Record numbers at sporty college

SHIPLAKE College starts the 2025/2026 academic year with a record roll of 580, up from 535 the previous year.

Now with girls and boys in Years 7 to 9 and the sixth form, as it continues its journey to be fully co-educational, there is a strong 40 per cent of girls in each of these year groups. With more than 130 Year 12 students — the largest ever in that year group — the new sixth-form centre has been well-timed.

Recent developments include new playing fields for rugby and football, a full-sized artificial pitch for hockey, netball and tennis and 3G training pitch, which together have been a game-changer for sports provision to accommodate the growing numbers.

2025 was a significant year for the college’s boat club, the top boys’ and girls’ crews achieving silver medals at the Schools’ Head of the River, both taking gold at the National Schools’ Regatta and both reaching the finals of Henley Royal Regatta, with the boys’ eight winning the coveted Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup for the first time in the college’s history.

A community that focuses on kindness, personal bests and positive attitudes, every pupil is placed at the heart of Shiplake life and the college’s ethos is underpinned by the three “I”s — Inclusive, Individual and Inspirational.

The setting is beautiful and uplifting but it is the people who provide the magic and create Shiplake’s authentic and unique culture. When you walk through the doors you will be greeted by warm smiles and maybe even some exuberant waggy tails.

Flexi, weekly and full boarding is available from Year 9 and a vibrant boarding community enjoys a programme of evening and weekend activities. Shiplake does not select on the grounds of academic ability alone — applications are welcome from pupils who have the potential to make the most of the wealth of opportunities offered.

Our next open mornings take place on Saturday, September 20 (whole school) and Saturday, October 11 (sixth form). Visit www.shiplake. org.uk visit to book attendance.

Further details about our admissions processes for entry in Year 7, Year 9 and sixth form are available from www.shiplake.org.uk/ admissions.