Founded in 1959, it occupies a very attractive site on the north bank of the Thames, 2½ miles upstream from Henley. It is based on the historic Shiplake Court, around which first-rate facilities and comfortable accommodation have been created, including a new upper sixth house. Assemblies and services take place in the adjoining 12th-century village church. There is a broad academic mix of pupils, of whom almost all proceed to degree courses. Girls have been admitted to the sixth form since 1998 (as boarders since 2006). The school aims to allow pupils to develop their own potential and confidence and their individual talents. It is strong in art, public-speaking, debating, drama and music. There is a very good record in sports (especially rugby and rowing), with many representatives at national and county level. Sport or games is compulsory four afternoons a week. CCF is voluntary and there is emphasis on outdoor pursuits and adventure training (expeditions to Kenya and Iceland). About 25 minor extra-curricular activities available. Considerable participation in local community schemes and an impressive record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Age range 11-18; 333 pupils, 102 day (83 boys, 19 girls), 231 boarding (220 boys, 11 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Entry by assesment and interview with the Headmaster; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSE passes, at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). Church of England school but other denominations and religions welcomed. State school entry, majority of intake at 11 and 25% main intake at 13. Feeder schools include Crosfields, Davenies, Beacon, Moulsford, St Piran's.
4-6 pa scholarships, value 10% of fees: 2 academic, 1 sport, 1 art, 2 music (awarded at 13 and 16). Bursaries available. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
40+% live within 30 miles, up to 10% live overseas.
Headmaster: A G S Davies, in post from 2004. Educated at Shrewsbury and St Andrews University (physiology). Previously Deputy Headmaster at Fettes (and Acting Head of the Prep School), and taught at Haberdashers' Aske's. Teaching staff: 46 full time, 10 part time. Annual turnover 10%. Average age 35.
Most sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course. Others typically go on to non-degree courses (HND, business studies, agriculture, A-level retakes) or straight into careers.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 20 exam subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 25% take science A-levels; 35% arts/humanities; 40% both. Vocational: Work experience encouraged. Special provision: Up to 24 dyslexic pupils accepted each year; specialist tuition available within Learning Development Centre. Languages: French and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Many pupils take ECDL; GCSE, AS and A-level also offered. Well-resourced computing facilities for pupil use (access 14+ hours a day, including from studies in boarding housees); all computers networked and with email and internet access. Many pupils have their own computers.
Music: Many pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include band, wind, string, choral, orchestra. Drama: Part of the curriculum and as extra-curricular activity. GCSE and A-level theatre studies offered. The Mad Dogs Drama Company run at least 4 major productions a year; annual drama festival. Art and design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 15 A-level. Art, design and technology are very strong.
Sport: Rowing, rugby, hockey, cricket, tennis, squash, netball, aerobics, sailing, cross-country, athletics, soccer, badminton, basketball, golf offered. 4-8 county rugby players each year. Activities: Pupils take silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF voluntary from age 14. Clubs include geography, history, literary, IT, sixth-form society, Young Enterprise.
Uniform: School uniform worn; strict dress code in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head of college, senior girl, head of house and house prefects - appointed by housemasters and Headmaster. Religion: Church of England. Regular services. Social: Conferences, composite crews for national/international regattas, debates, drama and dances with local schools. Annual expeditions, eg art and French trip to Paris, skiing trip to Alps, geography trip to Iceland, regular sports tours to Europe and Barbados; 40% of pupils go on trip or expedition in holidays. Meals self-service. School shop.
A staged referral system operates, with different levels of intervention depending on seriousness and frequency of offence. There is a positive approach which rewards good behaviour. Pupils failing to produce prep attend a daily academic work session; there is a Saturday detention for misbehaviour. Serious incidents are dealt with in accordance with college policies.
20% have own study bedroom, 30% share with 1 or 2; 10% are in dormitories of 4+. Houses of 60, same as competitive houses, with separate upper sixth and girls' houses. Resident qualified nurse. Central dining room. Minimum of 2 exeat weekends each term. Occasional visits to local town allowed, weekly for seniors.
is run by Mr M Edwards, c/o the college.
Ben Hunt-Davies (gold medal Olympic rower); Nick Jones (proprietor of Soho House); Alex Pettyfer (actor); Tobias Weeks (property developer); Andre Klein (sports manager).
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