In this week's 'A Conversation With...', we chatted to Shiplake's Deputy Bursar Finance, Mrs Katie Skilton. Part of the team that work behind the scenes, we find out more about her time before Shiplake, as well as what she gets up to away from work. We also hear her recommendations on where to go if you are an 'ageing raver'!
What is your role and how long have you been at Shiplake?
I am the Deputy Bursar Finance, and I have been working at Shiplake College for nine months, having joined in April 2022.
What were you doing before Shiplake?
I was a Senior Business Partner at Cancer Research UK supporting restructuring and infrastructure projects. Before that, I was a Financial Controller at a large insurance company for 12 years. This is my first role in education, however, and it is quite different to anything I have done before!
What is a day in the life at Shiplake like for Mrs Skilton?
The job is very wide-ranging, and I work with a great team. One minute I can be hassling teachers for budget information, the next setting an investment strategy and later sending out bills to 500 parents.
What motivated you to pursue a role within education?
My best friend is a deputy head and has been telling me for years that I'd enjoy working in a school environment and she was right! Being part of a team that helps hundreds of children get the best education is a great motivator and I really enjoy working alongside people in a community, with contact with lots of different people every day. Working from home for three years did not suit me...
What do you do away from work?
I'm a trustee for First Days Children's Charity in Wokingham where we make a huge difference to families living in poverty by providing support such as help with fuel bills, school uniform and equipment. I go to bootcamp three days a week to keep fit, and each week I sing with a choir group in Caversham. I also love dancing where I am a regular at Annie Mac's 'Before Midnight' gigs - perfect for an aging raver!
What does the future hold for Mrs Skilton?
I have two children aged 9 and 11 so my near future will be in Sonning Common ferrying them to various places as parents do! That's interspersed with some excellent trips booked for this year which include Amsterdam, Morocco, Wilderness Festival and Ibiza - I'm even taking my children on one of them! I hope to be working at Shiplake for many years - I love this job!
