Sport

The Role of Sport in Student Life

Sport sits at the heart of life at Shiplake College. Expansive green lawns and modern facilities allow every student to participate in daily training and games. The college’s teams compete at both local and international levels, giving pupils opportunities for cultural exchange while developing their athletic abilities across various disciplines.

The Art of Rowing

The college runs a rowing club on the banks of the Thames that has earned national recognition. Its alumni have represented Great Britain on the international stage, including at the Olympic Games. Around 140 members participate in races and regattas—in 2022 alone, 35 Shiplake students successfully qualified for the Henley Royal Regatta.

The club operates from the Davies Centre, which houses a fleet of boats, ergometers, and a gym. Training takes place around Henley and at the Olympic rowing course at Dorney Lake. Boys begin rowing in Year 9, while girls primarily compete in fours.

Rugby Traditions at the School

Shiplake College takes pride in its rugby heritage, regularly fielding 15 teams each year. The program develops both individual skills and team spirit, with graduates moving on to professional clubs and national age-group squads. Rugby dominates the autumn term, with matches against schools from several counties. The college runs A, B, and C teams alongside development squads, plus touch rugby for different age groups. The annual Friday Night Lights evening at Henley Club has become a highlight of the season.

Football at Shiplake College

Football has grown increasingly popular at the school, becoming a major spring term sport. After Christmas holidays, students choose between football and hockey. The college fields multiple teams, providing competitive opportunities for all abilities. Football also serves as an additional option for those already committed to other sporting disciplines throughout the year.

Hockey

The hockey club has a long history and maintains strong ties with Reading club. For girls, hockey is the main autumn term sport, with teams competing in local leagues. Boys train and play from January through April under professional coaches on an artificial surface pitch that meets competition standards.

Cricket

Cricket enjoys tremendous popularity—over 150 pupils participate across nine teams during the summer term. Shiplake College boasts excellent cricket pitches, pavilions, and indoor nets. A partnership with Performance Cricket ensures year-round coaching, while a busy fixture schedule and participation in regional competitions strengthen the college’s standing in the sport.

Sport for Girls

Girls at Shiplake College actively participate in hockey, netball, and rowing, competing against local schools. The college offers them a diverse range of sports, including tennis, running, and fitness programs. Girls have access to a gym, yoga, Pilates, and Zumba sessions designed to build lifelong habits around physical activity and wellbeing.