Part-Time PA to the Deputy Heads
Maternity Cover (up to one year)
Candidate Information Pack
Starting October 2025

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 part-
time PA to the Deputy Heads, 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 expect to welcome 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 42% of the Lower School
cohort) 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
45-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.

130 weekly and full boarders become fully integrated into Shiplake’s
inclusive and welcoming environment. International pupils join us from
all over the world, currently from 17 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 part-time PA to the
Deputy Heads to cover a period of maternity leave
(for up to one year).

The working hours are 26 hours per week,
consisting of 5 hours on four days and 6 hours on
one day per week, as agreed in advance with the
Deputy Heads. This is a term-time only plus INSET
position, with a requirement to work for up to two
weeks during the school holidays, for which you will
be compensated separately.

manages to ensure everyone has regular and
effective contact

•  While in the office screen all incoming calls

including enquiries from staff and parents (both
current and prospective)

•  Ensure each Deputy Head is fully briefed when
attending both internal and external meetings.
Collation, and in some cases preparation, of
appropriate paperwork and briefing notes

•  Attend meetings, take minutes and circulate
including, for example, the weekly Academic
Leadership Team Meetings

Summary of the Role
This role is pivotal within the school and requires
an individual who understands the importance of
confidentiality and integrity. The role requires first
rate communication and organisational skills. The
role will appeal to a composed, flexible professional
who is able to demonstrate a flair for multi-tasking;
empathetic support for both internal and external
stakeholders; and a reassuring and unflappable
nature.

Key Duties and Responsibilities
•  There is a great deal of direct contact with

parents, pupils and staff and many aspects of
the role are critical to the academic life of the
College

•  Draft communications to parents

•  Type correspondence from notes

•  Respond, in draft, to incoming communications,

such as email and post, with a focus on ensuring
a consistent, professional voice from the office of
the Deputy Heads

•  Manage three email boxes and ensure replies

are sent from the appropriate mailbox

•  Supporting the Deputy Heads in collating

the relevant reports to Shiplake’s Board of
Governors and any other ad hoc needs

•  Liaise with the Catering Team when meeting

refreshments are required

•  Manage the diary and appointments effectively.

•  Filing, both paper and electronic, for the efficient

This includes diarising meetings/calls with
parents and staff, important school events and
planning ahead to take account of the school
calendar and major academic events

•  Ensuring that key academic dates are reflected
in the College calendar, visible to the entire
College community

storage and retrieval of information

•  Deputise for EA to the Headmaster

Pupils’ moral understanding
and the level to which they
take responsibility for their own
behaviour is excellent.

•  Planning and monitoring meeting times for all of
the staff whom the Deputy Head Academic line

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 A level or above

•  Previous PA experience is required

•  Work with integrity and maintain confidentiality

•  Experience of building close working relationships and anticipating
requirements to enable effective time management and efficient
organisation

•  Experience of managing multiple stakeholders both internally and

externally

•  Strong IT skills using the Microsoft Office suite and the ability to

master the school management system iSAMS

•  Highly effective communicator both verbal and written

•  Ability to prioritise and manage diary commitments

•  Proactive approach to resolving challenges

•  Diplomacy, influencing and persuasiveness skills

•  Excellent time management and the ability to organise others

•  Accurate minute taking and proofreading skills

•  Ability to learn about a new environment/sector and become a
source of knowledge for others and help maintain the College’s
excellent reputation

Personal Qualities and Interests
•  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 multitask in a busy school environment

•  Take a keen interest in the work of the Deputy Head Academic and
Deputy Head Pastoral and provide constructive and appropriate
support

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.

Staff Benefits at a Glance

PARKING

Free onsite car parking is available.
A valid school parking permit must
be displayed. Bike storage is also
available (and shower/changing
facilities provided).

PENSION SCHEME

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

DOG FRIENDLY

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

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.

DISCOUNTS

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

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

COMMON ROOM

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

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

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

Support 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 is 10.00am on Wednesday 24 September
2025. Interviews will be held on receipt of applications.

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

We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date if an early
application from a suitable applicant is received.

Application Process
•  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

•  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