Graduate Drama Assistant

Graduate Drama Assistant
Candidate Information Pack

Salary £12,820.10 per annum, actual salary
25 hours per week | To start in September 2026

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 Graduate
Drama Assistant, 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 a record 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.

School Development
The stunning grounds are a remarkable 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.

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.

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

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
enthusiastic and creative Graduate Drama
Assistant who is passionate about theatre and
dramatic arts.

This is a superb opportunity for a confident Drama
Graduate who is interested in pursuing a career in
teaching and wants to experience life at a boarding
school. You will work closely with the busy Drama
department to help them in their day-to-day
delivery of lessons and provide support for the
hugely successful school productions.

Role Profile
The role of the Graduate Drama Assistant is to
support the Drama department in their provision
of theatre and curricular drama within the school,
including lessons, productions, co-curricular and
trips. This could range from the maintenance of
the technical equipment to resources for drama
productions.

The ideal candidate will have excellent
organisational skills; the ability to work to strict
deadlines; be at ease thinking outside the box
and be able to offer inspirational and creative
ideas for all areas of technical designs for exam
performance pieces and productions. You will also
have a working knowledge of lighting and sound
equipment, Microsoft Office, video editing software
and health and safety.

Key Responsibilities

props and set items

•  Support in the building of sets for production

•  Rig, plot and programme lights for performances

•  Source, create and cue sounds for all

performances

•  Keep track of the budget for all productions
and ensure all receipts are kept from items
purchased and expense forms submitted
appropriately

•  Help to train and support pupils who are

interested in theatrical design

Marketing and Publicity
•  Create promotional materials and programmes

for the productions

•  Update and maintain displays in the classrooms

and foyer space

•  Update noticeboard in foyer with latest news/

pictures from the department

•  Edit and manage videos and video equipment

Events
•  Attend all productions and help with technical

elements

•  Help to prepare for and attend all open mornings

and external workshops

•  Attend theatre trips where possible

General
•  Be available to pupils when you are in school
should they need to find a prop or costume

Production Support
•  Meet regularly with the teachers/directors of the

show to discuss technical requirements

•  Manage and organise the costume workshop and

stores, ensuring they are kept tidy

•  Support with department reprographic needs

•  Plan, source, manage and catalogue costumes,

•  Attend weekly Drama Department meetings

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).

SUBSIDISED
ACCOMMODATION

Subsidised accommodation may
be available onsite subject to
availability.

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).

PENSION SCHEME

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

CATERING

Complimentary lunches during
term time (and supper if a school
commitment or duty). Snacks
at break time and hot drinks
throughout the day.

TECHNOLOGY

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

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).

DEVELOPMENT AND
TRAINING

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

CYCLE TO WORK
SCHEME

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

COMMON ROOM

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

DISCOUNTS

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

Any other duties as reasonably required by your Line Manager or
member of the Senior Management Team. This job description
will be reviewed annually and may be subject to amendment or
modification at any time after consultation with the post holder. It is
not a comprehensive statement of procedures and tasks but sets out
the main expectations of the School 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 education provided by
Shiplake College.

Educational Attainment
•  Degree in Drama or a closely related subject

Knowledge and Experience
•  Previous experience in a similar role within an educational or

theatrical setting

•  Health and safety certification (desirable)

•  Experience with lighting, sound and AV equipment

•  Experience in stage set design and construction

Skills and Abilities
•  Strong technical skills in lighting, sound, and AV systems

•  Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues

•  Excellent organisational and time management skills

•  Strong communication and interpersonal skills

•  Ability to work collaboratively with staff and pupils

•  Creativity and problem-solving skills

•  Ability to effectively manage budgets

•  Ability to use initiative

Personal Qualities and Interests
•  Enthusiastic and passionate about drama and theatre

•  Flexible and adaptable to changing demands

•  Reliable and punctual

•  Committed to promoting a safe and inclusive environment

•  Enjoys working collaboratively with pupils and colleagues

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.

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

Closing date is 10.00am on Friday 10 April 2026.

Interviews the week starting Monday 13 April 2026.

We reserve the right to interview early applicants.

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 KCSIE, 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 704848 or jobs@shiplake.org.uk.

INCLUSIVE • INDIVIDUAL • INSPIRATIONAL

The School Day

7.00am

Boarders’ Breakfast

8.00am

Buses Arrive/Registration

8.20am

Assembly/Chapel/Tutor

8.40am

Lessons Begin
(average 6 lessons per day)

3.30pm

Games/Co-Curricular Activities

4.45pm

Prep/Academic Clinics

5.00pm

Supper

6.15pm

Buses Depart (5.00pm Fridays)

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

580 school roll

(2025-26)

33%

fl exi, 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 qualifi cation with
UCAS points

21

subjects off ered 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 fi rst 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
unifi ed device policy

17

diff erent 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