New Management Structure

The Headmaster and Chairman of Governors are pleased to share details of a new management and leadership structure at Shiplake College, taking effect from September 2015. The changes follow the news in March that Deputy Headmaster Rob Jones has been appointed as Headmaster of HMC school Rendcomb College.

In response to Shiplake’s recent growth and our increased proportion of day pupils, the Headmaster has taken the opportunity to revert from a vertical management structure to a more horizontal arrangement. This is in line with HMC guidance, and closely replicates structures which have worked effectively in other leading schools. The role of Deputy Headmaster has now been split into two domains, covering academic and pastoral responsibilities. Ian Munro, formerly Director of Studies, has been appointed Deputy Head Academic, while Nick Brown, formerly Assistant Head Co-Curricular, will become Deputy Head Pastoral.

Mr Munro will oversee all activities relating to teaching and learning, including the monitoring of standards and practice, reporting and assessment frameworks, and preparing pupils for external examinations. Mr Munro will work alongside two new Academic Assistant Heads, Paul Jones (Lower and Middle School) and Richard Curtis (Sixth Form). Mr Jones and Mr Curtis will monitor the curriculum across all key stages; ensuring pupils continue to receive a challenging, balanced education across all subject areas.

Mr Brown will manage all aspects of pastoral care at Shiplake College. This includes child protection and safeguarding, pupil discipline, mentoring and tutoring. Mr Brown will be supported by Senior Housemaster Andrew Dix, Assistant Head Co-Curricular Alex Hunt and Director of Sport James Gaunt. Under the guidance of the new pastoral management team, our dedicated group of Housemasters and Tutors will continue to deliver exceptional standards of pastoral care which the College prides itself upon. The team will also ensure a rich, varied co-curricular programme is offered to students across the school, including a new weekend activity programme for boarders.

The Headmaster commented: ‘Leadership of a school or college is one of the most important factors in allowing pupils to achieve the best possible outcomes from their education. Management of the College was declared ‘excellent’ by our recent ISI inspection, and I am confident that this new structure will allow us to continue to progress and improve further. I am proud to work alongside such a talented group of teaching and pastoral staff, spanning all areas of the school. I know that our new management team will give colleagues the guidance and leadership they need, whilst allowing them the independence to continue to do what they do best.’