Chaplain

With a starting date of September 2022, we are seeking to appoint a Chaplain for Milton Abbey School.  This is a full-time, senior position for an experienced pastoral worker with a heart for ministry to our teenagers in particular but also to staff, parents, Governors, Old Miltonians and to our wider community. 

A faithful servant of, and witness to, Jesus Christ in this place, our Chaplain will lead our spiritual life with integrity, sensitivity and joy. The successful applicant will be an inspirational preacher, be (or have the capacity to become) an excellent classroom practitioner, work well within a team and value each pupil as an individual. Excellent communication skills and an approachable manner are essential. 

The position will require a contribution to the teaching programme. This may include the teaching of Religious Studies at A Level, oversight of Religious Studies teaching throughout the School and a contribution to the PSHE programme; there will however be scope for teaching in the candidate’s specialist subject where applicable. It is anticipated that the Chaplain will serve on the Safeguarding Team as a Designated Deputy to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.  The post-holder will serve as Chaplain to the Head.

During the pandemic, we have operated services online, with the service duties covered by our Chaplaincy Coordinator (a lay member of teaching staff).  During the Summer Term we have made a welcome (distanced) return to the Abbey. By gracious arrangement of the Bishop of Sherborne, we have enjoyed the support of our local benefice vicar, an experienced youth minister, during our Chaplain vacancy.

It is anticipated that the Chaplain will receive continuing support from the Chaplaincy Coordinator in the academic year 2022-23, and we anticipate taking on a Chaplain’s Assistant (a graduate assistant) in the academic year 2023-24.

We currently hold one Chapel service per week (on Tuesday mornings at 8.30-9am) and a Sunday service (usually at 10.30am, but with occasional evensongs). From September, we would like to return to our pre-pandemic pattern of services on both Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8.30 to 9am, one service bing led by the Chaplain and the other by pupils, under the Chaplain’s supervision. At present, the Tuesday service is largely pupil led, on a House basis, but coordinated by the Chaplaincy Coordinator; visiting preachers often join us at our Morning Worship on a Sunday. Once a term we hold a eucharist. There is also a ‘Congo’ (congregational hymn practice) on Friday mornings. All worship is in the Anglican tradition.

The Chaplain has an office in the main building. There is at present no Christian Union but there is scope to develop this. The Chaplain can expect to prepare about 10 candidates for confirmation annually. Pupils of all faiths and none attend the Abbey Chapel services. A local rabbi visits by arrangement and there are opportunities for Catholic pupils to attend Mass. 

This is a full-time and demanding role which will bring the post-holder to the heart of the School’s transformational pastoral work with young people. A commitment to contribute fully to the co-curricular life of this busy, seven-day-a-week boarding school is essential. The Chaplain will be expected to reside on or near the school site; a one bedroom flat is available in the first instance. A contribution towards housing costs will be available should the Chaplain need to occupy larger accommodation.

Salary is according to Milton Abbey’s own scale and will reflect the experience and qualifications of the appointed Chaplain.