Chaplain

  • Berkshire
  • Downe House School
  • Full-time

Life as a Chaplain in a prestigious independent Boarding and Day School for girls is a rewarding vocation, like no other. Sharing your life with staff and pupils and living amongst them in a close-knit and vibrant community as a spiritual and moral guide, bringing Jesus' light and love, affords tremendous opportunities.

In this role you will deliver pastoral care and provide spiritual support to the whole school community, irrespective of their faith. Through your personal witness and leadership in Chapel Services, you will demonstrate the relevance of the Christian faith in the rhythms and challenges of School life.

You will assist in supporting the School and its activities at internal and external events. Alongside spiritual responsibilities, you will teach a reduced timetable of your chosen subject throughout all age groups in the School.

There are three mid-week morning services each week at 8.00 or 8.30am. On Sundays you would either preach or invite a visiting speaker at Matins or Evensong. Boarding House prayers may take place on Sundays which are led by House staff with guidance provided from you.

On Wednesday evenings you may be involved with Confirmation preparation classes for Church of England or Roman Catholic denominations (the latter is hosted by Radley College); there are usually approximately 25 candidates per year.

Significant occasional services which occur throughout the school year for pupils / families include: Welcome or Leavers’ Services, Harvest Festival, Remembrance Day, Carols (on site and in London). Additionally, you may conduct baptisms or memorial services for pupils, staff and their families. Some staff regularly speak in the weekly chapel services and help support the life of chapel. There is a weekly Christian Union group "Roots" led by a colleague.

You will be supported in your Chaplain role by colleagues from the Administration Team and you will have close working relationship with the Organist and the Director of Music.

The Parent - Prayer Group meet with you twice a term on Zoom or in-person. Meetings with your line manager, the Head of Pastoral are fortnightly, and with the Headmistress, twice each term. You will also attend pastoral meetings, chapel committee meetings and staff meetings and are involved in regular professional staff training.

You will meet weekly with the Chapel Seniors (Sixth form prefects) and work with year 7 and 8 Chapel Reps who help with services in different ways. You would develop good links with local bodies i.e. West Berks Food Bank, Good News for All, Lymington and Rushmore Holidays, and Compassion UK.

This is a varied role with the opportunity to have an impact and make a difference. 

We offer a range of benefits including:

Free staff accommodation provided on site

Provision of delicious and nutritious free meals and on-site parking

Modern gym and swimming pool facilities

Regular opportunities for professional development

A vibrant and supportive staff community

A variety of social occasions through the year

Generous pension scheme (9% employer contribution)

Life Assurance and Death in Service benefit

A supportive induction programme

Beautiful working environment in a semi-rural location

Further Information

https://www.mynewterm.com/jobs/110123/EDV-2025-DH-97163

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Downe House School

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Hermitage Road, Cold Ash, Thatcham, RG18 9JJ

  • 34 Day Girls (11-18)
  • 522 Boarding Girls (11-18)
  • GSA, HMC, ISC

01635 200286 https://downehouse.net

Closing Date: 26 September 2025