Skipwith is one of the largest houses at Shiplake with over 70 pupils. The House is located within the superb Victorian manor house, Skipwith. Directly above the Great Hall where everyone dines, there is no doubt that Skipwith lies at the centre of College life.
Despite the transition to accommodate more day pupils, the traditional boarding ethos of the house is still very much present. The House is full of character, which rubs off on the pupils. The views are stunning from virtually every window but the most coveted seat in the House is at the top of the entrance staircase, where one can watch the school go by.
Skipwith’s main day room and pool table room both have televisions and modern, breakfast bar style furniture. Check (registration) takes place on the spacious first floor landing. The mezzanine nature of this area creates an amphitheatre effect. Pupils use large, traditional work spaces with fantastic views overlooking the river.
House staff endeavour to create a welcoming environment and take a holistic approach to the pastoral care and academic progress of all pupils, believing all can achieve their potential, and we provide excellent support for each individual to succeed. Belonging is a key theme within the House and the fun, lively and industrious atmosphere certainly provides this. Skipwith is an extremely happy House and one of which we are proud. Matron plays a vital part in the pastoral care of the pupils within Skipwith. Matron is the first port of call for any non-emergency medical issues and is on hand to support and guide the boys throughout every day of the week.
Housemaster: Mr Marcus Milburn
Mr Marcus Milburn, also Head of Media Studies, is in his fourth year as Housemaster of Skipwith having previously held the post of Assistant Housemaster of Skipwith and Resident Tutor in College House.
Mr Milburn joined Shiplake in September 2010. He married his wife, Catherine, a month after joining the College and they live with their extremely friendly Pug-Cavalier cross, Cilla.
Mr Milburn coaches U14 cricket, and runs a popular co-curricular filmmaking club and the College darts club. In his spare time, he enjoys going to the cinema, taking part in pub quizzes and crib.
Deputy Housemaster: Miss Nicola Jones
Miss Nicola Jones joined Shiplake in 2020, teaching theology & philosophy and has been a tutor in Everett House.
She has been a teacher since 2013 and previously worked at schools in Rugby and Banbury as a teacher, Head of Year and Housemistress. She has a Cardigan Corgi called Diggle, who is often in school with her.
Miss Jones is involved with DofE, public speaking and boardgames clubs, sometimes also helping with music and drama. In her spare time, she is a trustee of a musical theatre company based in Oxford and performs with them (and other amateur groups) regularly; she enjoys performing music (singing, cello and ukulele!) and theatre of all kinds.
Matron and Tutors
Contacts
Please note that the College Management Information System is expected to hold current contact information for parents and guardians, including address, home and mobile telephone numbers and email.
If your information changes during the year, please inform the Housemaster and the College Office, as soon as possible.
Mobile telephone numbers for all pupils will be held by the Housemaster.