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
Sixth Form Open Event
This event is geared specifically towards prospective sixth formers to attend just before the application deadline. Open mornings begin with presentations from senior staff and pupils and include a self-guided 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.
Book onto our Sixth Form Open Event on Saturday 19 September 2026
Whole School Open Events
Open mornings begin with presentations from senior staff and pupils and include a self-guided 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.
Book onto our Whole School Open Event on Saturday 10 October 2026
Book onto our Whole School Open Event on Saturday 20 March 2027
Headmaster's Lunches
We host regular Headmaster's lunch events where you can join a small number of other parents for lunch with the Headmaster and other senior staff and then have a tour of the College. These start at noon and end at 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.
Dates for the 2026-27 academic year will be shared here.
If your preferred date is full and you would like to be added to the waiting list, please contact [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 and Year 9 Entry
For either entry point, taster days are in the Autumn Term of pupils' Year 6. From 10.20am 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, 1 December.
- Dates TBC
Taster Days for Year 7 and Year 9: Booking Form
Experience Sixth Form at Shiplake: Year 12 2027
A taster event for applicants to join Year 12 in September 2027 on Tuesday 23 June.
Tasters begin with a welcome address at 10.50am and consist of four lessons and a co-curricular activity session. Pupils should arrive in sports kit. Lunch and snacks are provided. Collection is at 4.30pm.
Experience Sixth Form at Shiplake: Booking Form
Experience Rugby at Shiplake: Year 12 2027 and 2028
A taster event for boys considering joining Year 12 in September 2027 or 2028 on Thursday 22 October.
Arrival is at 8.15am, the day will include skills based training, strength and conditioning, match play, a pool recovery session (weather permitting) and lunch. Collection is at 4.30pm.
Experience Rugby at Shiplake: Booking Form
Should your chosen event be fully booked, please email [email protected] 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].