APPOINTMENT OF THE DEAN OF CHAPEL AND COLLEGE CHAPLAIN(S)
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.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
An involvement in the wider life of the school is an essential component of the role of a chaplain at Winchester College. All recent post-holders have taught a curriculum subject (on a reduced timetable) and, although not a pre-requisite, experience of working in a school environment would be well regarded. Regardless, applicants should be able to demonstrate an enthusiasm for working with young people and an appropriate commitment to the educational programme that the school provides.
Dean of Chapel
The Dean of Chapel reports directly to the Headmaster (who is the Ordinary) and meets regularly with the Second Master, who has the delegated responsibility for the day-to-day running of the school. The Dean of Chapel leads the Chaplaincy team, which comprises the College Chaplain, Lay Chaplains (Anglican, Roman Catholic and Faith Circles) and Sacristan; a group of pupils is also chosen each year as Chapel Prefects, to assist with some liturgical and administrative functions. The Head of Chapel Music and the College Organist work closely with the Chaplaincy to organise and agree the termly service and music lists, over which the Dean of Chapel has principal oversight.
In addition to the above, the Dean of Chapel has the following responsibilities.
College Chaplain
All chaplains seek to support and encourage the spiritual lives of those who profess a Christian faith and those who do not. The chaplaincy works to ensure the effective spiritual and pastoral care of all pupils, staff and others associated with Winchester College.
Within this context, the College Chaplain(s) are expected to:
THE WEEKLY PATTERN
The central role of the Christian life and tradition is plain to see at Winchester. In establishing the school, William of Wykeham’s specified the need for three chaplains, as still exists today, and links with his cathedral remain strong. Today, whilst remaining true to our origins, we welcome pupils and staff from a variety of faiths and beliefs.
In the usual weekly pattern, one or more services is offered daily, led by different members of the chaplaincy team. Not all services are compulsory for pupils. The current pattern is given below, although this schedule continues to evolve and the new Dean of Chapel and his/her team will be instrumental in its further development.
Monday — 08:20 Chapel service for 3-4 houses
Tuesday — 08:20 Morning prayer or Holy
Communion in Chantry, 17:30 Choral Evensong
Wednesday — 08:20 service for 4-5 houses
Thursday — 08:20 Morning prayer or Holy Communion in Chantry, 17:30 Sung Eucharist
Friday — 08:20 service for 4-5 houses
Saturday — 19:15 Compline
Sundays follow a rotating pattern.
‘X’ Sundays: 09:30 Sung Eucharist or Mattins in Chapel and St Michael’s;
‘Y’ (pupils’ choice of service): 0830 Holy Communion, 09:45 Choral Eucharist,
20:15 Evening Prayer or Service of the Word; ‘Z’: Services in the boarding houses.
Roman Catholic Mass (10:30) is celebrated and
Faith Circles (09:30) meets weekly throughout term.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
FOR DEAN OF CHAPEL
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
TEACHING
KEY SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS
Life at Winchester is busy, rich and varied. The opportunities and challenges that come from investment in our full-boarding school are exciting and immensely rewarding. The College is proud of its Christian foundation and heritage, which underpins the school’s commitment to happiness, good order and a spirit of fellowship. The centrality of Chapel, being the only place that all pupils visit each week, is clear to see.
We seek to build a Chaplaincy team that recognises this importance and responsibility and whose members can bring experience and skills to inspire and motivate our community.
PREACHING
The regular and full schedule of services means that opportunities to speak in Chapel and at other times come frequently. We are seeking to appoint colleagues who can deliver sermons and talks that captivate and inspire a diverse audience, ranging from young teenagers to staff, parents and, on occasion, alumni and visitors. The addresses should be thoughtful, rooted in biblical scripture, and engaging, tailored in length and depth to resonate with the different groups within our community.
CHARACTER
The Chaplains set a tone of how to live within a Christian tradition, not only through preaching but also by being actively involved in school life. True to the Founder’s motto, rooted in the founder’s motto ‘Manners Makyth Man’, the ideal candidates will be immersed in the daily activities of the school, setting a visible example of Christian values. It is important that the candidate maintains their own regular pattern of personal devotion, reflecting a deep and personal commitment to their faith.
TRADITION
In establishing the school, it was William of Wykeham’s intention that “Christ may be more fervently and frequently preached, and faith and the worship of God's name increased and more firmly maintained.” Today, whilst remaining true to our origins, we welcome pupils and staff from a variety of faiths and beliefs. At Winchester College we are grounded in traditional Anglican worship and structured liturgy, so candidates should be comfortable and capable of working within this tradition. However, we wish to build a team that welcomes, encourages and leads different practices. The ability to collaborate across the full spectrum of churchmanship and tradition is essential, ensuring inclusivity and respect for diverse worship practices.
WHOLE-SCHOOL LIFE
As part of our boarding community, candidates must be regularly present in boarding houses and at school events, embracing the 24/7 nature of school life. Their active participation in all aspects of school life underscores the centrality of Christian life and tradition within our institution, in accordance with our foundational principles inspired by William of Wykeham.
This position is integral to maintaining and nurturing the Christian ethos at the heart of our school, requiring a dedicated and passionate individual committed to the spiritual and moral development of our community.
ABOUT WINCHESTER COLLEGE
In February 2021, Winchester announced a bold new vision and a significant programme of change. ‘Winchester College in the 21st Century’ describes the School’s ambitions for its future and heralds the start of an exciting new phase in Winchester’s development.
Winchester was a pioneering institution when it was founded in 1382 and this new vision will ensure the School continues to be a leader and influencer of great education on the modern global stage. The commitment to provide an intellectual education of exceptional quality and breadth remains unaltered, as do the values which have underpinned Winchester since its foundation. ‘Winchester College in the 21st Century’ will build on these strengths and bring multiple benefits to current and future generations of Wykehamists.
Winchester currently has over 700 pupils. In September 2022, the College welcomed 40 day pupils, now numbering 40, including 34 girls, into the Sixth Form and will continue to do so, over time expanding the entry each year to include girl boarders in due course.
Academically, Winchester is among the very best schools in the country and is sought after for its combination of superb teaching, pastoral care, sports and activities.
At all levels Winchester encourages pupils to look beyond the curriculum. Div is our unique programme of general cultural studies and offers an excellent preparation for university study. In these lessons, pupils engage with a wide range of subjects, from English Literature to Ancient History to the History of Science.
Pupils in the Sixth Form study linear A-level courses and will ordinarily study three A-level subjects and an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside Div. Linear A-levels are complemented by the flexibility of the EPQ where pupils are able to more deeply explore their cross-curricular research interests. The EPQ encourages pupils to develop first-class research skills, to synthesise information from a variety of differing sources, and to become accustomed to the demands of independent study.
Music has been central to life at Winchester ever since its foundation, and the school is unique in having maintained its Choral Foundation to the present day. The Music Department is one of the leading departments in the country, and offers outstanding opportunities to all.
Sport is a major part of Winchester life. There are many fixtures against other schools, and in 2024 the redevelopment of the sports facilities will see a state-of-the-art complex open that will allow all pupils to enjoy and participate in a variety of sports, whilst simultaneously enabling the most talented and driven pupils to train and compete at the highest level.
Much energy is also invested in the Combined Cadet Force, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Community Service, and in links with local primary and secondary maintained schools. This commitment provides pupils with many opportunities to work for the benefit of others, inside and outside the classroom, developing the knowledge and skills, and the rights and responsibilities, which will enable them to grow into valuable and productive members of society.
Pupils eat all meals in their boarding houses, talking with their Housemaster/mistress, and interacting with friends, visitors and teachers. We believe that conversational ability, developed both inside and outside the community, equips pupils to talk to anyone, about anything, in practically any situation. This unparalleled combination attracts pupils from across the world, making Winchester a truly international and diverse community which celebrates every pupil’s individuality, passions and potential.
Winchester College is committed to maintaining the founder’s original intention of offering an outstanding education to any pupil who would benefit from it, regardless of their financial circumstances, and many of the pupils in the College are being helped financially through the school with substantial bursaries.
SUSTAINABILITY
Both staff and pupils at Winchester College are committed to being the most sustainable school possible. You can learn more about our goal of creating a more sustainable school here.
Full details about the school may be found at www.winchestercollege.org.
TERMS AND APPLICATIONS
POSITIONS
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.
START DATE
These appointments will commence in April 2025 or earlier, according to the availability of the successful candidate(s).
SALARY
Winchester College has its own generous salary scale, which is above the national scale. A competitive salary commensurate with the significance/seniority of the post will be offered.
The Chaplains can expect to be involved in the curricular and wider life of the school, which may involve teaching and/or co-curricular work, appropriately pro-rated to properly fulfil the duties above.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation will be available with this position.
LENGTH OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment as a don is on permanent-contract basis, once the probationary period has passed. The role of Dean of Chapel, if applicable, will be made as a five-year appointment in the first instance, extendable subject to mutual agreement.
INDUCTION AND CONTINUOUS TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
The school is fully committed to the induction, training and development of all our staff, with staff supported to grow and reach their full potential. All staff are well supported when they arrive, with help and advice available from Heads of Department, Housemasters/mistresses, and the Headmaster.
All members of the Common Room are encouraged to pursue CPD. In addition to supporting external courses, we deliver a range of training, run by both our own staff and external providers, varying from highly practical First Aid courses to seminars and learning lunches on many aspects of teaching and learning.
There is an annual professional development review offering the opportunity to reflect on professional practice and development opportunities.
For those new to teaching there is the opportunity to work towards a PGCE whilst working with us.
PROBATION & NOTICE PERIODS
The first twenty-four months of employment will be a probationary period. Regular reviews with line managers take place over the probationary period with the opportunity to discuss progress, identify any areas for action and ensure that there is appropriate guidance and support in place to enable successful completion of the probationary period.
During the probationary period, the notice required by either party to terminate employment will be one month within the first term of employment. After the first term, the notice required by either party to terminate employment will be one full term.
Once employment is confirmed, the notice period will be one full term.
PRIVATE HEALTH CARE AND PENSION
The successful applicant will be enrolled in the school’s Corporate Health Scheme in accordance with the current rules of the scheme. Membership of the scheme does not extend to family members and is a taxable benefit in kind.
A generous pension scheme (either Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Defined Contribution (DC) Scheme) and Life Cover (4 times salary) are part of the package.
The successful applicant will be automatically included as a member of the TPS, where both the employee and employer will each meet their statutory contribution rate to the scheme.
At Winchester College, where teachers choose to participate in the TPS, the cost to the College of employer pension contributions is capped at 23.68%. Employer contributions rose in April 2024 to 28.68%, and the 5% differential is deducted from the employee’s gross salary with effect from this date. Should the successful applicant opt out of the TPS and elect to join the DC Scheme, there is no corresponding reduction in salary. The default employee and employer contributions are 9% and 21.5% respectively.
The DC Scheme offers the flexibility to reduce employee and employer contributions below the default percentage, should the employee wish to, with a minimum contribution of 5% for employee and 5% for employer contributions. Any differential between the employee’s chosen employer contribution and 21.5%, net of additional employer payroll costs, will be paid as non-pensionable salary via salary exchange.
ANNUAL LEAVE
These positions are aligned with the teaching operation of the school and so benefit from the school holidays. Occasional offices, such as baptisms, weddings and funerals, take place throughout the year, for which the chaplains may sometimes be asked to be available. A more defined pattern will be agreed annually, led by the Dean of Chapel in consultation with the Second Master and other relevant colleagues.
WIDER BENEFITS
DISCLOSURE CHECK
As Winchester College is an educational establishment, a condition of employment will be that the successful candidate must consent to the school obtaining an Enhanced Level Disclosure Check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This will reveal all spent and unspent convictions, warnings, cautions and bind-overs. A policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders is available on the school’s website.
Safeguarding is one of the primary responsibilities of this role. The post holder is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom they are responsible, or with whom they come into contact with, and will need to adhere to and ensure compliance with the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy at all times.
The postholder should be conversant with the responsibilities and procedures detailed in this policy and with the Department for Education’s Keeping Children Safe in Education. If, in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the school, they must report any concerns to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead or in their absence the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
REFERENCES AND OTHER PRE-EMPLOYMENT CHECKS
The appointment will be dependent upon the receipt of a successful medical check and satisfactory references. The College will usually seek references from shortlisted candidates before interview and may approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications. At least one referee must be the current or most recent employer.
Where applicants are not currently working with children but have done so in the past, one referee must be the person by whom they were most recently employed when working with children.
HOW TO APPLY
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 and email a covering letter to [email protected].
Closing date for applications: 9.00am on Friday 4th October 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.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the recruitment process or wish to have an informal conversation about this role, please email [email protected].
DATA PROTECTION
Winchester College collects and processes relevant personal data as part of its everyday operations and is obliged to process it in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Act 2018. The school is the Data Controller of this data under the Act and is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. Its registration number is Z5751669.
If you have any queries or comments about this policy or how personal data is processed by the school, please contact the Bursar and his team by emailing: [email protected] or by writing to: Data Protection, The Bursary, Winchester College, College Street, Winchester, SO23 9NA.
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.