Community and Development Officer

Community and Development Officer

Candidate Information Pack
Starting March/April 2026 | Salary £25k per annum

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 Community
and Development Officer, 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

The College
Shiplake College is a thriving and relatively young HMC school. In
September 2025 we welcomed 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 40% of all 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, part- and flexi-boarding is available from Year 9 (from
Year 7 in 2027), 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.

Site 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.

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.

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
2026: Wellness Centre (In Progress)

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

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.

Inspection
Shiplake was visited by ISI in September 2025. The
inspection went extremely well and we met all the
regulatory standards. Shiplake was also awarded a
‘significant strength’, which reflects that “pupils
who participate in sports, such as rowing, are given
guidance in balancing their academic, sporting
and wider commitments in a way which effectively
promotes their wellbeing.”

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 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.

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.

Job Description
The Headmaster is seeking to appoint an
experienced and enthusiastic Community and
Development Officer.

We are looking for someone to work 7.5 hours a
day (with an additional 30 minutes unpaid lunch
break), Monday to Friday, all year round (with
30 days annual leave and bank holidays). Some
flexibility is required in working hours in particular
for evening and weekend events.

The salary will be £25k per annum.

The role will be managed by the Head of
Community and Development and report to the
Director of External Relations.

Summary of the Role
The successful candidate will become a key
member of a small but enthusiastic team that
oversees the admissions, marketing, alumni and
development functions of the College. The post
holder will support the Head of Community and
Development in building and running a vibrant
programme for our former pupils and staff (known
as Old Vikings) and for overseeing a variety of
College events.

Key Duties and Responsibilities
In conjunction with the Head of Community and
Development:

Events
•  Support/manage the organisation and success
of various College and alumni events, including
reunions and sports matches, PA gatherings,
Christmas Fair and balls, House charity events,
College fundraising dinners and Giving Days, and
other community and admissions events

•  Planning may include logistics, budgeting,
ticketing, creative design, marketing and
communications

•  Ensure all events are suitably branded and
represent the College’s ethos and values

•  Maintain excellent customer service to all

stakeholders and audiences throughout the
planning and execution of events

•  Work closely with the maintenance, domestic
and catering teams, and other relevant staff,
to ensure the College’s facilities are used
effectively and all logistics are considered and
communicated accordingly to ensure events run
smoothly and efficiently

•  Liaise with suppliers and contractors to ensure

they deliver a good and safe service that
represents value for money

•  Complete risk assessments in line with policy

and check licensing and temporary event notice
requirements where applicable

•  Provide support for other internal/external

College events to ensure they are planned and
marketed in line with policy/strategy

•  Suggest and research ideas for new events

Parents’ Association (PA)
•  Attend PA committee meetings and provide a

valuable link between the committee members/
year reps and the College

•  Support the PA with event planning and

execution, from coffee mornings, quiz nights to
summer balls

Second-Hand Uniform/Merchandise Shop/
Finances
•  Run and manage the online second-hand
uniform shop including maintaining the
inventory, stock takes and order processing

•  Manage physical second-hand uniform sales for parents as required

•  Manage sales of Shiplake merchandise through Shiplake Connected

and Big Commerce platforms

•  Manage all refunds/reconciliation of payments with accounts team

Alumni Relations
•  Update and enhance the database/online community of Old Vikings,
through the Shiplake Connected platform, powered by ToucanTech

•  Maintain and update the pages on the Shiplake Connected website

(and where relevant, the College website)

•  Continue close working relations with former pupils and staff

(known as Old Vikings)

•  Ensure Sixth Form leavers have relevant information regarding

becoming an Old Viking

•  Maintain an active Old Vikings presence on social media, using the

dedicated Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn channels

•  Oversee all aspects of Old Viking (OV) events (planning,

organisation, promotion etc)

•  Produce regular (at least four a year) email newsletters to the Old

Viking and Shiplake Connected community

•  Research, locate and reconnect with Old Vikings using internet

search methods and social media

•  Continue with the digitisation of the College archives project

•  Organise and maintain the physical archive

•  Promote and organise the annual submissions to the OV Alumni of

the Year Awards

•  Continue building the careers, business networking and mentoring

programme for Old Vikings (and current pupils)

•  Encourage visits to the College for individual/group tours, and

College/OV events

•  Attend OVS Committee meetings and follow-up on action points

arising

•  Promote OV merchandise and fulfil and record purchases

•  Promote news and successes of individual Old Vikings through social
media and Shiplake Connected (and local press where relevant),
including writing articles and photo galleries (Flickr), video editing
and production where relevant

•  Diarise, organise and promote OV events including OV sport such as
netball, cricket x2, football, golf, rugby, tennis, as well as reunions
and other social occasions

•  Coordinate the ordering of College and Boat Club blazers from Old

Vikings and current pupils for Henley Royal Regatta

Development/Fundraising
•  Support with database administration and communications for

fundraising campaigns, prospect research, regular giving and legacy
programmes, stewardship, major gifts, events and partnerships,
grant applications, database management and impact reports

Other
•  Support other members of the marketing and admissions team

•  Any other duties as reasonably required by a member of the Senior

Management Team

This job description is not a comprehensive statement of procedures
and tasks but sets out the main expectations of the College in relation
to the post holder’s professional responsibilities and duties.

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
•  Strong IT skills using Microsoft Office and the
ability to master the alumni CRM database
(ToucanTech) and the school management
system iSAMS

•  Knowledge of Canva and/or ability to use Adobe
Photoshop and InDesign would be advantageous

•  Highly effective communicator both verbal and
written, creative and suitable for a variety of
audiences

•  Uses initiative, prioritise and manage diary

commitments

•  Proactive approach to resolving challenges;
presents solutions rather than problems

•  Seeks ways to continuously improve

performance, professional knowledge and
competence

•  Displays diplomacy, influencing and

persuasiveness skills

•  Excellent time management and ability to work

to deadlines

•  Accurate minute taking and proofreading skills

•  Ability to learn about a new environment/sector

•  Help maintain and build on the College’s

excellent reputation

•  Ideally educated to A-level or above

Personal Qualities and Interests
•  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.

Staff Benefits at a Glance
A competitive salary will be offered commensurate with the role and the experience of the successful
candidate. Full details and terms and conditions will be outlined in a contract issued with an offer of
employment.

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.

FLU VACCINATION

The College covers the cost of
the annual flu vaccination for
colleagues not eligible for a free NHS
vaccination.

DEVELOPMENT AND
TRAINING

CYCLE TO WORK
SCHEME

Continuing Professional Development
(CPD) is nurtured and encouraged.
In addition to the INSET programme,
individual requests are supported.

This enables employees to purchase
a bike and accessories through
tax-free salary sacrifice, saving on
income tax and National Insurance.

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

Closing date is 10.00am on Monday 2 March 2026.

Interviews to be held Thursday 5 March 2026.

We reserve the right to interview early applicants.

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

•  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.

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).

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.

Queries
If you have any queries at all about the recruitment
process please contact the HR Department on
01189 704 848 or jobs@shiplake.org.uk.

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.

The School Day7.00am8.00am8.20am8.40am3.30pm4.45pm5.00pm6.15pm7.00pmBoarders’ BreakfastBuses Arrive/RegistrationAssembly/Chapel/TutorLessons BeginGames/Co-Curricular ActivitiesPrep/Academic ClinicsSupperBuses Depart (5.00pm Fridays)Boarders Activities Programme13 daily bus routes1 weekly West London route2:1 applications for each place10% discount for most scholarshipsCreative Arts 238(40%) pupils receive tuition in at least one instrument 17 different instruments taught 7 drama productions and showcases a year 52pupils involved in whole school musical 2025 10 ensembles and choirs 3whole school art and photography competitions and 1 golden easel 37pupils taking LAMDA lessonsMicrosoft Surfaceunified device policyAll mobile phones handedin at the start of each dayUp to 30 staff dogson site each dayDestinations and Careers 96% secured places at first or second choice universityTop UK destinations 2025: UEA,Exeter, Brookes, Manchester Met, Cardiff, Reading, YorkTop degree subjects 2025:Business, Politics, Marketing, Engineering, Criminology, Sport 55% progressed to top third UK universities 35% progressed to  Russell Group universitiesSport and Co-Curricular 50+ sports and co-curricular activities availableActive Outdoor Education Programme and CCF (Army, Royal Navy and Air Force) 92 pupils completing Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s AwardAcademic, Art, Drama, Musicand Sport Scholarships availableMeans-Tested Bursaries availableFees include snacks at break,lunch and dinnerUSA university destinations 2025: Princeton, Washington, Iowa, Wisconsin, Boston52 pupils are children of Old Vikings (former pupils) and staffTeaching and Learning 27 subject options at Sixth Form 5 options for additional Year 12 qualification with UCAS pointsExam Results 95% of GCSE results were 9-4 grades (2025) 82% of Sixth Form results were A*-C (or equivalent)INCLUSIVE • INDIVIDUAL • INSPIRATIONAL 9 average tutor group size 16 average class size 1 bespoke Key Stage 3 curriculum 21 subjects offered at GCSESuccess in rowing for girls and boys at Schools’ Head, NSR, HRR, and at international levelHeadline Figures 580school roll (2025-26)girls across the co-ed year groups 1:7teacher:pupil ratio 33% flexi, weekly, full boarding in Years 9-13 41% 87 pupils completing Gold and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s AwardFees 2025-2026Registration 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. VATYears 9-13Day£11,250 per term inc. VATFlexi-Boarding (up to 2 nights a week)£13,775 per term inc. VATWeekly Boarding (up to 6 nights a week)£15,750 per term inc. VATFull Boarding£17,500 per term inc. VAT