On Thursday 23 March crews from the Shiplake College Boat Club headed to London to take part in the Schools’ Head of the River. The Schools’ Head is the largest school-age processional race, organised by Westminster School for crews aged between 14 and 18 years old. The event, held annually, is a highlight in the rowing calendar and hotly anticipated by crews from all rowing schools. For the first time in the history of Shiplake College, the 1st VIII have won the Schools’ Head! Accompanied by Director of Rowing Mr David Currie, the crews were eager to prove that they were a force with which to be reckoned.

Due to adverse weather conditions, the course, which normally runs from Chiswick Bridge to Westminster School Boat Club, had been shortened to 1.7km. Mr Currie commented: ‘Shiplake dealt with the last minute change of plan and tough rowing conditions impeccably. The boys were all outstanding and did not get phased by the rough water and shortened course; they really made the most of the situation that was put in from of them.’ The 1st VIII had some stiff competition; up against previous winners Westminster School, St Paul’s School and Eton College, it was not going to be an easy win. However, the crew raced brilliantly and posted a time of 4:50.2 minutes. After a nervous wait for results to be collected and verified, it was confirmed that the 1st 8+ had won the Schools’ Head of the River! This is the very first time that Shiplake College have won and the rowers were ecstatic.

And the brilliant results did not stop there; the 2nd VIII came second in their race, the 3rd VIII came 4th, the J16 8+ came fourth, and the J15s won in the J15 event, which put them second in the country. The Girls 4X came 5th, out of a 30 crews. Shiplake finished third in the team trophy, which is the combined time of each school’s first three boats. It was an absolutely incredible feat, and the crews have outdone themselves! 

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