School Chaplain

The school seeks a practising Christian with excellent organisational and interpersonal skills to continue the important work that has been established in the school. This is a rare chance to take on a genuinely fulfilling role in which a successful candidate will be able to proactively develop the spirituality of all and encourage growth in faith across those students of all faiths and bring new people to a relationship with Christ Jesus. This a three year fixed term contract and may be extended beyond the initial term subject to funding constraints.

Balshaw's CE High School is an outstanding Voluntary Controlled Church of England High School in Leyland. It is the school of choice for parents in the area with a very proud history stretching back to 1782 and is heavily oversubscribed with approximately 920 students on roll. As a Voluntary Controlled Church of England High School, Balshaw’s admissions and funding are entirely under the control of the Local Authority. There are no church attendance requirements for a young person to join the school. We believe this is very important as it allows our Christian ethos and values to reach students who otherwise may not experience the love of Christ in their educational context. Although we are not Voluntary Aided, the school has long standing links with the Diocese and clergy who are regular visitors to the school to deliver worship and advice. Balshaw’s was one of the first schools to appoint a Chaplain in the 1990s, a model which was subsequently emulated and rolled out across the diocese and then nationally. At Balshaw’s we believe that the role of Chaplain is a crucial one in school life. 

What is equally important to us is the richness of opportunity available to students at Balshaw’s. Set in 21 acres of beautiful land, Balshaw’s staff provide extra-curricular opportunities that other schools could only hope for. The huge range of clubs and activities have taken many of our students on to careers in sport and media with a number of well-known alumni. The school adds significant value to its students from their starting points in Year 7 to the time when they leave in Year 11. Many will go on to study at Runshaw College which was originally the Sixth Form of Balshaw’s and others will take up apprenticeships or employment. It is said at Balshaw’s that “Once a Balshavian, always a Balshavian.” This is very true – a number of staff are previously students of the school and there is a very small turnover of staff either through retirement or promotion. We hope that when you visit our school you will get a strong sense of the Christian family values that underpin what we do.