Shiplake College Admissions Information

The majority of pupils join Shiplake at 11+, 13+ or 16+ but occasionally places do arise in other year groups. The Registrar holds a waiting list for such places and is happy to discuss availability with parents.

Shiplake College welcomes applications from pupils who have the potential to make the most of the opportunities that Shiplake can offer and who will in turn make a positive contribution to the life of the College.

Information about Shiplake can be found in the prospectus and on the College website. The prospectus can be obtained by telephoning the school office or submitting a prospectus request form through the website.

Open Days for prospective parents are regularly held at the College and parents are advised to attend one of these Open Days if at all possible. The Open Days take place on a Saturday morning and usually consist of a short talk by the Headmaster, the opportunity to meet staff members and a guided tour of the College with a current pupil. Alternatively, it is possible to arrange a morning visit during the week with the opportunity to meet the Headmaster.

Following the Open Day or initial visit, parents who are interested in applying for a place at Shiplake should complete the Registration Form and return it to the College with the non-returnable entrance fee of £75. This will ensure that your son is considered for a place at Shiplake College although at this stage there is no guarantee that a place will be available.

Following the annual admissions round Shiplake College offers Guaranteed Places. Once an offer has been made it is advisable to accept the place at the earliest opportunity. To confirm a place, the Shiplake College Entry Form and deposit must be returned to the school.

Boys at 11+ (Year 7)

Boys applying for places at 11+ will be invited to attend an assessment day at the College. They will take short English, Mathematics and Reasoning tests and participate in a variety of activities during the afternoon. A confidential report will also be sought from the boy's present school. Prior to the assessment day your son will need to attend an interview at the College. Interviews will be held with the Headmaster and the Head of Lower School.

Further details of the admissions process, including the relevant dates for applications and offers of place are available from the Registrar.

Boys at 13+ (Year 9)

All boys applying to Shiplake for entry in Year 9 attend an interview day as part of the admissions process. Boys are interviewed by the Headmaster and a Housemaster during the course of the day and will also sit short tests in English and Mathematics. A confidential report will be sought from the current school.

For Learning Development places there is a separate assessment process. Details of this are available from the Registrar.

Boys and Girls at 16+ (Year 12)

Applications are invited from those interested in joining the thriving Sixth Form at Shiplake College. Boys and girls are welcome to apply for either day or boarding places.

Prospective candidates for the Sixth Form must expect to gain at least five GCSE passes at grade C or above, including English and Maths.

Please contact the Registrar for further details.