Universities

Career Support

The careers department is housed within the Marjorie White building, where dedicated professionals assist pupils in determining their professional trajectory and preparing for higher education entry. A collection of informational materials, including brochures, prospectuses, and posters, is available to guide students through various academic and vocational pathways accessible to them. Stages of Career Education

Throughout their time at Shiplake College, students experience a well-organized educational pathway divided by year level. In Year 9, pupils are familiarized with the careers department and sign up for Unifrog as part of their PSHEE curriculum. During Year 10, professional discussions and advisory sessions occur through SPW Careers and MyFutureChoice platforms, incorporating questionnaires and meetings with consultants. Year 11 students participate in dedicated career sessions, personal consultations with school leadership, and visit the Ascot Leavers’ Fair to discover professional possibilities and work experience opportunities. Students in Years 12 and 13 have regular weekly sessions focused on developing CVs and application letters, taking aptitude assessments, and engaging in Futures Week alongside Work Experience Week.

Additional Opportunities at Shiplake College

The school fully incorporates all eight Gatsby Benchmarks, guaranteeing thorough professional guidance and individual mentoring. Each March, the institution organizes National Careers Week, which includes professional discussions during regular classes, a dedicated off-timetable session for Year 12 with presentations from various industries and Speed Networking activities, as well as an excursion to a nearby university. Year 12 pupils also undertake a week-long workplace placement, acquiring practical, real-world experience.

University Admission

Preparation for university applications commences significantly ahead of graduation. During the summer preceding Year 13, students develop their personal statements, subsequently concentrating on completing UCAS submissions in the autumn term with an early November cutoff date. The spring semester redirects focus toward securing internships, finding employment, and enhancing CV-composition abilities for those pursuing alternatives to traditional university routes.

Graduate Achievements

More than 90% of Shiplake College alumni continue to higher education, selecting varied disciplines including dentistry, physics, medicine, and economics. In the previous year, 93% of candidates obtained positions at either their primary or secondary preference institutions, with 52% gaining admission to top-40 establishments, including seven individuals who secured spots within the top 10. Additionally, 41% of graduates were accepted into Russell Group universities. Frequently chosen destinations feature Cardiff and Exeter, alongside Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, and Princeton.