Chaplain

ISC group; Worcester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Aviva Defined Contribution Pension

Private medical insurance

Lunch provided

Cycle to Work Scheme

Fee remission for up to two children

Access to sports facilities

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

The King’s School, Worcester is seeking an ordained priest to become Chaplain, leading and nurturing the spiritual life of a thriving educational community linked with Worcester Cathedral. The Foundation, established in 1541, offers a historic, inclusive setting where faith and pastoral care are central to life across all schools.

The successful candidate will shape the spiritual journey of pupils, staff and families, lead worship, provide pastoral care and engage with the wider community.

Qualifications

• Ordained priest of a church in communion with the Church of England.
• Ability to lead worship that resonates with children, staff and families.
• Demonstrates warmth, empathy and excellent interpersonal skills with a commitment to pastoral care.
• A relationship-builder who can connect the Foundation, Worcester Cathedral and local churches.
• Willingness and ability to teach Religion and Philosophy up to A-level (not required for appointment).

Responsibilities

• Lead worship and provide spiritual guidance across the Foundation.
• Deliver pastoral care and support wellbeing of pupils, staff and families.
• Engage with the wider community and build partnerships with Worcester Cathedral and local churches.
• Collaborate with Head of Foundation and senior leaders to shape spiritual life across the schools.

Skills

Ordained priest

Job description

The King's School, Worcester is seeking an exceptional ordained priest to become our next Chaplain, leading and nurturing the spiritual life of a thriving educational community with its roots in a rich history of Christian worship, learning and service.

As part of a Foundation established by King Henry VIII in 1541 and intrinsically linked with Worcester Cathedral, this is a unique opportunity to minister within a vibrant family of schools where faith and pastoral care remain at the heart of community life. The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping the spiritual journey of pupils, staff and families across the Foundation, fostering an inclusive Christian ethos whilst supporting those of all faiths and none.

This is a varied and rewarding role encompassing worship leadership, pastoral care, community engagement and, ideally, the teaching of Religion and Philosophy up to A-level (although this is not a pre-requisite for appointing the right person). Working closely with the Head of Foundation, senior leaders, pastoral teams and Worcester Cathedral, the Chaplain will be a trusted presence throughout the life of our schools.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is an ordained priest of a church in communion with the Church of England, committed to Christian ministry within an educational setting.
• Can lead inspiring, engaging and relevant worship that resonates with children, young people, staff and families.
• Demonstrates warmth, empathy and excellent interpersonal skills, with a genuine commitment to pastoral care and wellbeing.
• Is a relationship-builder who can strengthen links between the Foundation, Worcester Cathedral, local churches and the wider community.
• Will actively contribute to the wider life of the Foundation and, ideally, has the ability to teach Religion and Philosophy to A-level.

We can offer the successful candidate:

• A rare opportunity to exercise ministry within a historic and distinctive Cathedral school foundation.
• A warm, welcoming and supportive community.
• Strong and enduring links with Worcester Cathedral and the wider Diocese of Worcester.
• Opportunities for professional development, leadership and collaborative working across a thriving Foundation of schools.
• A rewarding and varied role with significant scope to influence the spiritual, pastoral and community life of pupils and staff.

If you are a compassionate Christian leader with a passion for nurturing faith, supporting young people and serving a vibrant school community, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Start date: September 2027

The position is available on either a full-time or part-time basis. Applicants should indicate their preferred working pattern within their application.

Job description and person specification:

An outline of the key responsibilities, required skills, and eligibility criteria for the role can be found in the job description and person specification below.

Questions?

Please message us at [e-mail]

The King’s Foundation

King’s Worcester is a hugely welcoming and fulfilling place to work. We are incredibly proud of our reputation. Our employees and our enviable King’s community is what sets our school apart. We are committed to recruiting the best candidates, who join us from a diverse range of backgrounds, including other educational settings, industry or the commercial world. We are also committed to developing and helping colleagues to thrive while they are here at King’s. Careers at King’s Worcester are exceptionally rewarding in many ways. Here’s what we can offer you…

• We promote the values of mutual respect and integrity at every level in the Foundation, and we are an equal opportunities employer.
• A highly successful, well-resourced school with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a positive outlook.
• A competitive salary, commensurate with the importance of the post and with the experience and qualities of the successful candidate.
• Access to an Aviva Defined Contribution Pension Scheme for teaching and support staff.
• A generous fee remission for up to two children of employees who attend schools in the King’s Foundation (pro-rata for part-time staff), following two years of service.
• A genuinely rewarding role as well as career development and support for professional studies, if appropriate. Whatever the role, we offer excellent training and development. We are also committed to promoting from within whenever we can, giving the chance to build a great future at King’s.
• Access to the School’s outstanding sports facilities including the gym and swimming pool at agreed times.
• Staff are able to purchase private medical insurance through the School in order to benefit from group premium rates.
• Lunch is provided for employees during the school day, plus hot drinks and snacks.
• Employees have full use of School library resources and services.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Free Yoga classes.
• Free access to our Employee Assistance Programme.

The King’s Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Shortlisted applicants will be required to complete a self-declaration form in relation to any criminal record or information that may make you unsuitable to work with children, and will be subject to an online search.

In order to provide our pupils with a well-rounded and enriched educational experience that is truly representative of the world in which they grow up, the King’s Foundation strives to place equity, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that we build a community which is truly representative of all backgrounds and experiences. We believe that we will do that best if our employees come from different backgrounds and if we create an environment of inclusion and belonging for them.