Welcome Mr Philip Arnold

Following a comprehensive recruitment process, we are delighted to welcome Mr Philip Arnold who starts today as our new Chief Operating Officer ahead of the start of the 2025–2026 academic year. He will succeed Mr Will Dixon, our previous Bursar, and we would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Mr Nick Shryane for his support as Interim Bursar since March 2025. 

Mr Arnold joins Shiplake following a distinguished career in the Royal Air Force, which he joined in 1992 after graduating from university. With over more than three decades of service, he has held a wide range of leadership and operational roles both in the UK and overseas, including postings in Kenya, Germany, the Falkland Islands, and the USA. 

Mr Arnold brings extensive staff expertise having led large teams and managed complex operations and programmes. His experience includes strategic planning roles at the Ministry of Defence and Cabinet Office, where he contributed to major Defence and cross-government initiatives. Most recently, he was responsible for RAF Ground Training, including oversight of the 4,200-strong RAF Apprenticeship programme and a £950 million infrastructure transformation project. 

Mr Arnold holds an MBA from the Open University and a Master's degree in the Operational Art and Science of War from the United States Air Force’s Air University, where he graduated top of his class. He has also completed the Major Project Leadership Academy at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. 

He is married to Allyson, Chief Operating Officer of a medical NGO, and they have two children, Charlotte (11) and Ben (16), who will also be joining Shiplake College. In his spare time, Mr Arnold enjoys reading, running, and flying, and supports several voluntary organisations, including serving as President of the Western Beacons Mountain Rescue Team. 

The Headmaster, Mr Tyrone Howe, comments: 

‘During the interview process, which included a panel of governors, Mr Arnold impressed everyone with his understanding of the independent education sector and Shiplake's unique environment. His collaborative leadership style and willingness to take a hands-on approach were particularly noteworthy. We are delighted to welcome Mr Arnold to our team in August, just in time for the new academic year.’ 

Mr Arnold is looking forward to becoming part of the Shiplake community and contributing to the continued development of the College as a dynamic and values-led school. We're delighted to have him, and we look forward to seeing him in action!