Bucks &amp; Oxon

<p>Shiplake has always been a great but small school. Now it has the bonus of young ladies and a great staff. Happy boys = Happy parents = Happy Staff = repeat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/Shiplake-College-September-2023-Navy-Studios-School-Photography-137of371.jpg" alt="Shiplake College Henley review" class="wp-image-167589" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/Shiplake-College-September-2023-Navy-Studios-School-Photography-137of371.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/Shiplake-College-September-2023-Navy-Studios-School-Photography-137of371-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/Shiplake-College-September-2023-Navy-Studios-School-Photography-137of371-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Nestled on the River Thames, just a couple of miles upstream from Henley, <a href="https://www.shiplake.org.uk?utm_source=muddy&amp;utm_medium=onlinereview&amp;utm_campaign=muddystilettos&amp;utm_id=muddy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shiplake College</a> is a thriving day and boarding school that’s now all but fully co-ed. Having welcomed its first mixed Y7 in 2023 (joining the already established co-ed Sixth Form), September 2025 sees 40% girls in Y7–Y9 and Y12–Y13. The roll has grown from 536 last year to 585 pupils this autumn – clearly the riverside life is in demand.</p>



<p>The campus sprawls across 63 acres of prime Oxfordshire countryside, marrying a red-brick Victorian mansion (with an impressively grand Great Hall) and slick modern additions like the 2020-built Davies Centre boathouse and gym. Shiplake takes a ‘holistic’ approach to admissions – they want the full package: character, potential, and what the school can offer in return, not just grades.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FACILITIES</h2>



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sports">SPORTS</h4>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Shiplake College Drone Fly-Through" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vrpDFTlZGiM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p>Click through the school’s glossy YouTube tour and you’ll see the showstopper: its glorious stretch of river, home to the UK’s No.1 co-educational rowing programme. Crews have been smashing records – in 2025 both the boys’ and girls’ eights took gold at the National Schools’ Regatta (the first school ever to achieve this double), both crews made the finals at Henley Royal Regatta, and the boys bagged the College’s first HRR victory (the girls quad did it first back in 2021). With GB athletes on the alumni list and Director of Rowing Dave Currie coaching junior GB squads, the water here is practically medal-infused.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="660" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/Shiplake-Henley-Royal-Regatta-2025-Winners45.jpg.jpeg" alt="Shiplake Henley Royal Regatta 2025 Winners" class="wp-image-193910" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/Shiplake-Henley-Royal-Regatta-2025-Winners45.jpg.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/Shiplake-Henley-Royal-Regatta-2025-Winners45.jpg-800x528.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/Shiplake-Henley-Royal-Regatta-2025-Winners45.jpg-400x264.jpeg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The Davies Centre houses more than boats – think 30 river-facing ergo machines, indoor archery and rifle ranges, and a two-storey climbing wall. Beyond the river, there’s a newly opened 3G pitch, seven new sports fields (2024), a brand new full-size astro (an addition to the mini astro already there), cricket pavilion, heated outdoor pool, and sports hall. Girls’ main sports are hockey, netball, cricket, football and rowing; boys major on rugby, football, cricket and – you guessed it – rowing. Plus yoga, basketball, run club and support for pursuits like horse riding.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arts">ARTS</h4>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="660" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/SHIPLAKE-ART.jpeg" alt="SHIPLAKE ART student" class="wp-image-193911" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/SHIPLAKE-ART.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/SHIPLAKE-ART-800x528.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/SHIPLAKE-ART-400x264.jpeg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It’s not all sweat and splashing – Shiplake’s arts scene is strong. The John Turner Building houses a recording studio, airy art rooms and practice spaces, plus the Thinking Space in the library for a calm, Google-inspired moment of reflection. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="660" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/Shiplake-College-Drama.jpg.jpeg" alt="Shiplake College Drama.jpg" class="wp-image-193912" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/Shiplake-College-Drama.jpg.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/Shiplake-College-Drama.jpg-800x528.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/Shiplake-College-Drama.jpg-400x264.jpeg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Drama takes place in the intimate Grade II-listed Tithe Barn Theatre, recently given a lighting upgrade, while large-scale productions (<em>Joseph</em>, <em>My Fair Lady</em>) head to Henley Theatre. September 2025 also saw the opening of a dedicated Sixth Form Centre for its record 245 students, alongside the stylish Marjorie’s Café and a 140-seat lecture theatre (complete with baby grand).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ACADEMICS</h2>



<p>Selective but all-ability, Shiplake prioritises the development of the ‘whole child’ over chasing league table supremacy. Results are impressive nonetheless: 2025 A levels hit 82% A*–C, with GCSEs showing a steady climb on previous years – 38% grades 7+, 64% 6+, and 95% 4+. BTECs remain on offer for a more hands-on route.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral-amp-send">PASTORAL &amp; SEND</h2>



<p>Shiplake takes inclusion and wellbeing seriously – not in a glossy-brochure way but in a boots-on-the-ground, every-child-counts way. Staff make it their business to really know each pupil, so support is personal rather than one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s building confidence, tackling tricky concepts or simply being a friendly face to turn to, the ethos here is that no one slips through the net.</p>



<p>The dedicated Learning Development (LDev) Department focuses mainly on SpLD, particularly Dyslexia. Spaces are limited for pupils receiving separate small-group lessons (at an additional fee), but collaboration with teachers across all departments ensures SEND pupils who don’t meet the LDev threshold are still well supported in class.</p>



<p>Pastoral care is woven into daily life. The Lower School (Y7–Y8) is a particular hotbed of wraparound care, but every year group has a Housemaster/Housemistress and a team of tutors and Pastoral Leaders watching over academic progress, co-curricular balance and wellbeing. Departments also run extra academic drop-ins whenever needed, so pupils never feel left behind.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE HEAD</h2>



<p>Since 2019, Headmaster Tyrone Howe – former Ireland and British &amp; Irish Lions rugby international, Sky Sports pundit, and all-round ball of energy – has steered Shiplake with a firm hand and a twinkle in his eye. Arriving via Uppingham and Marlborough College, he’s thrown himself into the school’s ‘3Is’ (inclusive, individual, inspirational), championing kindness and urging pupils to bring “a bit of magic” to every day. Charismatic and sport-mad, he’s overseen the smooth co-ed transition while subtly sharpening the school’s edge – the sort of leader who can fire up a first XV and charm a room of prospective parents before breakfast.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BOARDING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/Shiplake-College-Oct-2023-Navy-Studios-School-Photography-096of338.jpg" alt="Shiplake boarding" class="wp-image-167377" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/Shiplake-College-Oct-2023-Navy-Studios-School-Photography-096of338.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/Shiplake-College-Oct-2023-Navy-Studios-School-Photography-096of338-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/Shiplake-College-Oct-2023-Navy-Studios-School-Photography-096of338-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Four houses cater for full, weekly, and flexi-boarders (including overnight stays), with separate Junior (Y9-Y11) and Sixth Form (Y12-Y13) houses for boys and girls. Around 4% of pupils are international. Accommodation is homely and functional – think comfort over couture.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">QUIRKS</h2>



<p>Dog lover? You’ll fit right in – around 30 staff dogs roam the campus. </p>



<p>Every Y7–Y8 pupil gets free orchestral instrument lessons and is drafted straight into the orchestra. </p>



<p>Outdoor Education is big here from Y7, which includes use of the new climbing wall,&nbsp;while Duke of Edinburgh and Combined Cadet Force (CCF) are introduced from Y9.</p>



<p>The Thinking Space in the library is quite ‘out there’ – inspired by&nbsp;companies such as Google and Innocent,&nbsp;and based on the idea that&nbsp;creative spaces help to encourage creative thought and includes ‘flow’ and ‘green’ rooms to encourage collaboration or quiet focus.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isi-report">ISI REPORT</h2>



<p>Shiplake College was last inspected in 2022, the College achieved full compliance and the top category of &#8216;excellent&#8217; in both Achievement and the Personal Development of the pupils. You can read that report <a href="https://www.isi.net/institutions/school/shiplake-college-6894" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobile-phone-policy">MOBILE PHONE POLICY</h2>



<p>In a world where teens seem surgically attached to their mobiles, Shiplake takes a refreshingly old-school approach – no scrolling, snapping or sneaky TikToks during the day. All pupils (yes, even day pupils) hand in their phones between 8am and 6pm. The idea is to boost face-to-face chatter and cut out classroom distractions. Boarders surrender their devices again at bedtime, with phones returned just before morning check. Prefects get a hall pass for discreet, school-business use – but no one’s racking up Instagram likes during double maths.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transport">TRANSPORT</h2>



<p>Shiplake’s rural charm belies its excellent accessibility. It’s just 3 miles from Henley‑on‑Thames and 5 from Reading, with the M4 and M40 nearby – 20 mins to Reading station and 40 mins to Heathrow airport.</p>



<p>Shiplake’s bus network now spans&nbsp;13 weekday routes, including coverage of Beaconsfield, Marlow, Maidenhead, Cookham, Henley–Shiplake, and a dedicated West London route for weekly boarders. For Sept 2025,&nbsp;new routes&nbsp;have been added from Princes Risborough, Sutton Courtenay, Pangbourne, and even a&nbsp;shuttle to Shiplake train station.</p>



<p>Reading Buses route 28/28A stops right outside the college, connecting to Henley and Reading. Trains to Shiplake, Henley, or Reading are options depending on your location&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shiplake.org.uk/key-information/school-transport?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FEES</h2>



<p>Comparable to other top independents: Day £8,875–£11,250 per term (lunch and supper included), Flexi (up to 2 nights) £13,775, Weekly £15,750, Full £17,500. Choking on your cornflakes? If you can’t afford the fees there is (means-tested) financial assistance available and also one <a href="https://www.shiplake.org.uk?utm_source=muddy&amp;utm_medium=onlinereview&amp;utm_campaign=muddystilettos&amp;utm_id=muddy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">100% scholarship</a> for an exceptional Y7, aimed at girls or boys from a state primary. Check out the website for the admissions timelines, including the deadlines for registering, for entry at Y7, Y9 and Y12. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="660" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/SHIPLAKE-COLLEGE-Aerial-View.jpg.jpeg" alt="Shiplake College aerial view" class="wp-image-193933" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/SHIPLAKE-COLLEGE-Aerial-View.jpg.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/SHIPLAKE-COLLEGE-Aerial-View.jpg-800x528.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/SHIPLAKE-COLLEGE-Aerial-View.jpg-400x264.jpeg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Shiplake’s stock is on the rise. Pupils describe it as friendly and inclusive, and staff are approachable. Sixth Formers would like a little more freedom (what teenager wouldn’t?), but there’s a culture of tackling issues head-on rather than burying them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR:</strong>&nbsp;Join-in-all types who thrive in small classes (15–16 at GCSE), rowers (obviously), and those after a sporty, all-round education with a solid arts backbone. Co-ed numbers are healthy and growing.</p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR:&nbsp;</strong>Parents seeking a hothouse of academic super-brains; those wedded to strictly traditional teaching methods.</p>



<p><strong>WANT TO SEE FOR YOURSELF? </strong>The next Open Morning is<strong> Sat 21 March </strong>– <a href="https://shiplakecollege.wufoo.com/forms/w1yw87yg0usv2h8/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">register here</a>.  </p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.shiplake.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shiplake College</a>, Shiplake, Henley, Oxfordshire RG9 4BW. Tel:0118 940 2455</em>.</p>


Shiplake College, nr Henley

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