College Chaplain

  • Organisation: Winchester College
  • Location: Hampshire
  • Salary info Competitive
  • Tenure: Full-time
  • Closing Date: Wednesday 12 February 2025

The College seeks to appoint an Anglican priest to the role of College Chaplain to the pupils, staff and wider community of Winchester College, starting in September 2025.

Appointment of College Chaplain

(Junior Chaplain, reporting to the Dean of Chapel)

Winchester College offers the right candidate the exciting opportunity to join a special and unique setting at the heart of this historic foundation. Following the recent appointment of the previous incumbent to a chaplaincy role in the Armed Forces, the College seeks to appoint a new College Chaplain to work with the Dean of Chapel and other chaplains in further development of the spiritual and pastoral ministry to the whole school community.

For full job description please visit here: Winchester College | College Chaplain

THE ROLE

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 comprises the Dean of Chapel, College and Lay Chaplains, a College Curate (who is also a Housemaster) and a Sacristan. A new Dean of Chapel will take up his post in September 2025, at a time when the College is engaged in an expansion programme. 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 College Chaplain, as part of the wider 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.

The College Chaplain will be a part of the Chaplaincy team and will formally report to the Dean of Chapel, who in turn reports to the Headmaster (who is the Ordinary) and the Second Master, who has the delegated responsibility for the day-to-day running of the school. However, a team-ministry approach sees members working as equals in the pastoral care of pupils and staff. The Head of Chapel Music and the College Organist also 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, a group of pupils is chosen each year as Chapel Prefects, to assist with liturgical and administrative functions.

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.

The College Chaplain 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.
  • Liaising with Housemasters and members of each House team to offer spiritual support and guidance to This will involve visiting houses frequently 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.
  • Preparing 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 Winchester Cathedral and the diocese.
  • As guided by the Pastoral Support Group, taking an active role in the support of pupils of concern, offering appropriate and timely spiritual counsel to those in

Role as a don at Winchester College

The College Chaplain will be a don at Winchester College, the role of which is substantially pupil- facing and stretches beyond the life and rhythms of the Chapel and the classroom.

To that end, the College Chaplain will contribute to the academic and wider life of the school, through teaching a reduced timetable and/or involvement in the co-curricular programme. As a member of the Foundation, the College Chaplain will be sympathetic to the College’s ethos and aims, as originally laid down in the College Statutes and since updated.

Above all, the College Chaplain will act as a key figure 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.

THE WEEKLY PATTERN

The central role of the Christian life and tradition is plain to see at Winchester. In establishing the school, William of Wykeham’s specified the need for three chaplains, as still exists today, and links with his cathedral remain strong. Today, whilst remaining true to our origins, we welcome pupils and staff from a variety of faiths and beliefs.

In the usual weekly pattern, one or more services is offered daily, led by different members of the chaplaincy team. Not all services are compulsory for pupils. The current pattern is given below, although this schedule continues to evolve, and the new Dean of Chapel and his/her team will be instrumental in its further development.

Monday — 08:20 Chapel service for 3-4 houses

Tuesday — 08:20 Morning prayer or Holy Communion in Chantry, 17:30 Choral Evensong

Wednesday — 08:20 service for 4-5 houses

Thursday — 08:20 Morning prayer or Holy Communion in Chantry, 17:30 Sung Eucharist

Friday — 08:20 service for 4-5 houses

Saturday — 19:15 Compline

Sundays follow a rotating pattern.

‘X’ Sundays: 09:30 Sung Eucharist or Mattins in

Chapel and St Michael’s;

‘Y’ (pupils’ choice of service): 08:30 Holy Communion,

09:45 Choral Eucharist,

20:15 Evening Prayer or Service of the Word;

‘Z’: Services in the boarding houses.

Roman Catholic Mass (10:30) is celebrated and Faith Circles (09:30) meets weekly throughout term.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

AS CHAPLAIN

  • Strong pastoral instincts and a willingness to embrace the challenges and opportunities of living and working in a full boarding school, championing the Christian ethos and foundations of the College.
  • A naturally collaborative style, with a strong sense of teamwork and a positive approach to change and development.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • An ordained priest in full communion the Church of England.
  • A strong record of personal academic achievement and the intellectual credentials to command respect in the Winchester community.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

  • 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 humour.
  • 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.

TEACHING (Preferred)

  • A degree in a relevant academic subject and ability to teach a curriculum discipline.
  • An excellent teacher with a proven track record of academic success.

KEY SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

Life at Winchester is busy, rich and varied. The opportunities and challenges that come from investment in our full-boarding school are exciting and immensely rewarding. The College is proud of its Christian foundation and heritage, which underpins the school’s commitment to happiness, good order and a spirit of fellowship. The centrality of Chapel, being the only place that all pupils visit each week, is clear to see. We seek to build a Chaplaincy team that recognises this importance and responsibility and whose members can bring experience and skills to inspire and motivate our community.

PREACHING

The regular and full schedule of services means that opportunities to speak in Chapel and at other times come frequently. We are seeking to appoint colleagues who can deliver sermons and talks that captivate and inspire a diverse audience, ranging from young teenagers to staff, parents and, on occasion, alumni and visitors. The addresses should be thoughtful, rooted in biblical scripture, and engaging, tailored in length and depth to resonate with the different groups within our community.

CHARACTER

The Chaplains set a tone of how to live within a Christian tradition, not only through preaching but also by being actively involved in school life. True to the Founder’s motto, rooted in the founder’s motto ‘Manners Makyth Man’, the ideal candidate will be immersed in the daily activities of the school, setting a visible example of Christian values. It is important that the candidate maintains their own regular pattern of personal devotion, reflecting a deep and personal commitment to their faith.

TRADITION

In establishing the school, it was William of Wykeham’s intention that “Christ may be more fervently and frequently preached, and faith and the worship of God's name increased and more firmly maintained.” Today, whilst remaining true to our origins, we welcome pupils and staff from a variety of faiths and beliefs. Winchester College. We are grounded in traditional Anglican worship and structured liturgy, so the candidate should be comfortable and capable of working within this tradition. However, we wish to build a team that welcomes, encourages and leads different practices. The ability to collaborate across the full spectrum of churchmanship and tradition is essential, ensuring inclusivity and respect for diverse worship practices.

WHOLE-SCHOOL LIFE

As part of our boarding community, the candidate must be regularly present in boarding houses and at school events, embracing the 24/7 nature of school life. Their active participation in all aspects of school life underscores the centrality of Christian life and tradition within our institution, in accordance with our foundational principles inspired by William of Wykeham.

This position is integral to maintaining and nurturing the Christian ethos at the heart of our school, requiring a dedicated and passionate individual committed to the spiritual and moral development of our community.

TERMS AND APPLICATIONS

POSITIONS

The successful candidate will be appointed as a don at Winchester College. It is anticipated that the College Chaplain will be employed on a full-time basis, though the College will consider applications for part-time roles from suitably qualified candidates.

START DATE

These appointments will commence in September 2025, according to the availability of the successful candidate(s).

SALARY

Winchester College has its own generous salary scale, which is above the national scale. A competitive salary commensurate with the significance/seniority of the post will be offered.

The College Chaplain can expect to be involved in the curricular and wider life of the school, which may involve teaching and/or co-curricular work, appropriately pro-rated to properly fulfil the duties above.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation will be available with this position.

LENGTH OF APPOINTMENT

Appointment as a don is on permanent-contract basis, once the probationary period has passed. The role of College Chaplain, as separate to that of don, will be made as a five-year appointment in the first instance, extendable subject to satisfactory performance and mutual agreement.

HOW TO APPLY

Only applications completed on the school website will be accepted:

Winchester College | College Chaplain

Please attach a full CV (including comprehensive details of key achievements and responsibilities) with your application and a covering letter.

Closing date for applications: 9 am on Wednesday 12th February 2025.

Please note that applications will be dealt with as they arrive. Winchester College reserves the right to appoint before the deadline passes.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the recruitment process or wish to have an informal conversation about this role, please email recruitment@wincoll.ac.uk.

The College seeks to appoint an Anglican priest to the role of College Chaplain to the pupils, staff and wider community of Winchester College, starting in September 2025.


Description

Appointment of College Chaplain

(Junior Chaplain, reporting to the Dean of Chapel)

Winchester College offers the right candidate the exciting opportunity to join a special and unique setting at the heart of this historic foundation. Following the recent appointment of the previous incumbent to a chaplaincy role in the Armed Forces, the College seeks to appoint a new College Chaplain to work with the Dean of Chapel and other chaplains in further development of the spiritual and pastoral ministry to the whole school community.

For full job description please visit here: Winchester College | College Chaplain

THE ROLE

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 comprises the Dean of Chapel, College and Lay Chaplains, a College Curate (who is also a Housemaster) and a Sacristan. A new Dean of Chapel will take up his post in September 2025, at a time when the College is engaged in an expansion programme. 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 College Chaplain, as part of the wider 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.

The College Chaplain will be a part of the Chaplaincy team and will formally report to the Dean of Chapel, who in turn reports to the Headmaster (who is the Ordinary) and the Second Master, who has the delegated responsibility for the day-to-day running of the school. However, a team-ministry approach sees members working as equals in the pastoral care of pupils and staff. The Head of Chapel Music and the College Organist also 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, a group of pupils is chosen each year as Chapel Prefects, to assist with liturgical and administrative functions.

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.

The College Chaplain 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.
  • Liaising with Housemasters and members of each House team to offer spiritual support and guidance to This will involve visiting houses frequently 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.
  • Preparing 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 Winchester Cathedral and the diocese.
  • As guided by the Pastoral Support Group, taking an active role in the support of pupils of concern, offering appropriate and timely spiritual counsel to those in

Role as a don at Winchester College

The College Chaplain will be a don at Winchester College, the role of which is substantially pupil- facing and stretches beyond the life and rhythms of the Chapel and the classroom.

To that end, the College Chaplain will contribute to the academic and wider life of the school, through teaching a reduced timetable and/or involvement in the co-curricular programme. As a member of the Foundation, the College Chaplain will be sympathetic to the College’s ethos and aims, as originally laid down in the College Statutes and since updated.

Above all, the College Chaplain will act as a key figure 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.

THE WEEKLY PATTERN

The central role of the Christian life and tradition is plain to see at Winchester. In establishing the school, William of Wykeham’s specified the need for three chaplains, as still exists today, and links with his cathedral remain strong. Today, whilst remaining true to our origins, we welcome pupils and staff from a variety of faiths and beliefs.

In the usual weekly pattern, one or more services is offered daily, led by different members of the chaplaincy team. Not all services are compulsory for pupils. The current pattern is given below, although this schedule continues to evolve, and the new Dean of Chapel and his/her team will be instrumental in its further development.

Monday — 08:20 Chapel service for 3-4 houses

Tuesday — 08:20 Morning prayer or Holy Communion in Chantry, 17:30 Choral Evensong

Wednesday — 08:20 service for 4-5 houses

Thursday — 08:20 Morning prayer or Holy Communion in Chantry, 17:30 Sung Eucharist

Friday — 08:20 service for 4-5 houses

Saturday — 19:15 Compline

Sundays follow a rotating pattern.

‘X’ Sundays: 09:30 Sung Eucharist or Mattins in

Chapel and St Michael’s;

‘Y’ (pupils’ choice of service): 08:30 Holy Communion,

09:45 Choral Eucharist,

20:15 Evening Prayer or Service of the Word;

‘Z’: Services in the boarding houses.

Roman Catholic Mass (10:30) is celebrated and Faith Circles (09:30) meets weekly throughout term.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

AS CHAPLAIN

  • Strong pastoral instincts and a willingness to embrace the challenges and opportunities of living and working in a full boarding school, championing the Christian ethos and foundations of the College.
  • A naturally collaborative style, with a strong sense of teamwork and a positive approach to change and development.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • An ordained priest in full communion the Church of England.
  • A strong record of personal academic achievement and the intellectual credentials to command respect in the Winchester community.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

  • 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 humour.
  • 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.

TEACHING (Preferred)

  • A degree in a relevant academic subject and ability to teach a curriculum discipline.
  • An excellent teacher with a proven track record of academic success.

KEY SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

Life at Winchester is busy, rich and varied. The opportunities and challenges that come from investment in our full-boarding school are exciting and immensely rewarding. The College is proud of its Christian foundation and heritage, which underpins the school’s commitment to happiness, good order and a spirit of fellowship. The centrality of Chapel, being the only place that all pupils visit each week, is clear to see. We seek to build a Chaplaincy team that recognises this importance and responsibility and whose members can bring experience and skills to inspire and motivate our community.

PREACHING

The regular and full schedule of services means that opportunities to speak in Chapel and at other times come frequently. We are seeking to appoint colleagues who can deliver sermons and talks that captivate and inspire a diverse audience, ranging from young teenagers to staff, parents and, on occasion, alumni and visitors. The addresses should be thoughtful, rooted in biblical scripture, and engaging, tailored in length and depth to resonate with the different groups within our community.

CHARACTER

The Chaplains set a tone of how to live within a Christian tradition, not only through preaching but also by being actively involved in school life. True to the Founder’s motto, rooted in the founder’s motto ‘Manners Makyth Man’, the ideal candidate will be immersed in the daily activities of the school, setting a visible example of Christian values. It is important that the candidate maintains their own regular pattern of personal devotion, reflecting a deep and personal commitment to their faith.

TRADITION

In establishing the school, it was William of Wykeham’s intention that “Christ may be more fervently and frequently preached, and faith and the worship of God's name increased and more firmly maintained.” Today, whilst remaining true to our origins, we welcome pupils and staff from a variety of faiths and beliefs. Winchester College. We are grounded in traditional Anglican worship and structured liturgy, so the candidate should be comfortable and capable of working within this tradition. However, we wish to build a team that welcomes, encourages and leads different practices. The ability to collaborate across the full spectrum of churchmanship and tradition is essential, ensuring inclusivity and respect for diverse worship practices.

WHOLE-SCHOOL LIFE

As part of our boarding community, the candidate must be regularly present in boarding houses and at school events, embracing the 24/7 nature of school life. Their active participation in all aspects of school life underscores the centrality of Christian life and tradition within our institution, in accordance with our foundational principles inspired by William of Wykeham.

This position is integral to maintaining and nurturing the Christian ethos at the heart of our school, requiring a dedicated and passionate individual committed to the spiritual and moral development of our community.

TERMS AND APPLICATIONS

POSITIONS

The successful candidate will be appointed as a don at Winchester College. It is anticipated that the College Chaplain will be employed on a full-time basis, though the College will consider applications for part-time roles from suitably qualified candidates.

START DATE

These appointments will commence in September 2025, according to the availability of the successful candidate(s).

SALARY

Winchester College has its own generous salary scale, which is above the national scale. A competitive salary commensurate with the significance/seniority of the post will be offered.

The College Chaplain can expect to be involved in the curricular and wider life of the school, which may involve teaching and/or co-curricular work, appropriately pro-rated to properly fulfil the duties above.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation will be available with this position.

LENGTH OF APPOINTMENT

Appointment as a don is on permanent-contract basis, once the probationary period has passed. The role of College Chaplain, as separate to that of don, will be made as a five-year appointment in the first instance, extendable subject to satisfactory performance and mutual agreement.

HOW TO APPLY

Only applications completed on the school website will be accepted:

Winchester College | College Chaplain

Please attach a full CV (including comprehensive details of key achievements and responsibilities) with your application and a covering letter.

Closing date for applications: 9 am on Wednesday 12th February 2025.

Please note that applications will be dealt with as they arrive. Winchester College reserves the right to appoint before the deadline passes.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the recruitment process or wish to have an informal conversation about this role, please email recruitment@wincoll.ac.uk.


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