Additional Opportunities

Outdoor Activities

Since September 2014, Shiplake College has run a weekly outdoor education program that takes place every Tuesday and Friday across all year groups. Students can try archery, canoeing, mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, and sailing. The climbing component covers bouldering, safety protocols, belaying, abseiling, and knot-tying—skills that often come into play during extracurricular expeditions, which makes the learning both practical and exciting.

Military Training

Shiplake College hosts a Combined Cadet Force that brings together Army, Navy, and RAF sections. Sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, the CCF focuses on developing leadership, responsibility, and resilience among students. Sessions run on Tuesdays and include fitness training, first aid, fieldcraft, navigation, and team exercises.

Each section conducts field exercises every term with overnight stays and tactical drills. The RAF section also arranges flying days and week-long training camps, while the Army uses local military ranges and the Navy works on the River Thames and at Reading Sailing Centre. These activities fully meet the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award criteria.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Shiplake College offers the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program for students in Years 10–13 at three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Participants engage in volunteering, physical activity, and skill-building across areas like the arts, science, technology, music, and cooking.

Bronze and Silver levels receive particular emphasis because they involve demanding expeditions that build teamwork and communication. Gold expeditions include living in field conditions. Universities and employers highly value these accomplishments.

Summer Camps at Shiplake College

Shiplake College runs several summer camps, including rowing camps that welcome over 50 students per week with access to the college’s fleet, boathouse, and professional coaches for Years 9–13. Creative camps are also available—four-day sessions for Years 6–9 and two-day programs for Years 10–11, with access to art studios and expert instructors. Finally, students in Years 5–8 can join multi-sport options that feature football, netball, rounders, cricket, tennis, hockey, swimming, and basketball, along with team games and evening activities for Years 6–7.