Nestled in a stunning riverside setting, this welcoming boarding school combines progressive teaching with a warm, modern spirit — all within an atmosphere steeped in historic charm. It’s a place where every student can feel at home, and for keen rowers and rugby players, it’s nothing short of paradise!
This dreamlike school could easily serve as the backdrop for a Harry Potter chapter. Set on a secure campus in Henley-on-Thames, right on the River Thames – the same river that flows through London – and not far from Oxford, the students dine in an historic hall and enjoy stunning green surroundings by the water.
With its own stretch of river just two and a half miles upstream from the world-famous Henley Royal Regatta course, it’s no surprise the school boasts a thriving and successful boat and rowing club. But it also excels in rugby and the arts, and even offers outdoor education where young people can test their skills at sailing and more.
Akademis makes history – A Triple Award-Winning Consultancy (2023, 2024 & 2025) 🏆
Akademis has been recognised three years in a row by StudyTravel for excellence in the education sector:
2025 & 2024: Winners of the StudyTravel Secondary School Award (Best Western European Agency)
2023: Winner of the StudyTravel Star Award
(Best Western European Agency)
The StudyTravel Awards are among the most prestigious honours in international education, recognising outstanding quality, client focus and trusted partnerships. Being the first consultancy ever to win for three consecutive years is something we are deeply proud of. For us, these awards highlight our commitment to offering the very best guidance, personal service and long-term support for families embarking on this exciting journey.
Quick Overview
Age of pupils: 11–18
Number of pupils: 543
Boarding pupils: 33%
International pupils: 4%
Boarding fees per term (Sixth Form): £17,500
Main sports in addition to traditional team games:
Girls: rowing, hockey, netball, football, cricket, rounders, tennis
Boys: rowing, rugby, football, cricket (also tennis, basketball, and hockey)
Nearest airport: London (45 min)
https://www.shiplake.org.uk
Key Strengths at a Glance
Rowing club directly on the Thames
Diverse outdoor programme
Strong in rugby
Stunning setting
Shiplake College – Photo Highlights
Shiplake College in Detail
Rowing and Rugby
Rowing has a long tradition here: Shiplake is among the best rowing schools in the country, having produced Olympic rowers such as Will Satch and Ben Hunt-Davis. Highlights include the National Schools’ Regatta and the Henley Royal Regatta. In 2024, Shiplake was the only school to qualify in all four junior categories — and even reached one of the finals! The school’s dedicated rugby academy also draws young players from around the world to hone their technique under professional coaches. Beyond rowing and rugby, Shiplake offers a swimming pool, tennis courts, playing fields, a sports hall, and a wide range of other activities. Students can also look forward to a varied and thoughtfully designed weekend programme.
The Arts
We are impressed by the school’s excellent art department, where students can immerse themselves in painting, printmaking, photography, conceptual art, and ceramics. Trips to galleries and museums — both in the UK and abroad — give pupils invaluable opportunities to experience art, craft, and design from diverse cultural perspectives. Musicians are also well catered for. A modern, purpose-built music school in the state-of-the-art John Turner Building houses a fully equipped recording studio, seven practice rooms, two ensemble classrooms, and even a baby grand piano — the perfect stage for recitals and concerts.
Academic Life
Shiplake offers 27 subjects, with popular options including A-Level and BTEC Business, Economics, Criminology, Mathematics, Psychology, Sociology, Photography, Media Studies, and Politics. Innovative teaching methods include extensive use of Microsoft Teams and OneNote in the classroom. The library — called the Thinking Space — is equipped with the latest digital resources. Results are impressive: a full 72% of students achieved A*–B grades in their A-Levels. Many graduates go on to Russell Group, Ivy League, or even Oxbridge universities.
Outdoor Education
If you’re looking for adventure, this is the place. Every Tuesday and Friday afternoon, students have the chance to explore the outdoors, try new activities, and develop skills. The programme features archery, canoeing, mountain biking, climbing, kayaking, sailing, and bouldering. Pupils learn essential climbing skills such as belaying, abseiling, and knot-tying, often put to the test during thrilling excursions. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme — which incorporates several elements of outdoor education — is increasingly popular among Shiplake students.
Shiplake College Fees
Boarding fees are £17,500 per term, or £52,500 per school year.
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Final Thoughts on Shiplake College
Shiplake College is a highly supportive and sporty boarding school with a particular focus on rowing.
Of course, it’s by no means the only boarding school in Britain with a strong academic and sporting offer, including rowing. We would be delighted to help you explore your particular wishes and requirements. Please do get in touch with us — our longstanding relationships with schools mean we can give you authentic, honest advice. Together we’re confident we can find the right boarding school for your child.
We’re also happy to advise you on other schools in England. You’ll find an overview on our Boarding Schools in England page.
Benefit from:
• authentic first-hand insights
• our strong connections with admissions offices
• years of placement experience
• help with visa queries
What Makes Akademis Stand Out?
- We remain your trusted contact throughout your child’s stay, well beyond the placement process.
- We provide support with guardianship, visa applications and recognition of qualifications within the German school system.
- We offer fully tailored advice. Our school recommendations are unique to each child and can run to 40 pages in length.
- Families receive our 30+ page boarding school guide, packed with practical tips and insights.
- We prepare your child thoroughly for entrance exams and interviews to maximise their chances of success.
- We arrange school visits, ensuring you have the opportunity to experience each school first-hand.
Every boarding school has its own character and ethos. Having personally visited more than 100 schools, we understand these nuances. We also work with schools that do not pay commission, ensuring that our advice remains independent and always in the best interest of your child.
Our roots lie in the UK. For years, we have placed 200–300 families annually into British boarding schools. While our portfolio now includes schools beyond Britain, the UK remains at the heart of what we do.
Our tailored approach results in exceptional acceptance rates. For example, in 2022/23, all seven students we placed at the highly selective Malvern College received offers – a 100% success rate.
We arrange for prospective families to speak with our current students to hear first-hand accounts of life at a UK boarding school.
