We love welcoming visitors to the College to experience our beautiful environment and wonderful people and there are lots of opportunities to do this. We recommend that prospective parents and pupils join an Open Event for your initial visit (as long as timescales allow) but there are other events, formal and informal, which enable you to get to know us.
Open Events
Whole School Open Events
Open mornings begin with presentations from senior staff and pupils and include a tour of the College with opportunities to speak with staff and pupils in every department and facility. These events start at 9.00am and we would expect your visit to be concluded by midday. Confirmation of exact timings will be sent to attendees shortly before the event.
Book onto our whole School Open Event on Saturday 20 September 2025
Book onto our whole School Open Event on Saturday 21 March 2026
Sixth Form Open Event
These events also run from 9.00am until midday but are geared specifically towards prospective sixth formers to attend just before the application deadline.
Headmaster's Lunches
We host regular Headmaster's lunch events where you can join a small number of other parents for a sit-down lunch with the Headmaster and other senior staff and then have a tour of the College. Events start promptly at midday and are usually finished by around 1.30pm. Bookings are taken on a first come, first served basis and these events have proved very popular so early booking is advised.
Headmaster's Lunch: Parents of pupils looking for Year 7 2026 entry
- Friday 26 September 2025
- Thursday 2 October 2025
- Friday 17 October 2025
- Friday 28 November 2025
If your preferred date is full and you would like to be added to the waiting list, please contact Hayley Young on [email protected].
Individual Visits
After attending an Open Event, you may wish to see the school in operation on a week day and/or to talk to senior staff in more detail. Please contact the Admissions Team to discuss your requirements and arrange a suitable date. Telephone 0118 970 4764 or email [email protected]
Taster Events
The College holds free taster events and workshops for pupils considering joining Shiplake. Pupils need not be formally registered with us in order to book onto one of these days. Booking forms will be available on this page as dates are confirmed.
Taster Days: Year 7 2026
For pupils who will be in Year 6 from September 2025. From 10.30am to 3.15pm.
Taster Days begin with a welcome from the Headmaster at 10.30am and consist of three lessons and a sports session. Lunch and snacks are provided. These events are ahead of the registration deadline for this cohort, Monday 1 December.
- Thursday 25 September
- Friday 3 October
- Tuesday 7 October
- Friday 21 November
Taster Days for Year 7 2026: Booking Form
Should your chosen event be fully booked, please email Mrs Hayley Young to be added to the waiting list.
Speak to Current Parents
We think that Shiplake College is a special place, but why not find out what parents of our current pupils think?
The Admissions Team can put you in touch with other parents so that you can ask the questions they are better placed to answer or just to find out more about their experience of the school. Email [email protected].