Science Technician
Candidate Information Pack
Starting October 2025 | Competitive salary depending on experience

Welcome from the Headmaster

Dear Applicant,

The word I hear mentioned most regularly
when speaking to the pupils, parents, and staff
of Shiplake College is ‘community’. So, thank
you for taking the time to consider the role of
Science Technician, as it represents a wonderful
opportunity to join our very special Shiplake
community.

Shiplake College is an HMC co-educational boarding
and day school offering a holistic education for
around 580 pupils from Year 7 to Sixth Form.
There has been a co-educational Sixth Form since
1998 and since September 2023 girls have been
welcomed into Year 7, as we continue our journey
to become a fully co-educational place of learning.
We are nestled in leafy South Oxfordshire, five
minutes from Henley, and sit right on the River
Thames. It is a beautiful place to work.

As well as providing a fantastic learning and living
environment for young people, Shiplake offers
an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding working
environment.

We strive to recruit the best possible teaching and
support staff to drive the College forwards and
ensure we continue to provide the best possible
rounded education for our pupils.

Above all, Shiplake is a school where we try
to live out authentically our three core values
– the Three Is – Inclusive, Individual, and
Inspirational.

‘Inclusive’ is our cornerstone with our strong sense
of community in which everyone has value and
where the prevailing culture is one of kindness.

‘Individual’ represents our all-ability school in
which we not only recognise but also celebrate
that everyone is different - thank goodness for
that! This is a personal best school. And finally,
‘inspirational’ - the pre-requisite at Shiplake is
that everyone – students and staff alike - turn up
each day with a smile, a positive attitude, and a
willingness to engage with all aspects of school life.

Shiplake College is a school where academic rigour
is non-negotiable, but character development
is just as important. We strive to help students
develop broad interests across a wide range of
co-curricular areas, bolster self-esteem, and give a
sense of our place in the wider world with the aim
to make a positive difference to society.

Embracing the lifestyle at a busy and vibrant
boarding school is paramount for anyone wishing to
work at Shiplake. Knowing our pupils well enables
us to ensure that they get the best from their
education here, and this is a pivotal part of any role
at the College. This is a great opportunity for the
right candidate and ‘fit’ is very important to us.

Thank you for your interest in working at Shiplake
College and, as we look to an exciting future, I
hope that you will consider being part of that story.

Tyrone Howe

Success comes in many guises at
this school, and pupils grasp the
opportunities offered and work hard
to achieve their goals, be it as a
professional athlete, entrepreneur,
doctor, or artist.

ISI Inspection, May 2022

The College
Shiplake College is a thriving and relatively young HMC school. In
September 2025 we welcomed over 580 boarding and day pupils
aged 11-18 (up from 536 the previous term). There has been a co-
educational Sixth Form since 1998 and since September 2023 girls
have joined in Year 7 (now making up 41% of the co-educational year
groups) as the College goes fully co-educational.

Overlooking the River Thames, two miles upstream of the famous
Henley Royal Regatta stretch, pupils enjoy a beautiful and inspiring
63-acre rural site. The College is conveniently located near major air,
railway and motorway networks, close to Reading, London and Oxford
and just 40 minutes from Heathrow. Full, weekly and flexi-boarding is
available from Year 9, with ad hoc ‘overnight stays’ also an option for
day pupils.

Every pupil is placed at the heart of Shiplake life and the College’s
ethos is underpinned by the Three Is – Inclusive, Individual and
Inspirational.

Shiplake provides a friendly, supportive and structured environment to
bring out the best in each and every pupil. Renowned for outstanding
pastoral care and personal development, the College welcomes pupils
with wide-ranging skills and talents, who will make the most of the
many opportunities offered to them. The College provides an education
that is tailored to the individual, achieved through engaging and
inspirational teaching, delivered in small classes where the teachers
can know and understand each pupil’s method of learning.

The College continues to see year-on-year improvements in
examination results. In August 2025, Shiplake leavers achieved
excellent public examination grades, with the best ever GCSE results
setting a new academic benchmark for the College. At GCSE, pupils
achieved 38% of 9-7 grades and 64% grades 9-6, an increase from
34% and 58% respectively in 2024. Overall, 93% of GCSE grades were
marked 9-4 (93% in 2024). At Sixth Form, the percentage of A*-C
grades was 82%, and 59% at A*-B.

In addition to a strong academic foundation, the College offers
excellent sporting, artistic and co-curricular opportunities. Two
afternoons are reserved for an array of clubs and activities, including a
comprehensive outdoor education programme, with pupils encouraged
to extend their horizons and experience new challenges and
responsibilities.

Academic lessons take place Monday to Friday and each day ends
with an hour of academic support during which pupils undertake
independent study or seek help with homework from teachers. Sports
training takes place on three days a week, with the majority of fixtures
scheduled for Saturday mornings.

160 flexi, weekly and full boarders are fully integrated into Shiplake’s
inclusive and welcoming environment. International pupils join us from
all over the world, currently from 13 different countries, and represent
approximately 4% of the school population. Full boarders take part
in a vibrant weekend programme of trips and activities on Saturday
afternoons and Sundays, with day pupils and weekly boarders able to
enjoy additional family and down time at home.

Shiplake has a formidable reputation for sports, particularly in rowing
and rugby, and offers excellent music, art and drama opportunities and
an exciting and varied co-curricular programme.

School Development
The stunning grounds are a remarkable
combination of old and new; of the traditional and
the up-to-date. Although only founded in 1959,
Shiplake occupies a site which includes an original
late-nineteenth century mansion, still dominating
the main school buildings.

Admissions
Entry points are normally at Year 7 (11+), Year 9
(13+) and Year 12 (16+). Prospective families are
encouraged to arrange an individual visit or attend
an open morning. Academic, Art, Music, Drama and
Sport Scholarships, and means-tested bursaries,
are available.

The school is equipped with modern amenities,
including a contemporary Thinking Space, multi-
purpose Lecture Theatre, a multi-activity centre
with climbing wall, fitness suite and indoor archery/
rifle range, and Marjorie’s, a café where Sixth Form
students can socialise and work independently.

The College embraces pupils from a wide range
of ethnic and cultural backgrounds as well as
diverse intellectual and physical talents. As a
Church of England school, pupils at Shiplake are
gently encouraged to lead an active spiritual life
throughout their time at the College.

1959: College Founded
1990: Goodwin Building (Classrooms)
1998: Sixth Form Became Co-educational
2002: College House (Year 13 Boys)
2008: First Year 7 (Lower School) Joined
2009: Gilson (Girls) House
2014: John Turner Building
2020: Davies Centre and Marjorie White Building
2023: First Year 7 Girls Joined
2024: Bevan (Science) and Jubilee Classrooms
2024: Phillimore Fields
2025: Paddocks Artificial Pitches
2025: Sixth Form Centre

Further investment and development will help to
ensure that the College’s future is even brighter
than its past.

Inspection
In Shiplake’s most recent full ISI inspection in
2022 we achieved full compliance and the top
category of EXCELLENT in both “the quality of the
pupils’ academic and other achievements” and “the
quality of the pupils’ personal development”. The
report reflects the importance the school places on
learning in its broadest sense and recruiting and
developing outstanding staff.

Governance
Shiplake College is a charitable company and is
privileged to be supported by a highly experienced,
knowledgeable and diverse board of governors.
This helps to shape future strategies and inform
key decisions to ensure the College continues to
maintain the highest possible standards.

Community
There are strong links with the local community
and pupils are given every opportunity to get
involved in local events and to offer service
wherever appropriate.

Fundraising for charities takes place year on year.

The Shiplake Connected platform helps maintain
and develop the links between the College, parents,
alumni (known as Old Vikings) and former staff.

Pupils exhibit a mature sense of
self-understanding and self-esteem,
without any hint of arrogance.

ISI Inspection, May 2022

Job Description
The Headmaster is seeking to appoint an
experienced and enthusiastic Science Technician
to provide specialist assistance in the delivery
of practical and project work within the science
department.

We have seven main teaching laboratories and two
well-equipped prep rooms, supporting the teaching
of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. We are currently
creating new laboratories to ensure that our pupils
and teachers enjoy the best possible learning
environment.

To excel in this role you should have a science
background, an excellent working knowledge of
health and safety within a laboratory environment,
be a team player who is confident in using your
initiative, approachable and have a good sense of
humour. Excellent communication and organisation
skills are a must.

Summary of the Role
As Science Technician you will play a key role in
providing technical support for the delivery across
the science curriculum.  A Biology specialism would

Pupils say that they enjoy coming
to school, and participating in
all the school has to offer, both
academically and through co-
curricular endeavours.

ISI Inspection, May 2022

be preferable, but applications are welcomed from
all interested candidates.

Though experience of working in a school would
be advantageous applications from those who
currently work outside an education setting are
welcomed.

Key Duties and Responsibilities
•  Coordinate the use of practical resources and
facilities, and provide assistance and advice
in meeting the practical needs of the science
curriculum:
 - Work closely with teaching staff, including the

Head of Biology

 - Give technical advice to teachers and pupils,
including other departments when required

 - Liaise with and assist other technicians
 - Carry out and maintain records of risk
assessments for technician activities

•  Trial, advise on and assist with all practicals

including A-level practicals and “investigations”

•  Support co-curricular science clubs for all pupils

•  Share knowledge with other lab technicians and

support trainee and ECT teachers

•  Take part in open mornings, raising the profile of

science at Shiplake College

•  Assist and support teaching staff in their delivery

of practical work and project work:
 - Prepare, set up and deliver class experiments

as and when required

 - Clear and put away experiment and demonstration equipment

 -

Ensure laboratories and prep room are clean and tidy

•  Take responsibility for the safe storage, transit and accessibility of

resources:
 - Ensure that stock levels are maintained and future requirements

identified ensuring the availability of suitable resources

 -

Identify suitable suppliers and ensure best value for the College.
Compile orders, liaise with suppliers and with the Finance team
as required. Check deliveries and invoices

 - Carry out an annual stock-take of resources and basic laboratory

equipment

 - Maintain the organisation of the storerooms

 - Ensure safe transit of equipment between stores, prep room and

labs

 - Check, maintain, clean and replenish equipment in the labs

•  Maintain a healthy and safe working environment through:

 - Maintain the health and safety file and all logs including logs for
the lab and chemical store checks, yearly checks for the model
steam engine and fume cupboard

 - Liaise with the teacher in charge of radioactive sources (Radiation

Protection Supervisor), for the safe storage and handling of
radioactive sources; ensure any training required is up to date

 - Help ensure the security of laboratories by assisting with locking

laboratories and shutting windows at the end of the day

 - Safe treatment and disposal of used materials, including

hazardous substances. Respond to actual or potential hazards

 - Liaise with the cleaning staff regarding out of the ordinary

cleaning of labs, and store rooms

 - Liaise with other Support Staff regarding maintenance of services

such as gas and water

 - Actively contribute to the assessment, monitoring and review of
both health and safety procedures and information resources

 - Keep up to date with current regulations, procedures and

practices through CPD

 - Prepare and maintain special cleaning instructions for labs

 - Keep up to date with current health and safety issues by reading
monthly SSERC bulletin and other relevant publications, drawing
attention of staff to any relevant issues at Department Meetings

 - Attend conferences and CPD courses relevant to technicians

 - Liaise closely with and advise teachers in preparation for practical

activities

 - Obtain and maintain an appropriate level of First Aid qualification

as agreed with the Head of Science

Pupils say that they enjoy coming to school, and
participating in all the school has to offer, both
academically and through co-curricular endeavours.

ISI Inspection, May 2022

Person Specification

Candidates must empathise with, and be committed to, independent
education generally, and to the personal best and holistic education
provided by Shiplake College.

Skills and Abilities
•  Ideally educated to degree level in one of the sciences (Biology
desirable)/equivalent qualification by experience with excellent
knowledge of the subject and technical ability

•  Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate

•  Proven ability to use initiative

•  Ability to work both independently and as part of team

•  Excellent organisational skills with the ability to work to deadlines

Personal Qualities and Interests
•  Display outstanding interpersonal skills

•  Be a proactive team player

•  Attention to detail

•  Display outstanding interpersonal skills

•  Be a proactive team player

•  Attention to detail

•  Practical and pragmatic

•  Ability to stay calm under pressure

•  Flexibility in approach with a can-do attitude

•  Enthusiasm and drive

•  Reliable and considerate

•  Self-reliance and self-motivation

•  Empathy

•  Well-organised and able to multi-task in a busy school environment

Child Protection and Safeguarding
Shiplake College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the
welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and
volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to
undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including
checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service
(DBS). Shiplake College is also committed to equality of opportunity
for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged from
suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, sex, gender
reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race,
religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. There is no
typical Shiplake member of staff, we live our core values of individual,
inclusive and inspirational and value the contribution that each
member of our community makes to life at the College.

Pupils’ spiritual awareness is highly developed...
Pupils are thoughtful, and deeply respectful of other
viewpoints and beliefs... Within the mainly Christian
context, spirituality is observed with dignity. Pupils
are respectful in chapel and appreciate peace and
tranquillity.

ISI Inspection, May 2022

Staff Benefits at a Glance

COMMON ROOM

The Shiplake staff form a vibrant
common room with regular social
and sporting events.

BEAUTIFUL LOCATION

Set in inspirational Oxfordshire
countryside, overlooking the river
three miles upstream of Henley-on-
Thames.

DISCOUNTS

DOG FRIENDLY

Generous staff discount can be applied
for children of employees. Also eligible
for discounted school holiday camps
(subject to availability).

The ‘Dogs of Shiplake’ form an
important part of our community
and some staff bring dogs to work
(please see Dogs and Pets Policy).

PARKING

PENSION SCHEME

Free onsite car parking is available.
Bike storage also available (and
shower/changing facilities provided).

Support staff are eligible to join the
Pensions Trust (5% contribution from
staff, 6.85% from Shiplake).

TECHNOLOGY

CATERING

All teaching staff and eligible
support staff are loaned a school
device (Microsoft Surface) to enable
flexibility in achieving their roles.

Complimentary lunches when
working during term time. Snacks
at break time and hot drinks
throughout the day.

OUTDOOR POOL

Free access to the outdoor swimming
pool for staff and their families, at
agreed times when the pool is open
during the summer months.

SPORTS CENTRE

Free access to the onsite weights
rooms and fitness suites for staff
(and partners living onsite).

INCLUSIVE • INDIVIDUAL • INSPIRATIONAL

The School Day

7.00am

Boarders’ Breakfast

8.00am

Buses Arrive/Registration

8.20am

Assembly/Chapel/Tutor

8.40am

Lessons Begin

3.30pm

Games/Co-Curricular Activities

4.45pm

Prep/Academic Clinics

5.00pm

Supper

6.15pm

Buses Depart

7.00pm

Boarders Activities Programme

13 Daily Bus Routes
1 Weekly West London Route

2:1 applications for each place

10% discount for most
scholarships

Academic, Art, Drama, Music
and Sport Scholarships available

Means-Tested Bursaries
available

Fees include snacks at break,
lunch and dinner

Fees 2025-2026

Registration Fee
£180 inc. VAT (non-refundable)

Acceptance Deposit
£1,750 (UK and EU), with £500
credited to the second term’s bill.

Lower School (Years 7 and 8)
£8,875 per term inc. VAT

Years 9-13
Day
£11,250 per term inc. VAT

Flexi-Boarding (up to 2 nights a week)
£13,775 per term inc. VAT

Weekly Boarding (up to 6 nights a week)
£15,750 per term inc. VAT

Full Boarding
£17,500 per term inc. VAT

Headline Figures

Exam Results

581 school roll

(autumn 2025)

33%

flexi, weekly,
full boarding in
Years 9-13

41%

girls across
the co-ed year
groups

1:7 teacher:pupil

ratio

Sport and Co-Curricular

50+

sports and
co-curricular
activities available

Success in rowing for girls and
boys at Schools’ Head, NSR,
HRR, and at international level

Active Outdoor Education
Programme and CCF (Army,
Royal Navy and Air Force)

92

pupils completing
Bronze Duke of
Edinburgh’s Award

87

pupils completing Gold
and Silver Duke of
Edinburgh’s Award

95%

of GCSE results
were 9-4 grades
(2025)

82%

of Sixth Form
results were A*-C
(or equivalent)

Teaching and Learning

27

subject options at Sixth
Form

5

options for additional
Year 12 qualification with
UCAS points

21

subjects offered at
GCSE

1

bespoke Key Stage 3
curriculum

16

average class size

9

average tutor group size

52 pupils are children of Old
Vikings (former pupils) and staff

Destinations and Careers

Creative Arts

96%

secured places
at first or second
choice university

238

(40%) pupils
receive tuition in at
least one instrument

55%

progressed to
top third UK
universities

35%

progressed to
Russell Group
universities

Top UK destinations 2025: UEA,
Exeter, Brookes, Manchester
Met, Cardiff, Reading, York

Top degree subjects 2025:
Business, Politics, Marketing,
Engineering, Criminology, Sport

USA university destinations
2025: Princeton, Washington,
Iowa, Wisconsin, Boston

Microsoft Surface
unified device policy

17

different instruments
taught

10

ensembles and choirs

7

drama productions and
showcases a year

52 pupils involved in whole

school musical 2025

37 pupils taking LAMDA

lessons

3

whole school art and
photography competitions
and 1 golden easel

All mobile phones handed
in at the start of each day

Up to 30 staff dogs
on site each day

Applications

To Apply
•  Please go to www.shiplake.org.uk/vacancies and download the

Teaching Staff Application Form

•  Email the completed form, along with a covering letter addressed to

the Headmaster, Mr Tyrone Howe, to jobs@shiplake.org.uk

The closing date for this role is 10.00am on Tuesday 30
September 2025. Interviews will be held on Friday 3 October
2025.

Older pupils and leavers say that they feel well prepared
for their future lives, having been given confidence
and the feeling that they could ‘change the world’.

ISI Inspection, May 2022

Application Process
•  All applications will be acknowledged by email

•  Please read all of the information provided before completing your

application

•  Within the application form there is the opportunity to demonstrate,
using examples, your suitability for the role and the qualities you
would bring to Shiplake College. This is where you can bring your
application form to life. Please do not send testimonials, certificates
or examples of work etc., unless specifically requested to during the
recruitment process

References
All offers of employment are subject to the receipt of a minimum
of two references which are satisfactory to the College. One of the
references must be from your current or most recent employer. If your
current/most recent employment does/did not involve working with
children, then the second referee should be from the employer with
whom you most recently worked with children. If you are or have been
employed within a school, then one reference must be from the Head
of your current school, or the last school at which you worked. In all
circumstances the information given should be for the Head or HR
Department. Neither referee should be a relative or someone known to
you solely as a friend.

Shortlisted applicants are advised that references will be taken up prior
to interview unless you ask us not to. We will assume it is acceptable
to contact your references at any time unless advised otherwise using
the appropriate section on the application form. Please ensure that
any referees who you are happy for us to contact before interview are
aware that they may be asked to provide a reference with a relatively
short deadline.

Online Searches
In line with the updated KCSIE 2025, we will carry out an online
search for all shortlisted candidates. Any relevant incidents or issues
involving candidates that are publicly available online (including
information contained in social media accounts) and identified during
the search may be explored at interview. The purpose of carrying
out online checks is to comply with the KCSIE recommendation that
Schools review information to assist any decision as to the candidate’s
suitability to work with children and young people. Shiplake College is
an Equal Opportunities Employer and seeks at all times to ensure that
its processes do not unlawfully discriminate against any prospective
employee.

Interview Process
If you are shortlisted and invited for interview we
will ask you to bring in evidence of the following:
•  Identity – passport or photocard driving licence

•  Address – document from Group 2b of the DBS
List of Valid Identity Documents with current
address

•  Proof of right to work in the UK – passport or UK
birth certificate and proof of National Insurance
Number issued by a government agency or a
previous employer

•  Qualifications - original documents confirming
any educational and professional qualifications
you refer to in your application

•  If you have changed your name by deed poll or
any other mechanism (e.g. marriage, adoption,
statutory declaration) you will be asked to
provide documentary evidence of the change

During your visit if you have not done so already,
you will be required to sign your application form
in order to declare that the information you have
given is accurate and true.

In the event that you are unsuccessful please be
assured that certified photocopies of documents
taken will be destroyed.

Interviews are conducted in person and will explore
your suitability for the role and to work with
children. On occasion, applicants will be invited to
participate in a preliminary online video interview.

As well as a face-to-face interview, if relevant to
the role, the selection process may include some
other form of assessment e.g. administrative test,
demonstration of practical skill, a presentation etc.

All adults working at Shiplake College should be
aware of their responsibility to safeguard and

promote the welfare of every pupil, both physical
and emotional, inside and outside school. This
involves ensuring that pupils are protected from
significant physical or emotional harm and that
there is a positive commitment to ensure the
satisfactory development and growth of the
individual. Everyone working at Shiplake College
should be aware of and, when necessary, follow
the school’s Safeguarding Guidelines, which are in
line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025,
Prevent 2015, Working Together 2018 and the
Department of Education’s (DfE) and Oxfordshire
Safeguarding Children Board’s (OSCB) practice
and procedures (these are available online at
www.oscb.org.uk and also refer to http://schools.
oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/safeguarding).

Warning
You should be aware that it is an offence to apply
for the role if you are barred from engaging in
regulated activity relevant to children. Provision
of false information is also an offence and could
result in the application being rejected or summary
dismissal if you have been selected, and possible
referral to the police and/or DBS, and/or the
Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA).

Queries
If you have any queries at all about the recruitment
process please contact the HR Department on
01189 405218 or jobs@shiplake.org.uk.

Pupils show creative flair and talent
developed to a high standard
through art and photography,
design and technology and
performance opportunities.
ISI Inspection, May 2022

Go to www.shiplake.org.uk to find out more about our school and see our latest news and photos
or follow us on our social media channels

/ShiplakeCollege

@ShiplakeCollege

Shiplake College