Shiplake College is an HMC co-educational boarding and day school offering a holistic education for around 540 pupils from Year 7 to Sixth Form. There has been a co-educational Sixth Form since 1998 and in September 2023 girls joined in Year 7 as we look to the future as a fully co-educational place of learning - as of 2024, the Lower School (Years 7 and 8) has 40% girls. As well as providing a fantastic learning and living environment for young people, Shiplake offers an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding working environment.
We strive to recruit the best possible teaching and support staff to drive the College forwards and ensure we continue to provide the best possible rounded education for our pupils. Our recruitment selection and disclosures policy can be accessed at the link below.
Recruitment Policy
For all teaching appointments, a willingness to participate in the varied extra-curricular life of a busy boarding and day school is essential. Shiplake has a defined contribution pension scheme (APTIS or alternative option for support staff) and its own salary scale. Accommodation may be available on site and further paid responsibilities may also be available. Excellence in the classroom and an ability to inspire young people are paramount and non-negotiable.
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Shiplake College offers a beautiful working environment, supportive colleagues and all staff enjoy a free lunch and evening meal if on duty. In addition, staff are encouraged to make use of the onsite gym facilities, open air swimming (during summer months), and join a variety of staff teams such as football, touch rugby and cricket.
Current Vacancies
House Pastoral Leader (Part-Time)
Term-time, one day a week (Fridays)
Pro-rated salary of £4,150 per annum
To start as soon as possible
This is a superb opportunity for an organised, empathetic and resourceful individual who has a passion for the wellbeing of young people. The House Pastoral Leader is a vital member of the pastoral team, led by the Housemaster/mistress.
The House Pastoral Leader assists with the smooth day-to-day running of the House and helps ensure the highest standards of pastoral care are in place.
The House Pastoral Leader will supervise and provide care for pupils, with responsibilities for the physical, social and emotional wellbeing and presentation of the pupils in the House.
The successful candidate will have good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with young people, their parents and guardians. They will be a good listener, reliable, warm and friendly in their disposition with sufficient sensitivity to show tact and diplomacy. A flexible approach alongside a good sense of humour and an even temper dealing with all situations in a co-operative and sensitive manner are also fundamental to carrying out this role.
Confidentiality and integrity are key.
This is term-time only role working Fridays from 7.30 to 5.00pm, plus INSET of 1 day per annum. There is an additional 4 weeks work available as paid overtime.
House Pastoral Leader (Part-Time) Candidate Pack
Support Staff Application Form
Closing Date: Wednesday 19 February 2025, 10.00am
Interviews will be held the following week
Teacher of Computer Studies
Starting September 2025
We are seeking to appoint a dynamic and forward-thinking Teacher of Computer Studies to teach across all key stages. This is a superb opportunity for a suitably qualified practitioner to play a leading role in this enthusiastic department. The successful candidate will be able to contribute to the department’s diverse curriculum which includes Computing at KS3, Computer Science GCSE and A level and a bespoke digital literacy curriculum in Years 7-9.
The role would suit an energetic teacher who is committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning; a teacher who can inspire and challenge all our pupils. Applications are welcomed from teachers who will strive for excellence in all aspects of the Computer Studies and ICT curriculum. Applicants should be able to create a rigorous environment for our pupils to thrive and be able to instil a passion for learning.
Teacher of Computer Studies Candidate Pack
Teaching Staff Application Form
Closing date: Monday 10 February 2025, 10am
Interviews: Wednesday 12 February
Teacher of Mathematics (Maternity Cover)
Maternity Cover (for up to one year)
Starting September 2025
We are seeking to appoint an inspiring and passionate Teacher of Mathematics to join our successful and busy department to cover a period of maternity leave. The dynamic and enthusiastic individual will teach across Years 7-13. This is a superb opportunity for a suitably qualified practitioner to join a large, successful department. Mathematics is a strong subject at the College and one of our most popular Sixth Form subjects.
The role would suit an energetic teacher committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning; a teacher who can inspire and challenge all of our pupils to achieve their personal bests. Applications are welcomed from inspirational teachers who will strive for excellence in all aspects of the maths curriculum.
Early applications are welcomed, as the College reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the application process.
Teacher of Mathematics (Maternity Cover) Candidate Pack
Teaching Staff Application Form
Closing date: Tuesday 25 February 2025, 10am
Interviews: Thursday 27 February
CCF Contingent Commander
Starting as soon as possible
Part-time, working 6 hours weekly on Tuesdays during the school term for parade
We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Contingent Commander to lead and further develop the Combined Cadet Force (CCF). This position offers an excellent opportunity for someone with a passion for outdoor education and leadership development to contribute to the life of our vibrant school community.
This role is ideally suited to a recently retired SNCO or Commissioned Officer, a current CCF Officer with leadership experience in the Army Section, or an existing Contingent Commander seeking a new challenge.
The CCF at Shiplake comprises all three service sections; Army, Navy and Royal Air Force. The aim of the youth organisation, sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, is to "provide a disciplined organisation in a school so that pupils may develop powers of leadership by means of training to promote the qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance."
Joining the CCF is compulsory for all pupils in Year 10 and optional from Year 11 onwards, with sessions taking place on Tuesday afternoons as part of the Co-Curricular afternoon.
Shiplake College CCF is an integral part of our school’s ethos, providing pupils with invaluable opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and resilience. The Contingent Commander operates in a dynamic and supportive environment, with state-of-the-art facilities including:
• An air rifle range for skill development and competition
• A fully equipped armoury and stores with training resources
• Outdoor education facilities including a climbing wall, bushcraft area, and access to adventurous training activities
Cadets parade weekly on Tuesday afternoons, with Year 10 pupils actively participating in a structured and engaging programme. The Contingent Commander will enjoy active participation in summer camps, external courses, and adventure training trips, all of which are integral to the cadet experience.
The successful candidate will be passionate about shaping young minds, fostering a love for leadership, and instilling life-long skills. You will bring a mix of military experience, leadership, and a genuine commitment to supporting our cadets' growth.
If you are looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact at a school where outdoor education and personal development are highly valued, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding role.
CCF Contingent Commander Candidate Pack
Support Staff Application Form
Closing date: Monday 17 February 2025, 10am
Interviews: Week commencing 24 February
Head of Modern Foreign Languages
Starting September 2025
We have an outstanding opportunity for a well-qualified, enthusiastic and inspirational Head of Modern Foreign Languages teacher who can lead and manage an ambitious department. Applications are welcomed from candidates with Spanish as their subject specialism and have French as their second language. Experience in teaching both subjects up to and including A-level is desirable.
This role would suit either an experienced Head of Modern Foreign Languages or a motivated Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages looking for their next career move. In either case, you will be keen to communicate your love of modern foreign language learning, both in your lessons and beyond the timetable, in a school where teachers are enthusiastic practitioners of their subjects and have a strong sense of community.
Most students who join Shiplake College in Year 7 have studied French in their previous schools. At Shiplake, pupils in Years 7-9 choose to study either French or Spanish for two periods per week. At GCSE, pupils are encouraged to select a language and will again choose either French and Spanish and have three periods per week.
Early applications are welcomed, as the College reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the application process.
Head of MFL Candidate Pack
Teaching Staff Application Form
Closing date: Monday 24 February 2025, 10am
Interviews: Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 February 2025
To Apply
To apply for a current vacancy please complete the relevant application form provided and return, with a covering letter addressed to the Headmaster, via email to [email protected].
If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact, Mrs Maria Moir, HR Manager on [email protected] or 01189 405 218.
The College reserves the right to appoint before the application deadline.
If you should have any queries regarding employment at Shiplake College, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Safeguarding
Shiplake College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Shiplake College is also committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.