School Chaplain

TES FE News; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent boarding school in Cold Ash, Berkshire, is seeking an inspiring Chaplain to provide spiritual and pastoral leadership to the school community. The role requires an ordained Anglican priest with teaching experience and excellent pastoral skills. This full-time position also offers additional benefits including a generous pension scheme and beautiful working environment.

Benefits

Off-site accommodation

Generous teacher pension scheme

Life insurance

Discounted school fees

Free meals

Gym and swimming pool facilities

Social occasions

Qualifications

• Graduate and ordained (Anglican) priest required.
• Preferably qualified teacher with experience across all age groups.
• Experience working with young people.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all services of worship.
• Teach relevance of Christian faith in a modern community.
• Provide pastoral presence within the school.

Skills

Pastoral skills

Communication

Teaching

Relating to adolescents

Education

Ordained Anglican priest

Graduate

Job description

Overview

Downe House is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18, based in Cold Ash, Berkshire. Our aim is to provide pupils with a wealth of academic, pastoral and co-curricular opportunities to allow them to grow into confident young women who are committed to playing an active role in the world beyond Downe House. We are looking to appoint an inspiring Chaplain to provide spiritual and pastoral leadership within the school community, nurture faith and walk alongside our pupils, staff and families.

Required from January/April 2026, full-time position.

Responsibilities

• Lead and co-ordinate all services of worship within the school, including weekly services, Confirmation and carol services and services to mark other major events in the school calendar.
• Teach and witness the relevance of Christian faith principles in a modern, secular and multi-faith community in creative and innovative ways.
• Provide a pastoral and caring presence around the school, whilst communicating positive faith and moral values.
• Nurture the involvement of pupils and staff in services.
• Grow and develop initiatives to encourage acts of service within the community.
• Teach a subject (or two) across various age groups.

The Ideal Candidate Will

• Be a graduate and an ordained (Anglican) priest.
• Preferably be a qualified teacher, with experience of teaching across all age groups.
• Have experience of working with young people and able to relate well to adolescents from diverse backgrounds and enjoy their company.
• Have excellent pastoral skills and an approachable, welcoming, inclusive and caring manner.
• Be a sensitive communicator with a warm approach and a sense of humour, able to develop encouraging, collaborative and fruitful relationships with pupils, staff and parents.
• Be enthusiastic to work in a busy boarding school with high standards.

Benefits

• Off site accommodation may be provided close to the School for the right candidate and as necessary.
• Generous teacher pension scheme - 21% employer contribution.
• Life insurance and critical illness cover.
• Discounted school fees up to 65%.
• Beautiful working environment in a semi-rural location.
• Delicious free meals.
• Modern gym and swimming pool facilities.
• A variety of social occasions through the year for you and family members.

How To Apply

For further details and to apply, please visit our website: https://www.downehouse.net/about/vacancies/

Applications close: 26 September 2025.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Own transport is essential as the school is in a rural location with no public transport links.

For any queries you can contact the HR Department on 01635 204712 or email [e-mail]

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people, and any offer of employment is subject to an Enhanced DBS and social media checks.

At Downe House we promote equality of opportunity for all pupils and staff, both current and prospective, and we actively support an environment and culture that values diversity and inclusion.