Introducing New Staff Members

As we begin a new year, we welcome five new members of staff. We are very happy to introduce...

Teacher of Economics, Mr S Read

I have been teaching for over 20 years and most of my teaching experience has been abroad in Tunisia, South Korea and the Czech Republic. However, I know this area of England pretty well as I grew up in Reading.  I studied my BA in Economics and Management Studies at Leeds University before leaving these shores to study Arabic in Tunis. While in Tunis I began teaching English and decided to follow a career in teaching, so I returned to Reading and studied an MA in Contemporary English Language at Reading University. Later in life, I graduated with an MA in Biblical Interpretation from London School of Theology and a PGCE from Sunderland University. My teaching career has taken me to three universities in South Korea, including Seoul National University as a visiting professor for five years, as well as teaching posts at Chadwick International School in Incheon, and Riverside International School in Prague. I am happily married with one son and love playing cricket and watching Liverpool football club.

Teacher of Science, Mr J Batchelor

I was born and raised in Andover, Hampshire. I moved to Reading in 2008, after graduating with a degree in Biological Sciences from Exeter University. I am an extremely keen sportsman. I support Southampton FC, Exeter Chiefs Rugby and the Philadelphia Eagles. I am a fair-weather golfer during the summer months and in 2018 myself and three colleagues won the Berkshire Schools Golf Association Herbert Trophy at Eton's golf course. My true passion, however, is rowing. I have rowed competitively for going on 12 years now and I have been Men's Captain at Reading Rowing Club for two years. I hope to compete at Henley Royal Regatta once again this year.

Assistant Accountant, Ms C Coles-Ranson

I am delighted to join Shiplake College after a fairly long background working within the NHS and I am looking forward to this next chapter in my working life. I enjoy spending most of my leisure time with family and friends. I have three grown up sons and a gorgeous granddaughter. I have, over the last couple of years, spent some time volunteering for Macmillan, firstly taking part in a 26 mile walk raising funds and now happily giving out the medals to those who take on the challenge.

I have also enjoyed renovating an old Granary, which is now called home.

Burr Matron, Mrs B Kean

I grew up in West London and trained as a Paediatric Nurse at St Bartholomew's School of Nursing and Midwifery. I then moved to Madrid where I worked as a school nurse and counsellor. After this, I moved to California where I studied Psychology and music, finishing my Psychology BSc at the University of Reading. After that, I worked as a research assistant and began my PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience.  

My singing career started back when I was living in Madrid, I used to sing with a Spanish funk band! Once I started university I got into musical theatre, my most favourite role being The Killer Queen in We Will Rock You. I now sing Jazz, Blues and Soul and have released my first EP. I've been incredibly lucky so far to have worked with some really talented Jazz legends. My next EP, depending on funds, should be out later this year.

At home I live with my husband Mike, two lovely boys, George and Bobby and a fluffy little pooch called Bramble.

Gilson Matron, Mrs T Magee

I love animals and I have three adorable dogs called Archie, Tara and Tilly. I love nature and walking, my husband and I go to Cornwall a lot and enjoy beautiful walks there. I also have two sons who are grown up now. I am qualified in Reiki to master level although I don’t practice, other than on friends and family. I am very interested in holistic health.