If you have ambitions to become a school chaplain, there’s a lot that’s worth knowing, perhaps starting with the big question:

What does ‘school chaplain’ mean?

Chaplains play a central role in the life of many independent schools. While school chaplains have traditionally tended to be ordained members of the clergy, some schools prefer to appoint unordained teachers to the position.

Ordained or not, chaplains are at the heart of schools’ pastoral offering, providing support and wisdom to every member of the school community.

According to Revd James Saunders, chaplain at Uppingham School: “It really is the best ministry there is. It is never routine or dull.”

What responsibilities might they have?

A school chaplain’s responsibilities will vary, but the vast majority are responsible for guiding the spiritual and moral development of pupils and staff alike.

In the past, school chaplains have been seen as religious figures whose work is carried out from the pulpit, but this is no longer the case.

“Modern chaplaincy does not simply happen in the chapel for 15 minutes a day,” says Chris Wheeler, principal of Monkton Combe School. “Rather, it permeates every part of school life.”

“There is less basic knowledge of Christianity and more stereotypes than there were 20 years ago,” adds Revd Dr Stella Wood, chaplain at Godolphin School.

“As a result, there is more to do to make the Christian message appealing and to break down barriers, yet the job remains about forming authentic relationships, drawing out the spirituality that is deep-rooted in every child, having eyes open and antennae alert to care when people are at their lowest.”

Unsurprisingly, therefore, a school chaplain will have very diverse, and fluid, responsibilities.

“The job is incredibly varied,” Revd Dr Wood reflects. “I can be preaching at a school commemoration service in Westminster Abbey, carving a Noah’s ark from a watermelon in a prep school assembly, or helping a student facing bereavement.”

Many schools will expect their chaplains to be heavily involved in pastoral care. Revd Saunders, for instance, also serves as Uppingham’s designated safeguarding lead.

He explains: “Being a well-known figure in the school helps staff and pupils to approach you with difficult issues.”

Alongside their spiritual and pastoral responsibilities, many school chaplains will also teach an academic subject, and may be expected to make a contribution to their school’s co-curricular programme.

How do I become a school chaplain?

You will need to demonstrate that you possess the necessary skills and experience to take on such a demanding and wide-ranging role.

“My chaplain is the best in the world, but if I had to replace him I would certainly look for someone who is a teacher,” reveals Wheeler.

“Teaching experience means that people used to working with and engaging children in something that may not be their first choice subject matter, which is crucial in an age when faith is no longer the accepted norm.”

Having taught philosophy and religion as well as history, Revd Saunders agrees: “A decent academic track record brings credibility. It doesn’t have to be Oxbridge, but being inquisitive, interested and able to hold your own in debate is useful. Schools are, ultimately, academic institutions.”

Nevertheless, some schools will appoint non-teaching chaplains, who will still be expected to act as visible and approachable members of staff.

As with any position in education, a sense of humour is considered vital to navigating the inevitable highs and lows of each term.

In addition, Wheeler points out that “chaplains need to be bulletproof trustworthy. I should be able to have every conversation that I need to have with a chaplain and never feel that I am being exposed”.

When is the right time to become a school chaplain?

Given the weight of responsibilities that chaplaincy entails, most schools would expect you to have gained a significant amount of professional experience, whether in education or in another environment.

Revd Saunders had worked in a parish, a prison and a psychiatric hospital before becoming a school chaplain.

“Having a varied ministry before I came to Uppingham was helpful in giving me an understanding of the complexities of human life and the confidence to deal with most pastoral situations, including those out of the ordinary,” he reflects.

“The school chaplain is expected to be pastorally capable across a wide range of situations: from the cook who has just lost his job, to the group in House who are not getting on with each other.”

Having worked for three years as an assistant chaplain, Jarrod Taylor was appointed chaplain at Bede’s School in September 2019. He feels that his previous experiences playing rugby professionally in South Africa, France and England have been invaluable in preparing him for his current role.

“My rugby background has helped me traverse the unhelpful religious stereotype,” he says.

“In sport, there is no other option than to consider the other, which is similarly at the core of chaplaincy work. Both involve helping people grow beyond stagnancy, give of themselves and ultimately find a meaning and purpose.”

I’m hoping to apply for chaplaincy posts next year; what should I do now?

If you are hoping to move into a school chaplaincy post from a church-based role, it is important that you should gain an appreciation of the different demands of each position.

“Schools are not gathered congregations and you cannot assume that other people will share your basic paradigm of belief, nor can you assume the right to change their mind,” Revd Saunders explains.

“Many schools are very secular in their instincts and ethos, even if they employ a chaplain. Many students think religion is irrelevant. You really need to be sure you can flourish in that kind of environment.”

He adds: “Whatever your own commitments, recognise that full inclusion and equality of LGBTQI+ people is an absolute given for most, even in conservative schools. You will do a lot of damage if you articulate anything less than this.”

Wheeler agrees that it is crucial to reflect on the differences between school and church ministry. “Good chaplaincy poses questions rather than seeking to convert,” he says.

Because schools across the independent sector will have very different visions of a chaplain’s role and responsibilities, you will need to consider what kind of environment you would be best suited to.

“Visit a number of different schools with a number of different styles of chaplaincy work, and see which you feel most comfortable in,” advises Wheeler.

Where could the role lead?

The demanding and consequential responsibilities of a school chaplain mean that the position definitely should not be regarded as a stepping stone to a more senior role.

However, as with any pastoral leadership position, the experiences that you will gain in the post would be excellent preparation for senior leadership, whether as an assistant or deputy head, or as a designated safeguarding lead.

“The pastoral work associated with the chaplain’s role was a natural base for taking on safeguarding leadership,” says Revd Saunders.

When I’m searching, what kinds of things should I be looking for?

Use the “search jobs by keyword” function on the Tes website to look for chaplaincy positions. Due to the infrequency of the posts being advertised, setting up a Tes job alert is recommended.

Robin Hardman is a politics teacher in the independent sector and tweets @MrRobinHardman