This week we spent some time with Head of Lower School, Mr Tom Crisford to find out more about his time at Shiplake and the exciting plans for the Lower School expansion. In his spare time you will probably find Mr Crisford on a bike conquering a mountain, or in the stands at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
What roles do you currently perform at Shiplake and how long have you worked here?
I have worked at Shiplake for the past 16 years, it was my first school straight from university as a graduate teacher. I had a one year contract in the PE department and was resident tutor in Skipwith House. Back then it was a full boarding house. It was great, I was hugely involved in rowing as I used to row for my university and got heavily involved in boarders’ activities.
I then did my formal teacher training at Shiplake and was part of their graduate teacher programme. I became Assistant Housemaster in Skipwith and then Head of Rowing.
I am now in my third year as Head of Lower School and am currently Head of BTEC PE.
How has Shiplake changed since your time here?
When I first joined Shiplake, it didn’t have the rigour that it has today, although it was still a fantastic school and lots of fun. It has been brilliant to see the school grow into the successful and professional environment it is today. Our numbers have increased because of this, and we have really become a rowing super power.
What hasn’t changed is our ethos - the comradery, the family feel and caring qualities are still as strong as they were back then.
The Lower School is being expanded from September, can you tell us more about that?
I am delighted we are expanding and am really looking forward to it. It’s really exciting to have a bigger school, which will give better opportunities for sport, friendships and an enhanced learning environment. It will offer a more enriching environment for the pupils, allowing us to provide more bespoke education programmes for them. I also like the fact that we will have many more ‘home grown’ boys going through the school from 11 to 18.
What does a usual day look like for you at the College?
I start at 7.30am with a catch-up with Matron and Mrs Thomas (Assistant Head of Lower School). Then it’s time for assembly, registration and the first lessons. Break time normally involves me watching the boys eat toast (and trying not to eat it myself). Then the Lower School boys go back to their lessons, I teach BTEC Sport, and then take part in Lower School sport in the afternoons - usually rugby, football and cricket (my new life after rowing!)
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I’ve always enjoyed seeing people succeed and be happy, and sharing these experiences with them. I like boosting people’s self esteem and helping them to become the best they can be. I enjoy being in the company of lots of people and I like every day to be different. Above all, I like to have fun. So what better profession than teaching to give me all of this?
What would you say is the best thing about Shiplake?
Obviously the Lower School! I love the environment we have in our little community, what it is and what it stands for. I am passionate about what we are trying to create for our pupils moving forward.
I enjoy being around the people I work with, the community and the ethos. I like the breadth of abilities, talent and individuality across the school and we enjoy celebrating all of these qualities. We see the potential in everyone.
You obviously have a love of sport, can you tell us a bit more about your sporting background?
I rowed for Southampton University and really enjoyed it, so was really fortunate to be Head of Rowing in my first few years at Shiplake.
Since then, I have really got into road cycling and love taking on the challenge of the French Alps. I have competed in the L’Étape (the amateur mountain stage of the Tour De France) and have cycled from London to Paris for charity. I’m hoping my next cycling challenge will either be in Mallorca or Tenerife.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
As well as cycling, I am also into football and am a staunch Wolverhampton Wanderers fan. We try and go as much as we can. It’s a family thing as my wife’s grandad was England Football Captain, Stan Cullis, who was famously dropped from the England squad from refusing to do the Nazi salute at a match against Germany in 1938. Later on he became Wolves’ Manager and led Wolves to become one of the strongest teams in the English game. They won the league title on three occasions, and played a series of high-profile friendly matches against top European sides which acted as a precursor to the European Cup, and in fact Wolves were recognised as the first European Champions.
I also love barbecuing and am looking forward to taking my Level 2 BBQ course in the summer.
Above all, I like to spend as much time as possible with my wife and two children.
Where is your favourite place to visit in the world?
Definitely the Maldives. It’s such a beautiful, untouched paradise.
What does the future hold for Mr Crisford?
I’m really looking forward to the new challenges in September with the Lower School expansion. Other than that, I just want to be happy and enjoy life, whatever the future may be.
