Shiplake College News

In today's 'A Conversation With...' we catch up with Teacher of Photography and Old Viking, Mr Conor Crowe! Mr Crowe left the College in 2017 and as well as teaching here at the College, runs his own digital marketing agency. 

What is your role and how long have you been at Shiplake? 

I am a Teacher of Photography, and I joined in September 2024. However, this marks a return for me as I was once a pupil here myself. 

What were you doing before Shiplake and in the time since leaving Shiplake? 

Before returning to work at Shiplake, I worked as a professional photographer and ran my digital marketing agency - Polar Media House. 

How does it feel being here as a member of staff rather than a pupil? 

It’s fascinating to experience the school from a staff perspective. It feels very familiar, and everyone has been incredibly welcoming. It’s also amusing to now call some of my former teachers colleagues. 

How has the College changed since you were a pupil? 

The College has changed quite a bit since my time, with new additions like the Davies Centre, Marjorie’s Café, and the Stableyard buildings. However, it still retains that unique Shiplake charm and, of course, there are still plenty of dogs around! 

What is a day in the life like for Mr Crowe? 

My day starts early with breakfast—usually eggs on toast—before driving to school. I grab a coffee, catch up with the teachers in the Art Department, and then head into my lessons. After work, I go to the gym and depending on the day, I either head to my photography studio for commercial work or to Maidenhead Rugby Club, as they’re the focus of a documentary I’m currently working on. 

What do you do away from work? 

Outside of school, I still stay very connected to the photography industry through my digital marketing company, which has been beneficial to my teaching as I bring real-world experience into the classroom. I’m also producing a documentary called The Heart of the Game, which explores the challenges facing rugby union today. We’ve interviewed legends like Sir Clive Woodward and Will Greenwood, as well as RFU board members, to understand how to save the game we all love. When I do get downtime, I enjoy staying active and playing golf whenever I get the chance. 

What does the future hold for Mr Crowe? 

I try to stay present and focus on the moment so right now, I’m committed to making the most of my time at Shiplake until the end of the school year. That said, I’m looking forward to some extended time off in the summer to pursue one of my other passions—travelling. I’m particularly excited about exploring South America!