Housemaster/Housemistress
Candidate Information Pack
Starting 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
Housemaster/Housemistress, 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.

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.

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 a
Housemaster/Housemistress to provide
outstanding pastoral support in our boys’ boarding
house for full, weekly, part- and flexi-boarders.
The House is currently for Years 9-11, extending
to include Years 7 and 8 from 2027, with the
possibility of some Sixth Form boarding provision
as well.

Role Profile
The Housemaster/Housemistress acts in loco
parentis, providing for the safety, good discipline
and pastoral wellbeing of all pupils in the House to
ensure a happy boarding community and culture.
The emotional, social, physical, cultural and
academic welfare of the boys are at the centre of
this role.

You will work closely with the Deputy Head Pastoral
and Headmaster and be supported by a Deputy
Housemaster/Housemistress, House Pastoral
Leader and a dedicated team of tutors. You will
be responsible for the day-to-day running of the
House as well as efficiently managing its staffing,
organisation and resources. Onsite accommodation
is provided to enable the successful applicant to be
available for the needs of the House.

Please note this position is open to both
teaching and non-teaching applicants.

Key Responsibilities
•  Manage the day-to-day routine of the House,
set the House rules in line with school policies
and ensure that the House is maintained as an
orderly, well-disciplined and happy community

•  Promote the physical and emotional wellbeing of

pupils in House

•  Ensure an effective induction of new pupils into
the House to help them integrate into College
life

•  Promote a culture of community engagement,

inclusivity and respect by embodying the values
and ethos of Shiplake College

•  Support the Christian ethos of the school by

attending Chapel services with pupils, ensuring
tutors to do likewise and to support the House
Chapel Wardens

•  Lead and manage an effective team of tutors.
Ensure that they understand their role and
responsibilities, provide them with regular
review and support, culminating in contributing
to their annual Performance Review

•  Hold regular Tutor meetings to discuss pupil
progress and development and other issues
within the House

•  Plan, implement and review structures of staff
supervision to ensure the safety and security
of all pupils at all times when they are in the
School’s charge

•  Assist with admissions, open days, assessment

days and contribute to the continued
development and success of the House and
School

•  Be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of

the whole pupil. Ensure individual circumstances
and needs are identified, shared with the
relevant staff, so that individual opportunities,
talents and potential are developed and
maximised and that difficulties and challenges
are supported and addressed

•  Be proactive in communication with parents,
ensuring they are fully informed about their
child’s progress and welfare; provide support
when family incidents and problems occur;
sharing information, informing relevant staff
when appropriate to ensure that family incidents
and problems are brought to the attention of
those who need to know

•  Support the School’s disciplinary policy and,
through encouragement and reward and

a clearly understood and fair system of sanctions, foster an
acceptance of the Code of Conduct of the House and School

•  Be a role model for pupils, members of your team and peers

•  Supervise, develop and support the Deputy Housemaster/
Housemistress and House Pastoral Leader ensuring clear
communication and a team approach

•  Work with the Deputy Housemaster/Housemistress to coordinate
the House rota and working hours, ensuring a schedule with day,
overnight and evening duties alongside alternating weekend shifts

•  Liaise with the Deputy Head Pastoral over pastoral and disciplinary

matters

•  Liaise with the Deputy Housemaster/Housemistress, teachers and

tutors over academic matters

•  Contribute to monitoring pupils’ academic progress, behaviour

and general welfare, intervening where necessary in collaboration
with the Deputy Housemaster/Housemistress, teachers, tutors and
Deputy Head Pastoral

•  Liaise with the Deputy Housemaster/Housemistress and House
Pastoral Leader over domestic matters ensuring the safety,
cleanliness and maintenance of facilities

•  Monitor any pick up arrangements ensuring that appropriate

permissions have been received

•  Monitor (together with the Admissions Registrar) arrangements with

guardians

•  Keep clear records of any incidents, problems and misconduct with

details of how the situation was addressed and the outcome

•  Keep clear and up to date records of any drugs or medicines

administered in line with school policy

•  Be responsible and accountable for the appearance of pupils within

the House

•  Be responsible and accountable for the expenditure of House funds,

with clear and accurate records

•  Instil and encourage high standards of tidiness in the House;

respect for the fabric of the House and for other pupils’ possessions

•  Take part in the appraisal system

•  Provide for the Headmaster and Deputy Head Pastoral, a House

‘Annual Report’, including management and welfare targets for the
coming year

•  For teaching applications: Teach in a department and contribute to

sport or extra-curricular activities in the College

•  For non-teaching applications: There may be opportunities to teach
in a department and contribute to sport or extra-curricular activities
in the College

•  Develop a system of mentoring and responsibility within the House,

which develops individuals’ skills and helps prepare pupils for
leadership roles within the College, such as becoming a College
Prefect

•  Administer first aid and liaise with the Medical Wing team when

necessary

•  Perform any other key tasks which the Headmaster may reasonably

request

•  Keep abreast of developments within the world of boarding using

Boarding Schools Association (BSA) updates and material as well as
being aware of and responsive to changing government guidance
and legislation

•  Attend weekly Housemasters’ meetings

•  Work closely with the Housemaster group to support, advise and

share good practice

Any other duties as reasonably required by the Head of Department
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 and teaching qualification - all subjects considered

(desirable for non-teaching applicants)

•  BSA qualification or equivalent (desirable)

Knowledge and Experience

•  Excellent subject knowledge (teaching applicants)

•  Good knowledge of current pedagogy (teaching applicants)

•  Experience of working with young people in a boarding or other

residential environment (desirable)

•  Experience of pastoral management

•  Ability to motivate and inspire pupils and colleagues

•  Good working knowledge of National Minimum Boarding Standards

•  Knowledge of Independent School Inspection framework

•  Understanding of current good practice in boarding care

Skills and Abilities
•  Highly effective communicator

•  Ability to lead and manage a team

•  Ability to prioritise and good time management

•  Ability to gain respect from colleagues and pupils

•  Ability to maintain good standards of behaviour

•  Good ICT skills including knowledge of Office 365

•  Self-reliant and self-motivated

•  Ability to drive a minibus (desirable or willing to train)

•  First aid qualification (desirable or willing to train)

Personal Qualities and Interests

•  Commitment to the ethos and aims of the school

•  Initiative, drive and enthusiasm

•  Approachable and supportive

•  Passion for teaching and learning and pastoral care

•  Motivation and interest in further personal development

•  Good sense of humour

•  Commitment to become involved with a varied co-curricular

programme

•  Reliable and empathetic

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).

FULLY SUBSIDISED
ACCOMMODATION

Fully subsidised on-site
accommodation is provided to enable
the Housemaster/Housemistress to be
available for the needs of the House.

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

Applicants are eligible to join the
Aviva APTIS Scheme (teaching staff)
or the Pensions Trust (support staff).

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.

FLU VACCINATION

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

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).

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 (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

Applications

To Apply
•  Please go to www.shiplake.org.uk/vacancies and download
either the Teaching Staff or Support Staff Application Form
depending on the type of application being made

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

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

Closing date for this role is 10.00am on 29 January 2026.
Interviews to be held the week commencing 2 February 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 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.

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.

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