Chaplain / Lay Chaplain

Catholic Recruitment; Guildford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Spectrum Guildford gym access

Mylifestyle discounts

Job summary

St Peter’s Catholic School in Guildford seeks a proactive Chaplain/Lay Chaplain to support the school’s Catholic ethos and pastoral care. The role includes leading spiritual activities, retreats, and collaborating with staff and the diocese to nurture faith among secondary students.

The successful candidate will be a baptised Catholic with strong communication skills, capable of engaging teenagers, and willing to contribute to the school community through retreats and faith initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience in chaplaincy or youth pastoral work.
• Articulate speaker with presence.
• Good interpersonal skills with young people and adults.
• Ability to lead groups and work in a school setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide spiritual guidance and pastoral support to students.
• Lead retreats and days of reflection as needed.
• Collaborate with RE department and diocesan network.
• Develop fresh approaches to enthuse and engage teenagers in faith.

Skills

Pastoral care

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Team leadership

Job description

St Peter’s is an extremely successful school and Sixth Form in Guildford. We have an exciting opportunity to appoint a proactive and enthusiastic Chaplain / Lay Chaplain to join our School, starting as soon as possible.

St Peter’s is an extremely successful secondary school and Sixth Form set in attractive grounds on the outskirts of Guildford. We currently have a vacancy for a pro-active and enthusiastic Chaplain / Lay Chaplain to join our School. We would welcome applications from experienced individuals or from those interested in pursuing a chaplaincy career and are keen to take on an apprenticeship role in partnership with St Marys University.

You will be well supported as you grow into the role by the Senior Leadership Team and Heads of RE, while working with school staff to promote and maintain our Catholic ethos.

The hours are 36 hours per week, for 41 weeks per year, which is term time plus two weeks. Final working hours will be agreed with the successful candidate, although some flexibility will be needed for leading residential retreats and days of reflection.

This is a very varied, interesting role and plays an integral part of the school’s ethos and pastoral support system. You will be fully supported by the Xavier Trust Chaplaincy Lead, our RE Department and other key staff with an interest in the spiritual life of the school. In addition, there is an established Chaplaincy network throughout the Diocese. You will be a creative person who has a genuine passion for finding new ways of enthusing and encouraging teenagers on their journey of faith. If you are self‑motivated, have a good sense of humour, enjoy working as part of a team and are looking for your next challenge, we would be pleased to hear from you.

About St Peter’s:

St Peter’s Catholic School is part of the Xavier Catholic Education Trust. Our mission is to be ‘Christ to all’ and this mission is underpinned by the St Peter’s Rocks of Love, Justice, Reflection, Courage and Service. Standards are high and academic progress excellent, with very good facilities and resources. Community is a key aspect of our ethos; relationships between students and staff are excellent. The school has a reputation for excellent pastoral care and inclusion.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to join a very friendly, supportive team.

• A varied workload with the necessary training and support to help you to keep growing both spiritually and professionally.
• A positive working relationship with good support via the school, parish and diocese.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• All staff benefit from free access to Spectrum, Guildford, Sports Centre. Including the gym, group exercise classes, spa and pool.
• An extensive range of benefits and discounts with ‘Mylifestyle’, our employee benefits hub.

About You:

• A baptised and practising Roman Catholic man or woman, committed to the spiritual and personal development of young people of secondary school age. Please note that one of your references should be from your parish priest.
• An articulate speaker with presence and the ability to present credibly and enthusiastically, the challenges of the Gospel and mission of the school.
• A good sense of humour with good interpersonal skills, able to communicate well with both young people and with adults.
• Confident in leading large and small, formal and informal, groups of students and adults.
• Have good administrative and organisational skills.
• We would welcome applications from experienced individuals, individuals looking to take their first steps in School Chaplaincy or those interested in pursuing an apprenticeship role in partnership with St Marys University.

Unsure?

Why not visit the school for a tour and let us answer any questions you may have. Please contact Michelle Gallagher, Recruitment Coordinator.

As we are unable to offer a sponsorship, we can only accept applications from candidates that already have the right to work in the UK.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.

In line with the statutory guidance document Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025), the Xavier Catholic Education Trust will conduct online searches after the shortlisting process for any candidates who accept an invitation to interview.