SCHOOL CHAPLAIN Part-time – 15 hours per week, term time only The School is open to applications for this position from lay persons as well as ordained Ministers of the Anglican Communion. The School welcomes pupils of all faiths and none, and fosters mutual respect and understanding of the beliefs and traditions of others. Pupils are encouraged to be reflective, questioning, thoughtful, and open minded in their encounters with religious and spiritual traditions. As in all areas of the life of the School the emphasis is on developing rounded individuals who value all members of the community. Within this philosophy, the values, patterns, and worship of the Christian tradition are a significant part of our inheritance at Warminster School and the Chaplain’s role in developing moral and spiritual awareness within the pupil body is absolutely central. The successful candidate would have a deep commitment to education and to making a contribution to the shaping of young people’s spiritual thinking and development. Through their leadership of weekday and Sunday services the Chaplain plays a central role in raising within the School community, awareness of and reflection on, some of the eternal ‘big questions’ of meaning and purpose, as well as promoting key values such as kindness, empathy and integrity. The Chaplain’s ability to engage with such issues in a philosophical and spiritual, but not exclusively Christian perspective, is vitally important. She/he needs a sensitive appreciation of the truth that for all human beings – but for young people in particular – life is a search for meaning. Within this search, few items are ‘off limits’. Relationships: The post holder is accountable to the Headmaster in all matters relating to this post. The post holder will work closely with all members of the school community. Purpose: The Chaplain has responsibility in two key areas of school life: spiritual and pastoral. The following descriptions should not be seen as discrete entities, but as closely interrelated, nor are they exhaustive. Spirtual The Chaplain is responsible for administering, officiating and preaching at School services, as well as occasional services offered for different constituencies within the School community. Services and main duties include: • Coordination of whole school assembly (Church), which takes place twice a week (Monday and Friday) with the assistance of the Director of Music, Deputy Head, and Prefects. The Chaplain devises the weekly/termly themes, speaks regularly him/herself and draws in staff, pupils, and guest speakers to also address the School. • Sunday evening services for boarders in St Boniface Chapel lasting about 30 minutes. The Chaplain liaises with the boarding staff and the Deputy Head in arranging and overseeing this. • Provide for all major School services i.e. Carol Service, the Leavers’ Service and Remembrance Service. • Lead an assembly for Prep children every week. • Beginning of term staff services in St Boniface Chapel and weekly staff prayer. • Lead a weekly service of Holy Communion during lunchtime. • Develop and sustain the chaplaincy by working with all those people who contribute to the Christian life of the community including Religious Studies and Music departments. • Build and maintain links with the Diocese and local clergy, particularly with The Minster Church of St Denys. • Prepare candidates for Confirmation/Baptism. • Make provision for pupils from different faith groups where appropriate. • Support School events. Pastoral The Chaplain is also a key member of the pastoral team. Specific duties include: • Attend Pastoral Group meetings as appropriate. • Weekly visits to Boarding Houses. • Availability to offer 1:1 counsel to pupils and staff. • Coordination with the Health and Wellbeing Hub, Leadership Team, Boarding and House teams on specific pastoral cases. • Leading on bereavement & support for whole school community in times of sadness (terminal illness/bereavement etc). • To meet regularly with the Headmaster to discuss the welfare of the community, upcoming services and associated chaplaincy events as well as providing a sounding board as required. • Contribute to pastoral policies. Miscellaneous To be fully integrated into the School community, there are others areas of School life that require the support of the Chaplain: • There is a well-established Religion, Ethics and Philosophy department in the School and, depending on the skills, experience and preferences of the candidate, a teaching role might be available. Alternatively, a suitably qualified candidate might offer other subjects. • Working with House teams, carry out School based duties on days of work. • Contribute to the EDGE Programme as appropriate, particularly in community outreach and charity work. • Help to provide lesson and tutor group cover if appropriate. Person Specification • A practising Christian • Experience as a chaplain, and/or a teaching qualification/experience is preferred, but not essential. • Energetic, enthusiastic with a sense of humour. • Reliable and discreet. • Strong organisational skills: time management & ability to multi-task. • Excellent inter-personal and presentation skills. • Perception and sensitivity towards the issues that adolescent pupils face. • A good practical knowledge of scripture and theology. • Experience of leading liturgy. • • Awareness of Church news on a global and national scale, with connection to the wider movements in UK; ICT literate. Diocesan, youth and other. • Operate in accordance with school’s policies and procedures as detailed on the school’s website and intranet and as set out in the Staff Handbook and elsewhere, ensuring compliance with the School’s Code of Conduct, the Safeguarding Policy and Child Protection procedures, the school’s Health and Safety policy and the Health and Safety at Work Act. No job description can fully cover all aspects of the role and consequently the responsibilities are likely to evolve and change over time. Matt Williams January 2026