Job Vacancies

25 hours per week – term time plus INSET
Starting September 2025
£12,542.50 per annum (actual salary) plus excellent benefits and on-site accommodation may be available 

This is an exciting opportunity for a Drama graduate, with a passion for theatre and performing arts, to develop their skills and experience life at a leading independent boarding school. This is a one-year contract starting in September 2025, with the possibility that the contract will be renewed for a second year in September 2026.

You will join the school’s thriving, exciting and busy Drama department and provide support for every aspect of the school’s productions; together with assisting the department with their teaching and delivering a varied programme of curricular Drama and co-curricular provision. 

Duties and responsibilities will include sourcing, making or hiring costumes; sets and props; advising and organising the sound and lighting design; care and maintenance of sound and lighting equipment; marketing and publicising productions; budget management; reprographics support within the department; and editing and management of videos and video equipment.

The ideal candidate will have excellent organisational skills; the ability to work to strict deadlines; be at ease thinking outside the box; be comfortable working with groups of pupils 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.

We offer a competitive salary, excellent free lunches, and a contributory pension scheme together with access to our gym and sporting facilities and a beautiful working environment.

Early applications are welcomed, as the College reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the application process.

Graduate Drama Assistant Candidate Pack

Support Staff Application Form

Closing Date: Friday 9 May 2025, 10.00am
Interviews: Week commencing 12 May 2025

£20,000 per annum 
Accommodation onsite will be provided
Starting September 2025
Fixed term contract until July 2026

Shiplake College is seeking to appoint a highly motivated and inspirational individual looking to gain experience living, working and teaching in a boarding school environment. This role is an excellent opportunity for someone who is looking to explore a possible career in teaching because of the hands-on experience you will gain. The preferred subject specialism is English however we may be prepared to consider other subjects as well. We will provide support, mentoring and teaching experience ahead of a potential application for a PGCE.  

The successful candidate will be expected to immerse themselves in the day-to-day life of a busy boarding school through a variety of roles including supporting the house, working with the pastoral team, supporting teaching and undertaking co-curricular activities. You can expect to assist with the boarders’ weekend activities, supervise Sixth Form independent study periods and contribute to our wide co-curricular programme. Therefore, the working hours will include working during the school day, in the evenings, alternate weekend house cover and supporting whole school events.

In the boarding house, you will work closely with the Houseparent and House Pastoral Leader and a dedicated team of tutors. Alongside the Houseparent you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the house as well as efficiently managing its staffing, organisation and resources. You will be a confident role model for the pupils and integrate on a professional level during break-times, games sessions and supervised prep. The normal working hours will be 40 hours per week with the understanding that there is a need for flexibility in this regard. Onsite accommodation is provided to enable you to be available for the needs of the House.

Early applications are welcomed, as the College reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the application process.

Graduate Resident Assistant Candidate Pack

Teaching Staff Application Form

Closing Date: Friday 9 May 2025, 10.00am
Interviews: Week commencing 12 May 2025

Part-time (up to 10 hours per week)
Starting September 2025

Due to an expansion of the department, we are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, creative individual with a passion for teaching Media Studies from September 2025.

This is a superb opportunity for someone who has a degree in media or a closely related subject to join our dynamic and innovative school. The role would suit an enthusiastic, creative teacher committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning. Applications are welcome from both ECTs and more experienced teachers who have the ability to inspire and motivate pupils in Years 9-13 who choose to study Media Studies.

Early applications are welcomed, as the College reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the application process.

Teacher of Media Studies (Part-Time) Candidate Pack

Teaching Staff Application Form

Closing Date: Friday 9 May 2025, 10am
Interviews: Wednesday 14 May & Thursday 15 May 2025

40 hours per week (applications for part-time work will be considered)
Salary between £21,000 to £30,000 depending on experience
To start as soon as possible

An exciting opportunity awaits you at our prestigious College with cricket, rugby and football pitches as well as artificial surfaces, all located in a stunning riverside setting. The successful applicant will be joining us at an exciting time when we have recently completed six new rugby/football pitches and a new full-sized artificial hockey pitch, MUGA and cricket nets.

We are dedicated to ensuring our grounds are maintained to the highest standards and as our sports facilities expand, we are looking for enthusiastic people to grow our team.

As a Groundsperson, you will be part of the grounds team and your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing and maintaining to a high standard our sports pitches including 3 cricket pitches, grass tennis courts, 8 rugby/football pitches and artificial playing surface
• Conducting sports turf renovation activities such as top dressing and overseeding.  Pre-season preparation and end of season renovation of the cricket pitches
• Sports turf maintenance tasks including marking out initial pitches, over marking, mowing, scarifying, aeration and applying fertilizers and pesticides
• Operating and maintaining grounds maintenance equipment such as mowers, strimmers, leaf blowers, and tractors
• Ensuring cleanliness and tidiness in tools, workshops, and storage rooms
• Conducting regular inspections to ensure the safety and quality of playing surfaces
• Assisting with the planning and scheduling of grounds maintenance tasks

To excel in this role, you should possess the following qualities:

• Professional grounds maintenance experience or an appetite to learn
• Sound knowledge of and previous use of horticultural machinery or an appetite to learn
• Self-motivation and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• High attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards
• Physically fit, adaptable to changing schedules and working in various weather conditions
• Enthusiasm and dedication to contributing to a thriving school environment
• An interest in supporting the growth of our sports facilities

Hours of Work: This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week with an unpaid lunch hour and two paid 20-minute breaks. Additional hours will be required throughout the year, including weekend working for sporting and other events, hours are agreed in advance. Overtime attracts an additional payment.

We are ideally looking for an experienced Groundsperson however we will also consider applications if you have a keen interest in grounds or limited experience. We support personal growth and can offer comprehensive training and development opportunities.

Shiplake College offers a beautiful working environment, supportive colleagues, a contributory pension scheme and excellent free lunches. Staff are encouraged to make use of the on-site gym facilities and open-air swimming pool, during the summer months, alongside the opportunity to make the most of our riverside location.

Groundsperson Candidate Pack

To arrange an informal visit to the College to learn more about the role, please email [email protected] or call 0118 9402455 and speak to Claire Smith for this to be arranged. 

Closing Date: Wednesday 14 May 2025, 10am
Interviews: By arrangement