Have you always worked in schools/admissions?
Not at all. Directly after university I edited a drinks industry publication. I then worked for a couple of years for a non-for-profit organisation that ran development programmes for senior managers. After a year teaching English in Thailand, I worked for many many years at Reading Borough Council in a number of roles including website content and venue management. My path has not been a straight one but I do love variety.
How have you had to adapt the work of your team during lockdown?
While it can sometimes be a little lonely working in my front room, the team keeps together via email, phonecalls, googlemeets and a morale-boosting whatsapp group. This is the period that we would usually be holding welcome events for September's starters but this year, instead of holding barbecues on the terrace, we have moved online and Housemasters have started getting to know their new pupils that way. We have held three virtual open mornings, all of which have been a resounding success and I think prospective parents have appreciated that we have made the effort to adapt and continue to connect with them meaningfully.
What would you say is the best thing that has come out of being in lockdown for admissions?
It's been amazing and a real chance to evaluate what we do and how we do it. We've pulled things off that we've talked about doing but never quite been brave enough to try before. We've all honed our tech skills with some members of the team being total Zoom gurus now! Alas I can't count myself among them.
Is there anything new that you will continue with in the future?
Definitely. We will certainly be running more virtual open mornings, especially for overseas pupils and agents. Although they aren't quite a substitute for visiting, they are not far off and they allow people great access to senior staff
What is the best thing about working at Shiplake?
It's been said before and it'll be said again; THE PEOPLE. I've never worked anywhere that has had such a spirit of positivity and can-do attitude. The way that the community has adapted to the current school closures is a prime example of the strength and magic of this community.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Cycling, walking my dog, Monty, cooking, going to music gigs, doing quizzes and playing Bananagrams. I've also started practising yoga in lockdown so really enjoyed the Wellbeing Week yoga session!
What is the first thing you will do when you get out of lockdown?
To be honest, I'm not desperate to do anything that different as I am rather enjoying exploring my local area and the slightly slower pace of everyday life. Perhaps I'm just less of a social being than I thought I was. There are a few people I'd like to hug though, and I quite like the idea of a music festival again sometime.
What does the future hold for Mrs Pasmore?
Apart from greyer hair? I can't see myself going too far and often joke that I'd like to be buried under the mulberry tree on Skipwith lawn. When I do eventually hang up my ID lanyard, I'd like to cycle more, explore the country by canal boat and climb a few mountains.
