Shiplake College

Since 2019, Tyrone Howe. Degree from St Andrews (German and international relations) and master’s in European literature from Oxford. Previously a housemaster at Uppingham, Shiplake is his first headship. Began teaching career at Marlborough before

Pupils (now girls as well as boys) join in year 7 from a mix of prep and state primary schools, and there’s a further intake of around 30 into year 9. A full assessment day covers numeracy and literacy, extended creative writing task and group

Between 15 and 25 per cent leave after GCSEs, replaced by newcomers into sixth form. Forward-thinking careers advisor explores full options, including apprenticeships and entry to job market. Head says: ‘We’re fully aware university is not for

In 2025, 38 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 32 per cent A*/A at A level (60 per cent A*-B).

Tiniest class sizes – maximum 16, mostly 14 – mean individual attention and accelerated progress. ‘It’s what most attracted my family to the school,’ one pupil told us.

At GCSE options of double or triple science. French and Spanish but not Latin

Two full and two part-time SEN staff in several bright and well-equipped rooms. One parent confirmed the school’s reputation for ‘truly excellent provision for SEN – the staff are bulwarks: patient, kind, knowledgeable – brilliant.’ Support available

Two large art studios in spacious eaves of one of the modern buildings. Varied artwork to a fantastic standard, we saw ceramic Amsterdam houses and intricate wire animals (year 8). In one room, industrious sixth formers worked with choice of

With its sweeping riverside location, no surprise rowing has top billing at Shiplake. Pupils (both boys and incoming girls) start in year 9 and specialist training programmes mean success at local, national and international level. A shout out to the

Four clean, well-equipped houses with games, football tables, sofas for TV and hanging out. Separate day and boarding houses (with mix of flexi, boarding and full). A sixth form girls’ house with some en-suite bathrooms (Gilson). Sixth form boys are

Shiplake’s reputation for pastoral care is strong as ever. Broadly CofE (but welcoming and celebrating all faiths), chaplain is bedrock for all. School uses pretty on-site church and all students attend chapel once a week, with communion an option. A

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Students courteous, not just in class, but everywhere between too. Keen to be role models, almost all sixth formers compete to be a prefect, a process which involves writing a letter of application, an interview and an assessment-centre style

Art, drama, music, rowing and general sports scholarships alongside academic awards. All potential scholars interviewed, and academic applicants deliver short presentation on a subject of their choosing. The standard financial remission for a

A modern curriculum jam-packed with events and opportunities, this is a fizzing hive of a school. Shiplake understands that learning takes place out of the comfort zone and its traditional moral foundations help pupils build the confidence to get