Opportunities galore for girls in Shiplake College sixth form

SHIPLAKE College is a boarding and day school for boys aged 11-18, with girls joining in the sixth form.

The thoughtfully-designed Gilson House is a welcoming base for the sixth-form girls who soon make the most of the college’s broad extracurricular programme including concerts, drama, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and a dedicated programme of sport and activities for girls.

Girls settle in quickly and every year a number are part of the Year 12 Peer Support Group or serve as prefects in Year 13, gaining hands-on leadership and management experience.

Head of Gilson House, Suzy Andrew, says: “Our aim is to include and respect everyone and treat each other with mutual respect. House staff work together to offer a secure and caring environment in which each girl can develop as an individual, foster her ability to work within a team and feel valued within the college community. We are committed to making the girls’ time here happy and comfortable so that each one feels confident and secure in her surroundings and relationships, allowing academic work to flourish whilst her personality develops.”

Sissi Pongratz (head of house) added: “I like Shiplake because there is always someone who is there to help you. It is one big family.”

The co-educational sixth form environment, along with private study rooms, laundry, kitchen and social areas, helps bridge the gap between school and university or work.

There is a sixth form open morning on Saturday, October 12. For more details, visit www.shiplake.org.uk to book or contact the registrar, Rebecca Tocknell, by calling 0118 940 2455.