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 in September 2023 girls joined in Year 7 as we look to the future as a fully co-educational place of learning - as of September 2025 all co-educational year groups (Years 7-9 and Sixth Form) have 40% girls. As well as providing a fantastic learning and living environment for young people, Shiplake offers an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding working environment.
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Teaching Vacancies
Thank you for your interest in working at Shiplake College, please see below our current vacancies.
Teacher of Art
Starting September 2026
Full-time or part-time applications welcome
Due to an increase in pupil numbers and a growth in demand for the subject, we are seeking a creative and enthusiastic Art teacher with the opportunity to teach Photography A Level, starting in September 2026. This is a superb opportunity to join our art department, renowned for producing a diverse range of dynamic and innovative work. The art department is situated on the top floor of our purpose-built John Turner building based in classrooms flooded with natural daylight and with exceptional facilities.
The role would suit an energetic teacher who is committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning; a teacher who can inspire and challenge all our pupils. Applications are welcomed from inspirational teachers who will strive for excellence in all aspects of the art curriculum. This could present a great opportunity for an ECT.
Teaching Staff Application Form
Closing Date: Thursday 19 March 2026, 10am
Interviews: Tuesday 24 March 2026
Teacher of Politics
Permanent, full-time
Starting September 2026
We are seeking an experienced and engaging Teacher of Politics who can also offer History as a second subject. The successful candidate will teach a timetable primarily focused on Key Stage 5 Politics (Edexcel A-Level specification), with some History teaching across Key Stages 3 and 4. This is an excellent opportunity for a well qualified and motivated teacher to join a supportive and successful department.
We are looking for an energetic educator with a passion for high-quality teaching and learning. Someone who can inspire, challenge, and support every pupil to achieve their personal best. The successful applicant will have a key role in the continuing development of the subject.
Applications are encouraged from dedicated professionals who aim for excellence in all areas of both the Politics and History curriculums. This role is also well-suited to Early Career Teachers (ECTs) looking to develop within a supportive and innovative environment.
Early applications are welcomed, as the College reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the application process.
Teacher of Politics Candidate Pack
Teaching Staff Application Form
Closing date: Friday 13 March 2026, 10am
Interviews: Wednesday 18 and Friday 20 March 2026
Teacher of Business Studies and/or Economics (Part-Time)
Starting September 2026
Due to an overall increase in pupil numbers and a growth in demand in the subject, we are seeking to appoint an inspiring and passionate Part-Time Teacher of Business Studies and/or Economics to join our successful and busy department to start in September 2026.
This is a superb opportunity for a suitably qualified, inspirational dynamic and enthusiastic individual to teach 10 periods across Years 9-13. Business Studies is a strong subject at the College and one of our most popular Sixth Form subjects.
The role would suit an energetic teacher committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning; a teacher who can inspire and challenge all of our pupils to achieve their personal bests. We will consider all levels of teaching experience, looking for candidates with the ability to teach GCSE Business (Key Stage 4) and A-level and CTEC Business, and/or A-level Economics (Key Stage 5).
Applications are welcomed from teachers who will strive for excellence in all aspects of their practice.
Early applications are welcomed, as the College reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the application process.
Teacher of Business Studies/Economics Candidate Pack
Teaching Staff Application Form
Closing Date: Monday 23 March 2026, 10am
Interviews: Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 March 2026
Residential Graduate Assistant
£20,000 per annum
Starting September 2026
Fixed term contract until July 2027
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. 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.
Residential Graduate Assistant Candidate Pack
Support Staff Application Form
Closing Date: Thursday 9 April, 10am
Interviews: Week commencing Monday 13 April
Teacher of Mathematics
Starting September 2026
We are seeking to appoint an inspiring and passionate Teacher of Mathematics to join our successful and busy department to start in September 2026.
Shiplake College is seeking to appoint a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to teach across Years 7-13. This is a superb opportunity for a suitably qualified practitioner to join a large, successful department. Mathematics is a strong subject at the College and one of our most popular Sixth Form subjects.
The role would suit an energetic teacher committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning; a teacher who can inspire and challenge all of our pupils to achieve their personal bests. Applications are welcomed from inspirational teachers who will strive for excellence in all aspects of the maths curriculum.
Early applications are welcomed, as the College reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the application process.
Teacher of Maths Candidate Pack
Teaching Staff Application Form
Closing Date: Monday 16 March 2026
Interviews: Thursday 19 March 2026
Teacher of Geography
Full-time, permanent
Starting September 2026
We are seeking to appoint a dynamic and enthusiastic Teacher of Geography to teach across Years 7-13 starting in September 2026. This is a superb opportunity for a suitably qualified practitioner to join a successful and innovative department. The role would suit an energetic teacher committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning; a teacher who can inspire and challenge all our pupils to achieve their personal bests.
Applications are welcomed from inspirational teachers who will strive for excellence in all aspects of the geography curriculum. This could present a great opportunity for an ECT.
Early applications are encouraged for this role. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date if an early application from a suitable applicant is received.
Teacher of Geography Candidate Pack
Teaching Staff Application Form
Closing Date: Friday 13 March 2026, 10am
Interviews: Tuesday 17 March and Friday 20 March
Teacher of Computer Studies
Starting September 2026
Shiplake College is seeking to appoint a dynamic and forward-thinking Teacher of Computer Studies to teach across all key stages. This is a superb opportunity for a suitably qualified practitioner to play a leading role in this enthusiastic department. The successful candidate will be able to contribute to the department’s diverse curriculum which includes Computing at KS3, Computer Studies GCSE and A-level and a bespoke Digital Literacy curriculum in Years 7-9.
The role would suit an energetic teacher who is committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning; a teacher who can inspire and challenge all our pupils. Applications are welcomed from teachers who will strive for excellence in all aspects of the Computer Studies curriculum. Applicants should be able to create a rigorous environment for our pupils to thrive and be able to instil a passion for learning.
Shiplake College is an independent boarding and day school for around 580 pupils aged 11 to 18. There has been a co-educational Sixth Form since 1998 and in September 2023 girls joined in Year 7, as we look to the future as fully co-educational. Situated in 63 acres of beautiful countryside near Henley-on-Thames, we offer an outstanding education based on small class sizes, excellent facilities and dedicated teaching staff. All teaching staff are expected to contribute to the busy programme of co-curricular activities on offer.
We offer a competitive salary, excellent free lunches and a contributory pension scheme together with access to our gym and sporting facilities and an excellent working environment.
Teacher of Computer Studies Candidate Pack
Teaching Staff Application Form
Closing date: Friday 20 March 2026, 10am
Interviews: Tuesday 24 March 2026
Visiting Music Teacher (Violin)
Flexible hours
Starting April 2026
Music plays an important part in the life of Shiplake College. We are seeking an inspirational violin teacher who has the ability to deliver exciting and motivating lessons to pupils on an individual and group basis. Your lessons will include individual repertoire, sight-reading, aural, theory and the exploration of different styles of violin and techniques.
This role would suit a violin teacher who has a wish to share their love of violin and music in a collaborative and innovative way. Students will leave your lessons inspired, enthused and wanting more. You will have high expectations of pupils and the drive to help them reach their potential.
Applicants must able to read music and to accompany pupils. You must be able to demonstrate a commitment to the highest standards of teaching and learning.
Our school environment fuels ambition and aspiration; we strive to light a spark, stir up passion, unlock potential and encourage each student to achieve their personal best.
Early applications are welcomed, as the College reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the application process.
Visiting Music Teacher (Violin) Candidate Pack
Teaching Staff Application Form
Closing Date: Thursday 19 March 2026, 10am
Interviews: Tuesday 24 March 2026
Operational/Support Vacancies
Electrician
Salary: circa £40k per annum depending on experience
40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, all year round with 25 days holiday and all bank holidays
To start as soon as possible
We're seeking a skilled and motivated Electrician to join our Estates team as soon as possible.
This is a full-time role working all year round, across all areas of the College and is responsible for all electrical maintenance, inspection, installation, testing and rectification work.
This is a hands-on role where you will be required to work independently and prioritise your workload effectively understanding that working in a busy boarding school environment means safety, reliability and minimal disruption are paramount. The successful candidate will be professional, dependable and proactive - someone who enjoys being part of a wider collaborative team.
Support Staff Application Form
Closing Date: 10am on Friday 13 March
Interview Date: Interview to be held the following week
To Apply
To apply for a current vacancy please complete the relevant application form provided and return, with a covering letter addressed to the Headmaster, via email to [email protected].
If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact, Ms Claire Smith, HR Administrator on [email protected] or 01189 405 218.
The College reserves the right to appoint before the application deadline.
If you should have any queries regarding employment at Shiplake College, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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 regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
About Working at Shiplake College
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. Our recruitment selection and disclosures policy can be accessed at the link below.
For all teaching appointments, a willingness to participate in the varied extra-curricular life of a busy boarding and day school is essential. Shiplake has a defined contribution pension scheme (APTIS or alternative option for support staff) and its own salary scale. Accommodation may be available on site and further paid responsibilities may also be available. Excellence in the classroom and an ability to inspire young people are paramount and non-negotiable.
Shiplake College offers a beautiful working environment, supportive colleagues and all staff enjoy a free lunch and evening meal if on duty. In addition, staff are encouraged to make use of the onsite gym facilities, open air swimming (during summer months), and join a variety of staff teams such as football, touch rugby and cricket.
Thinking School
At Shiplake College, we are proud to be a Thinking School, where metacognition forms a core part of our teaching and learning culture. Every lesson includes a metacognitive element, supporting pupils to develop awareness of how they learn as well as what they learn. This approach is firmly rooted in the science of learning, with all staff using consistent visual tools and shared language to help pupils articulate their thinking and learning strategies. New members of staff receive dedicated training in the principles of cognitive science and metacognitive practice as part of their induction, and this professional development continues throughout the year with ongoing guidance, resources, and reflective opportunities. As a result, we work together as a cohesive, thoughtful community, equipping our pupils with the skills to become confident, independent learners.
Learning Research Group
All teaching staff at Shiplake College are expected to contribute to the Learning Research Group within their first two years of joining the College, with Early Career Teachers (ECTs) expected to engage within their first year. The Learning Research Group is built around the model of practitioner research, where teachers undertake research into their own classroom practice with the specific aim of solving problems and improving teaching and learning. Unlike purely theoretical research, practitioner research is directly focused on enhancing professional practice. The process follows a one-year cycle: staff join or lead a research group in the autumn term, complete secondary research in the spring, and carry out and report on their research in the summer term. Findings are then published in an in-house journal at the start of the next academic year, with staff sharing their work through presentations at September INSET. Recent research projects have included topics such as metacognition for SEND learners, the use of AI in the classroom, pupil feedback to improve practice, and the merits of digital versus handwritten learning, among many others. This culture of reflective practice and professional enquiry is central to our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.