Shiplake College News

In today's 'A Conversation With...' we caught up with Joint Head of College, Ben Stokes, before he jetted off on our pre-season football tour in Valencia! 

How long have you been a pupil at Shiplake and what is your role?  

I joined Shiplake College in Year 9 in Everett house. I am now Head of Everett, and Joint Head of College with I Davenport-Thomas.   

What are you studying at A-level and why?  

I am studying PE, business, and psychology, with the aim of doing Sports Coaching at university. I have a passion for coaching and teaching, especially cricket.   

What have been your most memorable moments at Shiplake?  

One of my favourite moments at Shiplake was my final senior rugby game for the 2nd XV, where we triumphed over Pangbourne. It had been a fantastic season filled with plenty of laughter and moments of ‘character building’ - rugby’s way of describing a season with its fair share of injuries. Ending my time playing rugby at Shiplake with a win and scoring a try was all I could ask for.  

Also attending the Reading Blue Coat tournament over the past two years with the boys’ cricket 1st XI has been a highlight. It’s a fun day of short-format cricket to wrap up the season. It is the perfect opportunity to showcase our skills and spending time socialising with the team 

How has life at Shiplake changed for you since becoming Joint Head of College?  

Being appointed as Joint Head of College has certainly made my school-life busier, but in a good way. It has been a real privilege to take on additional responsibilities, such as organising charity events and helping coordinate the Lower School Christmas party, which took place this week. This role has given I Davenport-Thomas and I a meaningful sense of service to the College, allowing us to make the most of our final year while hopefully ensuring that we benefit the school and our classmates as well.  

As a prefect, we have our everyday responsibilities such as lunch and dinner duties and assisting with Lower School sports. I’ve also had the opportunity to help with cricket last year and rugby this term, which has been fantastic for learning the names of the Lower School students and allowing them to get to know me as well. 

Are there any exciting upcoming events/activities being planned by the Heads, Deputies, and Prefects?  

We are currently in the process of planning our whole school charity event - which is still highly confidential - so I can’t reveal too many details! However, I can share that we will be supporting Road Peace - the national charity for road crash victims. Additionally, following the launch of our Junior Prefect programme, we are looking forward to working with the Lower School to organize some exciting events in the new year after we return from the Christmas break. 

What advice would you give to Year 12 pupils thinking about applying for Prefect roles next year?  

My advice for the next term is to fully immerse yourself in everything the school has to offer whether that’s sport, music, drama, or joining the new Anti-Bullying Ambassador programme. Getting involved will help demonstrate the kind of person you are to both teachers and pupils. Most importantly, do it all with a smile and stay true to yourself. Everyone brings something unique to the table, so focus on being the best version of yourself rather than trying to fit a mould. And, of course, don’t forget to stay out of detention and keep your shirt tucked in! 

What do you do in your free time?  

My free time usually consists of some sort of sport, whether that’s playing cricket, rugby or football; or watching any of the three. I don’t like to be doing nothing, so I am always looking to get out of the house - usually on a dog walk, run, or playing a new favourite of mine, paddle tennis. If I do happen to have some chill time, you can usually find me playing PlayStation or binge-watching TV.   

 What do you hope to do when you leave Shiplake next year?  

After Shiplake, I will probably have a very cricket-packed summer after the stress of exams, so I will be hoping for better weather this year. In September, I am hoping to go to university to study sports coaching or sports performance. What comes after that, I don’t know, but hopefully I can find my way into the cricket coaching industry, but we shall see!   

What plans do you have for the Christmas break?   

After our amazing Christmas lunch on Friday, I am off to Valencia with the College on our pre-season football tour which should be a great experience for me and the team. It is a bit warmer over there, so I am really looking forward to the sunshine. After that, I am off to the Fife coast in Scotland with my extended family, which will be amazing as my grandparents are over from Canada!