The Church of England has been providing and supporting schools for centuries through the work of school chaplains.
School chaplains work in all kinds of schools – those set up by the Church of England or other religious bodies, and those which have no formal connection with the church at all. For many pupils, that might be their main contact with the Church.
They are there for all staff, pupils, parents, governors and the community which the school serves, regardless of the faith or belief of those groups and individuals.
Every school is different and so there is no one single model for school chaplaincy: chaplains themselves have different backgrounds, some are clergy and some are lay people, some teach and others do not, some combine their chaplaincy with another role, for instance leading a local church.
When did you start this role? I started the role September 2023
What are some of the challenges and joys of the job? It is a joy to serve in a school setting and reach students and staff in the place they come to each day. Highlights of my role include running Christian Union, taking assemblies, working one to one with students and being grilled in RE lessons about the Chistian faith! There are challenges in the role such as being an overtly Christian presence can make you feel different and there are times when chaplaincy can feel isolating.
Lastly, how does your faith influence your role as a Chaplain? My faith provides me with a well that will not run dry. I am able to always go to the Lord for comfort and refreshment even when I am tried and weary. I hold onto the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness as I try to be his light shining in the schools.