,750 for UK/EU pupils (deducted from first term's fees; £500 credited to second term bill if pupil enrolls).
Fees are inclusive of lunch, supper, and snacks (plus breakfast for boarders); academic lessons and textbooks; sports coaching and laundry (boarders); pastoral support; personal accident insurance; chaplaincy; ICT access; riverside site access; co-curricular activities; school plays and concerts; music rehearsal facilities; transport to matches and curriculum-required trips; careers advice; and house subscriptions.
Additional charges apply for:
Bursaries and scholarships can substantially reduce fees. The Fees in Advance Scheme allows parents to pay a lump sum against future fees and receive a discount (details on website).
Fees data coming soon.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
62.63%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
34.31%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The "inclusive and participation" philosophy means activities are open to all; competitive selection is rare. The Podcast Club, current affairs discussions, and Shiplake Enterprise (social enterprise projects) reflect contemporary concerns. Swimming occurs in the outdoor pool during warmer months.
The campus occupies 63 acres on the Thames banks. Central buildings include Skipwith House (the original Victorian manor, now housing boarding and administrative offices), the Great Hall (assembly and dining), the Goodwin Building (academics), and the Science & Humanities Block.
Specialist facilities include:
The physical plant reflects 65 years of thoughtful development. Victorian character coexists with modern facilities. The riverside location is exceptional, few schools in England offer Thames-bank setting for rowing and outdoor pursuits.
Registration at 8:00am; lessons typically end at 3:20pm for day pupils. Academic support and prep clinics run 4:45-5:45pm daily. Boarding pupils remain on campus; weekend programme includes Saturday morning lessons and fixtures, with Sunday free time.
The school uses Vectare specialist transport management for daily routes and a weekly West London flexi-boarding route. Bookings made through the Vectare system; charges invoiced termly in advance. Occasional taxi transport to Reading Station and for medical appointments available at cost.
The school is situated 2.5 miles upstream from Henley-on-Thames, approximately 40 minutes from Heathrow Airport. Close to major railway (Shiplake railway station on Henley Branch Line, connecting to Twyford and thence to Paddington and Reading) and motorway networks. Easy links to Reading, London, Oxford, and Berkshire.
Standard UK boarding school terms. Calendar available on website.
Co-educational transition remains recent. While successfully integrated, the school's full co-education (all year groups) began in September 2023. Some families may prefer longer-established co-educational traditions; others will appreciate genuine recent commitment to gender balance. Current figures (40% girls Years 7-8, 39% Sixth Form) show healthy integration, and inspection reports note "positive" atmosphere from the first cohort.
Boarding is available from Year 9 only. Families seeking full boarding from Year 7 will need to look elsewhere. Day-only and flexi-boarding options accommodate those with local family support; the full community experience requires Year 9 entry.
Fees are steep. Day fees of £33,750 annually (Years 9-13) and full boarding of £52,500 annually place Shiplake in the mid-to-upper tier of independent school costs. Bursary availability is explicitly limited ("available funds are limited"). Families should assess affordability early and understand that scholarships (typically 10% discount) rarely eliminate costs entirely.
Selective admissions. The school is selective; assessments and interviews determine suitability. The admissions office states pupils must fit Shiplake's "active educational environment", pupils comfortable with structured, participatory learning will thrive; those preferring independent study or quiet environments should visit and assess alignment.
Rowing dominance. The school's elite rowing programme, while genuinely impressive, casts a long shadow. Non-rowers should understand that rowing receives disproportionate resources and cultural attention. All sports and activities are genuinely available to all; rowers are not privileged in pastoral or academic terms.
Competition for Oxbridge is limited. The school's small size means very few pupils secure Oxbridge places annually. Those with Oxbridge aspiration should be aware of this reality and plan accordingly (tutoring, competitive subject choices, extracurricular depth).
Limited diversity (socially). The independent school context and fees naturally limit socioeconomic diversity. Bursaries exist but are means-tested and limited in number. Families prioritising socio-economic mix should factor this carefully.
Shiplake College delivers genuine all-round education: strong academic results (top 25% in England at GCSE, solid sixth form outcomes), leading rowing facilities with Olympic-winning pedigree, excellent pastoral structures, and authentic co-education. The ISI inspection rating of Excellent underscores consistent quality across teaching, achievement, and personal development. The Three Is (Inclusive, Individual, Inspirational) sound corporate-speak until you observe pupils at work, the language genuinely shapes culture.
Best suited to families seeking Thames-side boarding and day school education that balances academic rigour with comprehensive sports, music, drama, and outdoor provision. Families comfortable with selective admissions, willing to invest in boarding or substantial day fees, and drawn to the school's values of inclusive excellence will find exceptional value. The recent co-educational transition is now complete; girls and boys integrate seamlessly. The main limitation is cost and availability of places, both are genuine barriers. For families who can access either day or boarding spots and afford fees (or secure bursary support), Shiplake offers education that prepares students for university, future careers, and meaningful citizenship with demonstrable success.
Yes. Shiplake was rated Excellent by ISI in May 2022 in both achievement and personal development, the highest possible rating under the ISI framework. The 2025 GCSE cohort achieved 34% grades 9-8 and sits in the top 25% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking). At A-level, 63% achieved A*-B. The school consistently outperforms England averages in academic outcomes, and rowing alumni include Olympic medallists. The ISI inspection specifically praised pupils' self-confidence, resilience, and knowledge of wellbeing as excellent.
Day fees for 2025-2026 are £8,875 per term (£26,625 annually) for Years 7-8, and £11,250 per term (£33,750 annually) for Years 9-13. Boarding fees range from £13,775 per term (flexi-boarding, up to 2 nights weekly) to £17,500 per term (full boarding). Additional costs include individual music lessons (£39.60 per lesson), certain co-curricular clubs (£80-£100 per term), and transport. Bursaries are available but funds are limited. Scholarships (typically 10% discount) are awarded for academic, music, art, drama, and sport achievement.
Entry is selective. Candidates sit assessments in English, Mathematics, and Reasoning (redesigned in 2024 to blend online and handwritten tasks). Admissions staff explicitly state the purpose is to identify pupils who will thrive in Shiplake's "active educational environment" rather than simply rank highest scorers. An assessment day includes small-group activities, lunch with pupils, and an interview. References are sought from current schools. The school welcomes "a broad range of academic abilities" but candidates must demonstrate fit with the school's culture of participation and community.
Rowing is the flagship sport, with Olympic-standard facilities (Davies Centre boathouse, ergometers, River Thames access) and leading coaching. Hockey, cricket, rugby, football, and tennis are major sports; basketball, badminton, boxing, clay pigeon shooting, and climbing are also available. Outdoor Education encompasses archery, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, orienteering, and bushcraft. Duke of Edinburgh's Award (Bronze through Gold) is voluntary. The Combined Cadet Force (Army, Navy, RAF sections) is compulsory for Year 10. Co-curricular clubs span art, drama, music, science, debating, cookery, and more. Nearly all activities welcome all-comers; competitive selection is rare.
Exceptional. The John Turner Building houses a recording studio, seven practice rooms, two ensemble classrooms, and a Lecture Theatre. Every pupil in Years 7-8 receives free instrumental tuition (Music for All programme), with most achieving Grade 1 by year-end. Ensembles include Lower School Choir, Orchestra, Shiplake Chorus, Collective (advanced), Big Band, and Covers Band. Annual Shiplake Rocks festival (summer music festival) and regular Lunchtime Concerts provide performance opportunities. Sound Production and Music Composition are offered co-curricularly. Individual lessons in all orchestral instruments, piano, vocal, and drums are available at £39.60 per 35-minute lesson.
Pastoral structures include form tutors (small groups), housemasters/mistresses, matrons in every boarding house, and school chaplaincy. Pupils benefit from one hour of daily academic support (4:45-5:45pm) for homework and independent study. Counsellors are available; peer support networks are active. The ISI inspection rated pupils' understanding of how to stay safe and knowledge of physical and mental health as excellent. Class sizes are small (average 16 in Lower School; 10-12 at GCSE/A-level), enabling personalised attention. No pupil is anonymous.
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