Prize Giving 2026

It was a wonderful occasion on Tuesday 1 July as pupils, parents, staff, governors, and special guests came together in the Prize Giving Marquee for Shiplake College’s annual Speech Day and Prize Giving ceremony. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on another exceptional year at the College, celebrate individual and collective achievements, and hear from a number of inspiring speakers. 

Opening proceedings, Chairman of Governors Sir David Tanner CBE spoke proudly of the College’s continued success and strong position within the independent sector. Reflecting on another memorable year, he highlighted the achievements of Shiplake’s rowers, including last summer’s historic Henley Royal Regatta victory in the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup, as well as the girls’ success on the water. Sir David also celebrated the College’s excellent inspection outcome earlier this year, noting the inspectors’ recognition of the positive impact that the culture of ambition, discipline, and commitment has across the wider College community. Looking ahead, he reaffirmed the governors’ commitment to Shiplake’s future as a thriving, standalone, fully co-educational school.

The audience then heard from Headmaster Mr Tyrone Howe, whose address reflected on the themes of value, innovation, hard work, and personal growth. Mr Howe praised both pupils and staff for their response to the challenges and opportunities of the year, from the successful inspection to an action-packed Activities Week. He recognised the dedication of teaching and support staff, thanked long-serving colleagues for their service to the College, and paid tribute to departing Deputy Head Academic Mr Paul Jones, who leaves Shiplake after 14 years to become Head of Bethany School.
Throughout his speech, Mr Howe highlighted the importance of character development and the value of effort in an age increasingly shaped by technology and artificial intelligence. While embracing innovation, including the College's new partnership with digital wellbeing platform Fluid Focus, he emphasised that there are no shortcuts to success. Whether in examinations, on the sports field, in music performances, on stage, or through the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, achievement is built on commitment, resilience, and hard work. He concluded with a powerful message to pupils and leavers, encouraging them to make the most of every opportunity, embrace life with purpose, and continue to live "the Shiplake way".

Before the presentation of prizes commenced, the College Chorus delivered a beautiful performance of Lullaby by Billy Joel.

Deputy Head Academic Mr Paul Jones then announced the prize winners, with pupils taking to the stage to receive awards recognising academic achievement, co-curricular excellence, leadership, service, and contributions to the wider College community. Each student took to the stage to shake hands with guest speaker Gyles Brandreth and the Headmaster before receiving their awards. Prizes included academic achievements, Shiplake 7 awards, and a range of special recognitions for contributions to the College community. A complete list of award categories and recipients is available in the ceremony programme.

Following the prize presentations, the audience heard from outgoing Heads of College, Fabienne Fisher and Zachary McConkey. Reflecting on their journeys at Shiplake, both spoke warmly about the opportunities, support, and sense of community that have shaped their experiences. Fabienne encouraged younger pupils to embrace opportunities, even when they feel daunting, highlighting the confidence and friendships that can be gained from saying 'yes'. She reflected on her involvement in sport, leadership, and House events, while stressing the importance of the pastoral support available across the College.
Zach spoke about the lessons Shiplake had taught him over the past five years, particularly the importance of 'buying in' and making the most of every opportunity. Sharing his own story of personal growth, he credited the encouragement of staff and fellow pupils for helping him discover his strengths and develop confidence both in and beyond the classroom.

The ceremony continued with a moving performance of Irish Blessing by the College Camerata, led by Mrs Rapple Moore, before Deputy Head of College Florence Rait introduced this year's guest speaker; writer, broadcaster and former MP, Gyles Brandreth.

In a speech filled with humour, warmth, and memorable anecdotes, Gyles captivated the audience from start to finish. Returning to the College more than five decades after first speaking at a Sixth Form Society dinner in 1972, he reflected on Shiplake's enduring values and the positive impact the school had on his late brother, Ben, who attended the College in the early 1970s. Drawing on encounters with remarkable individuals throughout his life, from Christopher Robin Milne to members of the Royal Family, Gyles shared lessons on the importance of friendship, curiosity, reading, passion, and hard work. His advice to pupils was simple yet powerful: cultivate a passion, stay busy, work hard, and cherish friendships. His address left both pupils and parents entertained, inspired, and with plenty to reflect upon.

Deputy Head of College Angus Mullens formally thanked Gyles on behalf of the Shiplake community, before the ceremony concluded with a stirring rendition of the Welsh hymn Calon Lân by the Man Choir. In a particularly emotional moment, male staff and senior pupils delivered a surprise musical farewell to Mr Paul Jones, marking the end of his hugely successful and much-valued time at the College.

Prize Giving 2026 was a fitting celebration of another outstanding year at Shiplake College. It was an opportunity to recognise excellence, reflect on the year gone by, and look ahead with confidence to the future, while wishing our leavers every success as they embark on the next stage of their journeys.

The full Prize Giving Ceremony, including performances, prizes, and speeches, can be watched below: