Boys and girls are invited to apply to join the College post-GCSE in order to pursue further academic qualifications. Sixth Form entry is an increasingly popular option at Shiplake, due to the diverse curriculum options, the huge array of co-curricular opportunities and the inclusive atmosphere at the College.
Our 16+ entry is appealing to pupils from a vast range of backgrounds. For many students, the opportunity to join a fresh and energetic environment has a hugely positive impact on them. All candidates are given equal consideration for places at Shiplake.
Our main 2025 admissions round is complete. If you are interested in a late application, please contact the team on 0118 940 5221.
Our Assessment Days
Registered applicants will be invited to attend an assessment at the College. This usually takes place in November of the year preceding entry (see this year's timeline above).
Our assessment sessions will include a series of numeracy and literacy tasks followed by an interview by a senior member of staff and a group activity.
The purpose of the assessment is to allow our experienced staff to determine whether each candidate would thrive in Shiplake College’s active, educational environment. Whilst academic ability is undoubtedly an important factor, pupils are also assessed on their demeanour, attitude and interpersonal skills.
After the registration deadline has passed in mid-October, applicants will receive an invitation to an assessment day and a confidential reference will also be sought from present and previous schools.
The number of successful applicants can vary, but every effort is made to accommodate pupils who have the potential to make a positive impact on the College as a whole.
Access Arrangements on Assessment Days
In September 2024, we moved to using a combination of short online (typed) and handwritten assessments designed to look at applicants' literacy and numeracy skills.
These tests are designed to provide a clear and broad picture of a pupil's baseline skills and highlight if support needs exist.
The tests are dynamic according to ability in a given skill and timed generously, therefore they negate the need to provide exam concessions.
If, however, a child usually receives exam concessions, parents should let us know and this will be taken into consideration when evaluating the marks. For example, if a pupil usually types all their school work, we will still ask them to handwrite two sections of the assessment so that we have a clear and up-to-date snapshot of that support need. They will type the remaining sections.
Our assessments are intended to show us what pupils can achieve and not what they cannot.
Admissions Process Timeline for External Candidates
Download a printable timeline for 2025 entry here
| Event | Timing |
|---|---|
| Sixth Form Open Morning | Autumn Term of Year 11 |
| Deadline for Registrations and Applications for Scholarships and Bursaries | October of Year 11 |
| References Requested from Current School | November of Year 11 |
| Assessment Days | November of Year 11 |
| Academic, Art, Drama, Music, Rowing and Sports Scholarship Assessments | November of Year 11 |
| Decision Letters Sent | December of Year 11 |
| Deadline for Place Acceptances, Subject Choice Deadline | January of Year 11 |
| Waiting List and Late Applications Considered | February of Year 11 Onwards |
| Welcome Events | Spring and Summer of Year 11 |
Entry Requirements
Any pupil (internal or external) wishing to enter the Sixth Form at Shiplake is expected to have a good history of engagement with their learning, an excellent disciplinary record together with evidence of commitment to wider school life (such as music, drama, sport and volunteering). An offer of a place into Year 12 is conditional upon the candidate achieving a minimum of five good passes at GCSE (including English and mathematics) and a strong performance at GCSE in those subjects they wish to pursue at A Level. Please see our entry requirements for each subject on offer for 2025 entry.
Sixth Form Subject Options
Pupils usually study three subjects at Sixth Form, and details may be found in the guide and videos below. See the subject option blocks for pupils starting Sixth Form in September 2025
Sixth Form Options Guide 2025-2027
Sixth Form Subject Videos for 2025-2027
Registration Form
All external applicants who wish to be considered for Sixth Form entry should complete the online registration below. See timeline for 2025 entry. We have almost filled our places for 2025 now so please discuss your application with Admissions before submitting a registration. The number is 0118 940 5221.
Internal Applications (Current Year 11)
All pupils in our Year 11 at Shiplake College are asked to complete an online Statement of Intent form in October to tell us if they intend to stay on into our Sixth Form. This is sent directly to families by email.
That form, together with a pupil's academic and behavioural records, will provide us with the necessary information to enable your child to embark upon the most appropriate Sixth Form route in order to achieve the success we all seek at the end of Year 13.
Sixth Form Scholarships
Scholarship applications for sixth form 2025 must be submitted by the general registration deadline detailed in the timeline. More information about Sixth Form Scholarships, criteria and a link to the form may be found on the Scholarships page. Please see our Year 12 admissions timeline above for all key dates.
Year 11 Scholars currently at Shiplake will need to re-apply for a Sixth Form Scholarship by the deadline above. Awards are not carried over automatically.
Contact Details
Mrs Esther Pasmore, Admissions Registrar, 0118 940 5221.
Mrs Emma Farrell, Assistant Head (Sixth Form).