Winchester College - Dean of Chapel and College Chaplain

Summary

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.

Detail

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.

Regular preaching in chapel and at other school events and services.

Taking a visible and leading role in Anglican services offered throughout the term.

Organising termly schedules, ensuring that the Chaplaincy team is deployed appropriately and effectively.

Leading on the preparation of material for school and house services, as well as for other occasional school-organised events as appropriate.

Overseeing, and delegating as appropriate, the preparation of candidates for Confirmation. Developing and maintaining good networks and relationships with local clergy and colleagues in other schools, with the aim of providing a stimulating schedule of speakers and preachers. The Dean of Chapel is also required to participate in and, occasionally convene, meetings of fellow chaplains in the Rugby Group of schools.

Maintaining strong links and good relations with the diocese of Winchester and Winchester Cathedral.

Taking an active role within the Pastoral Support Group (which meets weekly to discuss pupils of concern and is chaired by the Deputy Head Pastoral), ensuring that appropriate and timely spiritual counsel is available to those in need.

Offering relevant support and advice to members of the Leadership and Senior Management Teams.

Acting as occasional adviser on matters relating to the parishes for which the College is patron.

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:

Act as key figures in pastoral care within the school, providing spiritual and moral support to those who seek it, and be available to help and advise all members of the College community. Visit houses regularly to meet and be available to pupils, building links across the school and encouraging the voluntary attendance and contribution of pupils and staff to the life of the Chapel.

Contribute to the academic and wider life of the school, through teaching a reduced timetable and/or involvement in the co-curricular programme.

Be sympathetic to the College’s Foundation, ethos and aims.

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

Strong pastoral instincts and a willingness to embrace the challenges and opportunities of leadership in a full boarding school, championing the Christian ethos and foundations of Winchester College.

A naturally collaborative style of leadership with a strong sense of team and a positive approach to change and development.

A proven ability to lead and manage teams and effectively delegate.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

An ordained priest in full communion the Church of England.

A strong record of personal academic achievement and the intellectual credentials to command respect in the Winchester community.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

A welcoming and friendly demeanour towards all members of and visitors to the College.

Excellent communication skills, confidence and gravitas, so as to inspire and win the trust of Winchester pupils, staff, parents and others.

Outstanding work ethic, including a willingness to work flexibly and independently, calmly under pressure, and with good

An ability and willingness to evaluate and critically reflect upon one’s own professional practice.

A willingness to contribute ot the co-curricular life of a busy, full boarding school.

Good judgement, high levels of integrity and a genuine commitment to Winchester’s aims.

An awareness and/or experience of Safeguarding and Child Protection regulations and practice within a school environment, including knowledge of the Prevent Duty.

TEACHING

A degree in a relevant academic subject and ability to teach a curriculum discipline.

An excellent teacher with a proven track record of academic

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.

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 recruitment@wincoll.ac.uk.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Friday 8th November 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 7 October 2024.

For full job description and application please see here: Winchester College | Dean of Chapel and College Chaplain

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.

Further Information

https://www.winchestercollege.org/employment-opportunities/my-application/vacancy/0926523Sid