Shiplake College: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• Location: Shiplake Court, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 4BW
• School Type: Independent co-educational day and boarding school
• Age Range: Boys 11-18, Girls 16-18 (transitioning to full co-education)
• Pupil Numbers: Approximately 540 students
• Headmaster: Mr Tyrone Howe
• Fees: Day £7,400-£9,410 per term, Boarding £11,520-£14,665 per term
• Contact: +44 118 940 2455

About Shiplake College

Established in 1959, Shiplake College occupies a stunning riverside location near Henley-on-Thames, offering pupils an exceptional educational environment with views across the Thames Valley. The school has undergone a significant transformation, transitioning to full co-education in 2023 by welcoming girls into Year 7 for the first time, marking a progressive step in its educational evolution.

Shiplake College has built a formidable reputation for its sporting excellence, particularly in rowing and rugby. The school's proximity to the Thames provides unparalleled opportunities for rowing, with many pupils going on to represent their universities and even national teams. This sporting heritage combines with strong academic provision to create a distinctive educational offering.

The school's Church of England foundation underpins a values-based education that emphasises character development alongside academic achievement. With approximately 540 pupils, Shiplake maintains an intimate community feel whilst offering the full breadth of opportunities expected from a leading independent school. The school's ethos focuses on developing confident, well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of higher education and beyond.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Shiplake College

Shiplake College employs a comprehensive assessment process for Year 7 entry, designed to identify pupils who will thrive in the school's academic and co-curricular environment. The assessment encompasses several key areas:

Assessment Components

• Mathematics: Comprehensive evaluation of numerical understanding, problem-solving abilities, and mathematical reasoning appropriate for Year 7 entry
• English: Assessment of reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and creative writing skills
• Verbal Reasoning: Testing logical thinking, language understanding, and analytical abilities
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Evaluation of spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and abstract thinking

Assessment Format

The school conducts assessments in a supportive environment, recognising that pupils perform best when comfortable. For international applicants or those unable to attend in person, the school offers flexible arrangements including video call assessments, demonstrating their commitment to accessible admissions.

The assessment process is designed to identify potential rather than simply current attainment, allowing the school to recognise pupils who will benefit from Shiplake's supportive yet challenging educational approach.

How to Apply

The application process for Shiplake College requires careful planning and early submission due to limited places available each year:

Application Steps

• Initial Application: Complete the online application form available on the school's website, providing comprehensive information about your child's academic and extracurricular achievements
• Supporting Documentation: Submit recent school reports, references, and any relevant certificates or awards
• Assessment Day: Attend the scheduled assessment day for entrance examinations in core subjects
• Interview Process: Participate in interviews with senior staff members to discuss your child's interests, aspirations, and suitability for the school community
• Offer Decision: Successful candidates receive formal offer letters outlining terms and next steps

Key Dates and Deadlines

Applications for Year 7 entry should be submitted well in advance, with the school recommending early registration to secure assessment places. The admissions team provides clear guidance on timelines and can accommodate specific circumstances where needed.

Preparing for the Shiplake College 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Shiplake College 11+ usually come to us a year or so before the assessment, though shorter runs work where the foundations are already sound. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors build each programme around the format the school actually uses, whether a written paper, an online pre-test, an interview or a combination of them.

More than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status and around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, so the preparation is led by people who know how selective schools assess. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.