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Original poster

Choosing between Shiplake and Reading Blue coats - can I have your feedback please

39 replies

Roxy_Art · 02/05/2023 13:37

I am choosing between Shiplake and Reading Blue Coats for my girl for the Y7 entry. Could you please provide your feedback/share your thoughts on school if your child goes to any of those schools? My girl loves English, reading, and science and is also sporty (martial arts and horseriding) and artistic (painting). I heard that Shiplake is not very academic, but I really liked the school. Any other suggestions on co-education independent schools around Marlow/Henley/Reading are welcome. Many thanks in advance!

OP posts:
Anonymous1234567880 · 01/07/2023 07:54

I teach in the area and I have never heard anything negative about St Josephs, Leighton Park or Shiplake. Everyone I know that have children there speak very highly of all three. Blue Coat on the other hand...

Original poster
Roxy_Art · 28/06/2023 23:32

allinstar1 · 13/05/2023 11:12

Have you thought about Luckley House in Wokingham.

Thank you for the Idea. I will take a look 😃

OP posts:
Original poster
Roxy_Art · 28/06/2023 23:31

Delatron · 28/06/2023 20:15

Not sure how helpful this is but I have a Yr9 boy at Shiplake who is very happy. It’s a lovely school and there have been lots of applications for the girls spaces in Yr7. I think it’s oversubscribed.

They seem very focused on making sure they have a good sports provision for the girls and I have friends who have 6th form girls there who are very happy.

Friends have girls at Leighton Park which is a bit more quirky/creative. But they speak highly of it.

Whilst Shiplake isn’t seen as being selective academically there are lots of academic children who thrive there. One girl in the 6th Form has just been offered a scholarship to Harvard.

Thank you. Very useful 😃

OP posts:
Delatron · 28/06/2023 20:15

Not sure how helpful this is but I have a Yr9 boy at Shiplake who is very happy. It’s a lovely school and there have been lots of applications for the girls spaces in Yr7. I think it’s oversubscribed.

They seem very focused on making sure they have a good sports provision for the girls and I have friends who have 6th form girls there who are very happy.

Friends have girls at Leighton Park which is a bit more quirky/creative. But they speak highly of it.

Whilst Shiplake isn’t seen as being selective academically there are lots of academic children who thrive there. One girl in the 6th Form has just been offered a scholarship to Harvard.

yermum1503 · 23/06/2023 13:01

It certainly did. My dd has just escaped. Attitude is "boys will be boys". The culture of the school leaves a lot to be desired.

allinstar1 · 13/05/2023 11:12

Have you thought about Luckley House in Wokingham.

beanhunter · 12/05/2023 15:10

You're quite right! Shall remove. We are however debating shiplake given our lack of state allocation.

DPotter · 12/05/2023 15:01

@beanhunter

I'm not sure your post is on the right thread

beanhunter · 12/05/2023 14:57

And the schools adjudicator have said they will not consider my objection as related to thr Council and refers to 2023 entry and that window has closed and that thus is Bucks policy so that avenue seems closed for appeal.

And yes - ruined her life is overstating in buy pretty down right now.

DPotter · 05/05/2023 03:55

Local co-ed include Leighton Park, St Joseph's, Bradfield & Pangbourne College. They are all long standing co-ed, whereas Shiplake and The Oratory have only just started to take girls. Bluecoats has had girls in VI for sometime. They all have their own cultures and distinctives characteristics

It's a very fair point about being sure how the school will offer enough 'girl focused sports. The Oratory has a good reputation for it's Art dept (or it did a few years back)

Another thing to think about will be if your DD will be day or boarding. It's always a bit tricky as a day pupil in a boarding school as the timetable is set for the boarders.

Something just occurred - check the yr 7 entry for Bradfield, Pangbourne & The Oratory. They have be yr 9 entry only

berkshirebanger · 05/05/2023 01:38

I believe both shiplake and RBCS both started to take girls in y7 in sept 2023. Whilst they have established 6th forms I'd worry that girls in the younger years may not have the same opportunities eg in sport etc or b fully established. RBCS is a boys school in my mind. I'd also consider The Oratory (Co-ed since 2020 throughout) and good sport,v good art and good pastoral, or pangbourne?

WayDownInTheHole · 04/05/2023 22:08

Didn't Blue Coat fail an inspection recently for issues with sexist language?

Original poster
Roxy_Art · 03/05/2023 10:00

Missingthesnow2 · 02/05/2023 17:59

bump. Also following.

Thanks!

OP posts:
Missingthesnow2 · 02/05/2023 17:59

bump. Also following.

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