THE ROLES The College seeks to appoint one or more Anglican priests to the role of Chaplain to the pupils, staff and wider community of Winchester College. For the suitable applicant, the position of Dean of Chapel (Senior Chaplain) will also be available from April 2025 or earlier.
The successful candidate(s) must be an ordained priest in full communion with the Church of England. They will take a full pastoral, liturgical and catechetical role within the chaplaincy team, and will work together in planning, organising and leading school worship, assisting in the pastoral and spiritual care of pupils and staff. Essential to the role will be a profound pastoral commitment, with the passion, faith and stamina to minister in good times and bad to a large community of 750 pupils and several hundred staff.
The chaplaincy team currently comprises the Dean of Chapel, College and Lay Chaplains, a College Curate (who is also a Housemaster) and a Sacristan. Over the next twelve months, the current Dean of Chapel will take up an incumbency in the Oxford diocese and the Senior Lay Chaplain will retire, both after several years' excellent service. The arrival of girl boarders within an expanded College community, scheduled for September 2026, heralds a new phase in Winchester's commitment to the formation and education of young people. The Dean of Chapel and his/her team will play an instrumental part in the implementation of the College's mission and aim, with much scope for developing the use of space and time for worship, as well as the pastoral and sacramental counsel offered to the community.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES An involvement in the wider life of the school is an essential component of the role of a chaplain at Winchester College. All recent post-holders have taught a curriculum subject (on a reduced timetable) and, although not a pre-requisite, experience of working in a school environment would be well regarded. Regardless, applicants should be able to demonstrate an enthusiasm for working with young people and an appropriate commitment to the educational programme that the school provides.
Dean of Chapel The Dean of Chapel reports directly to the Headmaster (who is the Ordinary) and meets regularly with the Second Master, who has the delegated responsibility for the day-to-day running of the school. The Dean of Chapel leads the Chaplaincy team, which comprises the College Chaplain, Lay Chaplains (Anglican, Roman Catholic and Faith Circles) and Sacristan; a group of pupils is also chosen each year as Chapel Prefects, to assist with some liturgical and administrative functions. The Head of Chapel Music and the College Organist work closely with the Chaplaincy to organise and agree the termly service and music lists, over which the Dean of Chapel has principal oversight.
In addition to the above, the Dean of Chapel has the following responsibilities:
Regular preaching in chapel and at other school events and services. Taking a visible and leading role in Anglican services offered throughout the term. Organising termly schedules, ensuring that the Chaplaincy team is deployed appropriately and effectively. Leading on the preparation of material for school and house services, as well as for other occasional school-organised events as appropriate. Overseeing, and delegating as appropriate, the preparation of candidates for Confirmation. Developing and maintaining good networks and relationships with local clergy and colleagues in other schools, with the aim of providing a stimulating schedule of speakers and preachers. Maintaining strong links and good relations with the diocese of Winchester and Winchester Cathedral. Taking an active role within the Pastoral Support Group (which meets weekly to discuss pupils of concern and is chaired by the Deputy Head Pastoral), ensuring that appropriate and timely spiritual counsel is available to those in need. Offering relevant support and advice to members of the Leadership and Senior Management Teams. Acting as occasional adviser on matters relating to the parishes for which the College is patron. College Chaplain All chaplains seek to support and encourage the spiritual lives of those who profess a Christian faith and those who do not. The chaplaincy works to ensure the effective spiritual and pastoral care of all pupils, staff and others associated with Winchester College.
Within this context, the College Chaplain(s) are expected to:
Act as key figures in pastoral care within the school, providing spiritual and moral support to those who seek it, and be available to help and advise all members of the College community. Visit houses regularly to meet and be available to pupils, building links across the school and encouraging the voluntary attendance and contribution of pupils and staff to the life of the Chapel. Contribute to the academic and wider life of the school, through teaching a reduced timetable and/or involvement in the co-curricular programme. Be sympathetic to the College's Foundation, ethos and aims. PERSON SPECIFICATION FOR DEAN OF CHAPEL Strong pastoral instincts and a willingness to embrace the challenges and opportunities of leadership in a full boarding school, championing the Christian ethos and foundations of Winchester College. A naturally collaborative style of leadership with a strong sense of team and a positive approach to change and development. A proven ability to lead and manage teams and effectively delegate. An ordained priest in full communion with the Church of England. A strong record of personal academic achievement and the intellectual credentials to command respect in the Winchester community. A welcoming and friendly demeanour towards all members of and visitors to the College. Excellent communication skills, confidence and gravitas, so as to inspire and win the trust of Winchester pupils, staff, parents and others. Outstanding work ethic, including a willingness to work flexibly and independently, calmly under pressure, and with good judgement. An ability and willingness to evaluate and critically reflect upon one's own professional practice. A willingness to contribute to the co-curricular life of a busy, full boarding school. Good judgement, high levels of integrity and a genuine commitment to Winchester's aims. An awareness and/or experience of Safeguarding and Child Protection regulations and practice within a school environment, including knowledge of the Prevent Duty. A degree in a relevant academic subject and ability to teach a curriculum discipline. An excellent teacher with a proven track record of academic achievement. HOW TO APPLY Only applications completed on the school website will be accepted. Please attach a full CV (including comprehensive details of key achievements and responsibilities) with your application and email a covering letter to ******** .
Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Wednesday, 2 October 2024.
Please note that applications will be dealt with as they arrive. Winchester College reserves the right to appoint before the deadline passes.
First round interviews via Teams may be arranged as candidates apply, before in person interviews that will take place during the weeks commencing 7 October 2024.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the recruitment process or wish to have an informal conversation about this role, please email ******** .
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