Chaplain

We are seeking an outstanding pastor to act as Chaplain to the School community from September 2019, on the move of the present Chaplain to work full time in his parish after six years’ dedicated service to the School and its pupils. 

Forest is very proud of its academic standing, of its reputation in a whole range of co-curricular activities and of its track record of looking after boys and girls well. All teaching staff are encouraged and expected to contribute in accordance with their strengths and expertise to the pastoral systems in place and also where appropriate to activities such as sport, music, drama, the arts, the CCF, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and other areas of School life.

Forest’s pupil community comprises young people of many faiths. However, the School is also proud of its Anglican foundation, the Chapel of St John the Baptist being among the very oldest of the School’s buildings, in the centre of the School. The Chapel occupies a place at the heart of the School’s routines. The School enjoys a very strong reputation for its music, and the Chaplain is actively supported by the Director of Music and the Head of Music in the Prep School in the life of the Chapel.

The post brings with it opportunities and challenges. Forest benefits from its location in North-East London in very many ways, and values the diversity of the pupil, staff and parent body. All pupils and teaching staff are expected to attend Chapel as an expression of community but are not required to participate in liturgy. We respect all faiths and it has previously been a well-established practice to regularly welcome to the School visiting assistant Chaplains from the Hindu, Muslim and Jewish communities. The Chaplain’s role is key in supporting the needs of a multi-faith community.

You are strongly encouraged to look at our website www.forest.org.uk where you will find a full introduction to the School. 

The candidate

• The person appointed will (most likely but not essential) be an ordained Christian, with the ability to inspire both from the pulpit and in everyday dealings with the Forest community. 

• Ideally s/he will have a good degree from a recognised university and have a track record of commitment to education and/or youth ministry. 

• The position of Chaplain no longer brings with it any requirement or expectation of the ability to teach an academic subject, although the successful candidate will wish to contribute to the wider life of the School (which could certainly include subject teaching) and to be sufficiently part of the community to make a real impact in this full-time position. 

• This position demands excellent public speaking and communication skills, with the ability to enthuse a range of audiences.

• The successful candidate will have the energy, dynamism and stamina to contribute fully to the life of this busy School.

• The Chaplain must have general knowledge of Child Protection issues and good practice, particularly relating to professional obligations on safeguarding the welfare of our pupils.

• The postholder will have an interest in furthering relationships with other faith leaders within this diverse School whilst also promoting Fundamental British Values.

Details of salary, terms and conditions will be discussed at interview and aim to maximise opportunities for exceptional candidates coming from a range of different posts and circumstances.  

The Forest School Ethos

Forest is a humane, open-minded school with both feet on the ground, in which the pupils’ all-round personal development is outstanding and academic attainment is high.  It is, above all, a happy school which understands the rich inter-relationship between the curricular, the co-curricular and the pastoral.  There is boldness in the School’s character, a readiness to be forward-thinking and adaptable, with pride in what we are and excitement for what lies ahead.

Our Values

Excellence, Diversity, Community, Heritage

About Forest

Forest School is an independent school for boys and girls aged 4-18yrs established in 1834; benefiting from a tremendous location on the edge of North-East London. London’s only diamond structure school, Forest combines both single-sex and co-educational teaching on a single site as pupils move up the school. Our 1,395 boys and girls are taught together until the age of seven, separately from seven to 16, before coming back together again in a joint Sixth Form. This diamond structure offers all the academic benefits of single-sex teaching with all the social benefits of a co-educational school. The best of both worlds.

Location

Forest is a city school set within 50 acres of grounds surrounded by Epping Forest, within easy walking distance of Snaresbrook Central line tube station and Wood Street Overground station. 

Why work at Forest? 

There are many benefits of working at Forest school as staff are our single most important asset. Key benefits include:

• Generous CPD budget

• Comprehensive Professional Development Review system

• Opportunities to contribute to the wider community via our extensive Outreach Programme

• 18 weeks holiday and our own salary scale with salaries above those paid in the maintained sector

• Free hot lunch (takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day

• All teaching staff currently enrolled in the national Teachers’ Pension Scheme

• 50% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending Forest which is applicable Y3-Y13

• Free membership of the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre during school hours and heavily subsidised membership outside those hours

• Free death in service cover and subsidised AXA PPP healthcare insurance

Don’t just take our word for it

What the Good Schools Guide say:

“Forest is a power-house with a heart. The pupils exude purpose – modern, dynamic youngsters with an eye on what’s happening next”

Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Key Findings (November 2017):

“The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent…The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent”

For more information on our CPD, training and ethos please visit our career site. 

Applications close Monday 29 April 2019 

First round of interviews will take place week commencing 6 May 2019

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis so early applications are encouraged. The School reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.