At the start of the Spring Term, the Staff Common Room welcomed new members of staff to the College. We look forward to seeing them in action in their respective areas and subjects!
Additionally, we take the opportunity to say farewell to those who left at the end of the Autumn Term. We wish them all the best for the future.
Artiola Brahaj
Welcome to Artiola Brahaj who joins our Psychology, Sociology and Criminology Department as a part-time teacher from 20 January 2025. Artiola began her teaching career in 2022 and is currently working as a Teacher of Psychology and Criminology at Reading College. She holds an MSc in Criminology with Forensic Psychology and a BSc in Sociology.
Nicki Cochrane
Welcome to Nicki Cochrane who joins as our new Teacher of PE. She joins us from Furze Platt School where she teaches GCSE and A level PE, BTEC Sport, and is Head of House. While Nicki has a keen interest in all sports, her specialism is hockey where she has a wealth of experience having won 10 caps for GB and 80 caps for Scotland. She was selected as a full-time athlete with the senior GB women’s hockey team in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics and represented GB in the 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games. Nicki will be a significant addition to our co-curricular programme and play a key role in the development of our hockey programme as the school becomes increasingly co-educational.
Sujith Peduru
Following an extensive and thorough search, we are delighted to welcome Sujith Peduru to the College as our new Executive Chef! We look forward to seeing him in action as he takes our catering to even higher levels.
Nicola Judd
Welcome to Nicola Judd who joins us at the start of the Spring Term as House Pastoral Leader for College House on Mondays and Tuesdays. As a former paediatric nurse, Nicola’s last role was as Matron where she was responsible for medical care, first aid and mental health wellbeing. Mrs Julie Knight will continue to be College's House Pastoral Leader for Wednesday to Friday.
Farewells
Elena Rojas-Rodrigues
Thank you and good luck to Elena Rojas-Rodrigues who has accepted a teaching role in Barcelona, which is a fantastic opportunity for her and her family. Elena had been at the College for two years and was a fantastic member of the Psychology, Sociology and Criminology department. Elena threw herself into supporting the wider College community and demonstrated a real passion for her subject, making her lessons fun and interesting for the pupils.
Bertie Gingell
Thank you and good luck to Bertie Gingell who departed the College at the end of the Autumn Term. Bertie joined the College in September 2022 as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and then completed his PGCE last year, joining the Sports Department permanently at the start of the Autumn Term. Bertie was a strong addition to Shiplake sports and in his time here built very good professional relationships with pupils and staff, proving himself to be an energetic and supportive sports teacher.
Aaron Thompson
Thank you and good luck to our former Executive Chef Manager, Aaron Thompson, as he embarks on an exciting new chapter within Thomas Franks as Head of Culinary, South West. Throughout Aaron’s time at Shiplake the quality of food has been pushed to new heights, and we have all enjoyed the benefits of his hard work. Both staff and students will miss his innovative approach and dedication to the school, but we wish him well in his new role and are proud to have played a part in his journey to culinary greatness!
Hamish Stewart
Thank you and good luck to Hamish Stewart who has been teaching at the College as one of our Visiting Music Teachers for 35 years! Hamish taught drum music lessons and in his many years at the College, saw not just the Music Department expand, but also the College. Today, the Music Department has its home in the John Turner Building but during his time at Shiplake, Hamish taught music lessons in studios underneath Skipwith, by the Thames, and in the Stableyard. As he now retires from teaching at Shiplake, we wish Hamish all the best for the future.