Shiplake College
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, South East · RG9 4BW
Set beside the Thames at Henley, Shiplake College is a Church of England independent school that educates around 580 boys and girls from 11 to 18, with a substantial sixth form of 240. Boarding sits at the heart of its character, and a generous pupil-to-teacher ratio of about seven supports close attention to each child. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent overall, and notably awarded the same grade for personal development, suggesting pastoral care and individual growth are real strengths. A striking 56 per cent of pupils receive SEN support, pointing to a community that is set up to nurture a wide range of learners rather than a narrow academic intake.
580
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£33,750
Day fees / yr
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 11-18
- Pupils
- 580
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 7
- Location
- Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, South East
- Website
- www.shiplake.org.uk
- Telephone
- 01189 402455
Entrance & admissions
- Entry age
- 11
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Headteacher
Headmaster Mr Tyrone Howe
Latest results
Attainment 8
31.5
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
0%
National average 47%
GCSE grade 9-7
38%
A-level A*-A
32%
A-level A*-B
60%
Teaching & academics
Headline results sit below national averages, with an Attainment 8 score of 31.5 against 46.9 nationally and a strong cohort achieving grades 9-7 at GCSE alongside others who need more support. At A-level, 32 per cent of grades fall in the A*-A band and 60 per cent at A*-B, with sciences, social sciences and creative subjects all popular. The breadth of provision is worth noting: alongside GCSEs and A-levels the school offers BTEC and the EPQ, allowing pupils to follow academic or more vocational routes according to their strengths.
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 240
Popular A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 56.24%
- EHC plans
- 1.3%
Arts & extracurricular
Scholarships
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Sport
Main sports
Beyond the classroom
Sport is a defining feature, and rowing in particular fits the riverside setting, sitting alongside rugby, football, hockey, cricket, netball and tennis. Scholarships span academic, art, drama and music as well as rowing and general sport, signalling where pupils can earn recognition. Drama, music and design and technology feature prominently across the curriculum, giving creative pupils plenty of scope.
Ethos & heritage
- Religious character
- C of E
- Boarding
- Yes
Mobile phone policy
Pupils hand in phones between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday. Boarders in years 9-11 hand in phones at bedtimes and receive them between 7am-8am. Years 12-13 allowed phones overnight. WiFi monitored and switched off at night.
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £26,625 - £33,750
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £41,325 - £52,500
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 9 September 2025
The last word
A riverside boarding school that plays to its strengths in sport and pastoral care, and one that suits families seeking individual attention and a broad mix of academic and vocational routes.
The Passmate verdict
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Shiplake College 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Shiplake College located?
Shiplake College is located at Shiplake Court, Shiplake, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 4BW.
What type of school is Shiplake College?
Shiplake College is an independent (fee-paying) school in South East.
How many pupils attend Shiplake College?
Shiplake College has approximately 580 pupils on roll.
What is Shiplake College's inspection rating?
Shiplake College is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 9 September 2025.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.