Site Safety at Shiplake

Shiplake College has launched into the new year with a series of enhancement projects across the campus, all designed to improve the quality of facilities and ensure the continued safety and wellbeing of pupils, staff, and visitors.

The first major project of 2026 is now underway at the Goodwin Building, where the ageing glass roof is being replaced with a modern zinc structure incorporating new Velux windows - mirroring the successful upgrade recently completed around the Design & Technology area. The work, led by long‑standing contractors Morris & Blunt, marks a continued investment in creating durable, weather‑resistant, and energy‑efficient spaces across the College. While temporary scaffolding and safety fencing will be in place during the refurbishment, pathways around Goodwin remain accessible, ensuring disruption is kept to a minimum.

In addition to building improvements, Shiplake is trialling new traffic‑management measures on the main drive as part of a wider commitment to campus safety. Temporary traffic-calming bollards have been installed near the Goodwin and Skipwith buildings, along with a new vehicle‑priority system to ease congestion at busy times. Drivers approaching Skipwith now have priority, and vehicles leaving the area are encouraged to exit via the Bursary and Back Drive to help maintain smoother flow around the site. These changes form part of an experimental phase, with the College gathering feedback and observing traffic behaviour before finalising a permanent solution. Pedestrian safety remains a core focus, with continued encouragement for pupils and staff to use designated walkways and crossings. These measures reflect the College’s proactive approach to maintaining a secure and well‑managed campus environment.

Further improvements have also been completed inside the Sports Hall, where a full lighting upgrade has transformed visibility and energy efficiency. The new system offers adjustable brightness settings tailored for different activities - from full illumination for cricket to softer, even lighting suitable for exams and multi‑purpose use. This upgrade not only enhances the experience for pupils during training and fixtures but also ensures that the space remains versatile and fit for a wide range of College events.

These developments demonstrate Shiplake College’s ongoing dedication to maintaining a high‑quality, safe, and forward‑looking campus. By investing in both infrastructure and day‑to‑day safety measures, the College continues to build an environment where our students can thrive - both inside and outside the classroom.