Dean of Chapel and College Chaplins

Winchester College offers the right candidates the exciting opportunity to join a special and unique setting at the heart of this historic foundation. On the appointment of the current incumbents to other roles beyond Winchester, the College seeks to restructure its Chaplaincy team and further develop the spiritual and pastoral leadership and ministry to the whole school community.

The Roles

The College seeks to appoint one or more Anglican priests to the role of Chaplain to the pupils, staff and wider community of Winchester College. For the suitable applicant, the position of Dean of Chapel (Senior Chaplain) will also be available from April 2025 or earlier.

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 currently comprises the Dean of Chapel, College and Lay Chaplains, a College Curate (who is also a Housemaster) and a Sacristan. Over the next twelve months, the current Dean of Chapel will take up an incumbency in the Oxford diocese and the Senior Lay Chaplain will retire, both after several years’ excellent service. 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 Dean of Chapel and his/her 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.

Life of the Chapel

Regular worship in the Chapel draws pupils inclusively into a community founded on Christian values. In accordance with the Founder’s wishes and the school’s charitable aims, attendance at services in the school’s chapels is a vital part of the pupils’ religious education and observance. These take place throughout the week in the College Chapel, in St Michael’s Church and in Chantry. Divine worship is offered daily. The whole school gathers for services in the Cathedral several times a year.

Boarders make a commitment to one Sunday service each week, which day pupils are also welcome to attend, and all pupils are required to attend a weekly morning service during term. Evensongs, Communion/Eucharists, and Complines and seasonal celebrations complete the weekly pattern of worship. A small but growing number of pupils is prepared each year by the chaplains for Confirmation in the College Chapel. The Christian Union and the Parents’ Prayer Group also meet regularly and are led by one of the chaplaincy team. There is a growing number of occasional offices (weddings, baptisms, funerals, and memorial services) held in the chapels throughout the year.

A thriving Roman Catholic community, led by the Roman Catholic Lay Chaplain, has strong links with the Abbey of Douai, which provides celebrants for the weekly Roman Catholic Mass. A group known as Faith Circles, for pupils practising other faiths, meets every Sunday. Several other spaces are adaptable for religious worship, including School and New Hall. Chaplains are expected to visit the boarding houses regularly to meet pupils and conduct informal services and discussion groups. The chaplains will be engaged in creating opportunities, whether in Boarding Houses or during other activities, for support and for opportunities for discussing spiritual life or any other areas of interest or concern.

The Choral Foundation

There is an exceptionally strong tradition of choral music, with past organists including Thomas Weelkes, Jeremiah Clarke and S.S. Wesley. The treble line is provided by the Quiristers, who are part of the original foundation, and are educated at The Pilgrims’ School. In different formations, the choir sings on average three or four services a week, including Choral Evensong and weekday and Sunday Eucharist settings.

The choir regularly records, broadcasts and tours and from September 2024 will start a new chapter in its renowned history with the appointment of Dónal McCann as Head of Chapel Music and Choral Partnerships. Chaplaincy to the choir is a vital and important part of the chaplains’ ministry.

Terms and Applications 

The successful candidates, both for the role of Dean of Chapel and of College Chaplain, will be appointed as dons at Winchester College. The Dean of Chapel is a full-time role. It is anticipated that the College Chaplain will be employed on the same basis, though the College will consider applications for part-time roles from suitably qualified candidates.

Benefits include a generous pension scheme and access to on-site sports facilities, with wider support available for wellbeing and development.  

Only applications completed on the school website will be accepted. Please attach a full CV (including comprehensive details of key achievements and responsibilities) with your application.

Please see the full job description here: https://www.winchestercollege.org/employment-opportunities/my-application/vacancy/0926523Sid

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.

Closing date for applications: 9.am, Tuesday 10 September 2024

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

First round interviews via Teams may be arranged as candidates apply, before in person interviews that will take place during the weeks commencing 16 & 23 September 2024.

Diversity and Inclusion 

Winchester College embraces diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is committed to promoting a fair and supportive environment for all our employees.

We work hard to create an inclusive culture where different perspectives are recognised, and our staff feel valued for their individuality and share a sense of belonging. Our aim is to reflect the diverse nature of society and of our pupil body.

We are seeking to attract a diversity of talent at all levels, so that our pupils understand and benefit from the breadth and depth of such a diverse community. This means recruiting from the widest possible pool of talent.

Safeguarding 

Winchester College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children: applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, and obtaining an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services certificate. Staff will receive appropriate safeguarding training which is regularly updated. 

Sustainability 

Both staff and pupils at Winchester College are committed to being the most sustainable school possible.