At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and support students on their faith journey as a School Chaplain.
- Company: La Retraite RC Girls’ School, an outstanding and vibrant community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inner London weighting, wellbeing programme, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Join a supportive community with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in students' lives and nurture their spiritual growth.
- Qualifications: Practising Catholic with a strong personal faith and enthusiasm for youth ministry.
The predicted salary is between 34359 - 35892 £ per year.
Salary: NJC Scale 5, Points 12 to 15 (£34,359 to £35,892), paid pro-rata for 35 hours per week, term-time only plus one week.
Closing date: 12 noon on Monday, 1st June 2026
Interviews: TBC
La Retraite RC Girls’ School is a vibrant, diverse, and high-achieving community, proudly rated ‘Outstanding’ by both Ofsted (Dec 2023) and the Catholic Schools Inspectorate (Feb 2024). Rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church, we are committed to nurturing the spiritual and academic growth of every student.
We are seeking a practising Catholic with a strong personal faith and a passion for young people to join our team as a School Chaplain. This is a formative and mission-driven role, offering a unique opportunity to accompany students on their faith journey and help shape the spiritual life of the school.
As a School Chaplain, you will:
- Be a visible and approachable spiritual presence around the school.
- Support the Headteacher in his role as faith leader.
- Work closely with the SLT lead for Catholic Life and Mission to nurture and develop the school’s Catholic ethos.
- Lead prayer, liturgies, and retreats for students and staff.
- Organise charitable outreach, social justice projects, and fundraising.
- Promote and care for the Chapel as a sacred space.
- Collaborate with local parishes, the Diocese of Southwark, and the wider Catholic community.
- Contribute to the RE curriculum and whole-school development planning, where appropriate.
- Engage in appropriate training and formation to become a qualified school chaplain.
This post requires an individual who can inspire through example, who is enthusiastic about youth ministry, and who has the commitment to help others recognise God's love in their lives.
“The chaplain will have a central role in implementing the school vision and nurturing the liturgical and faith life of the whole community.”
What We Offer:
- Inner London weighting
- Dedicated wellbeing programme
- Two-week October half-term holiday
- Long service awards
- Detailed induction programme for new staff
- A supportive, welcoming Catholic community.
- Ongoing training and spiritual formation opportunities.
- Mentoring from experienced leaders in Catholic education and chaplaincy.
- The chance to be part of a forward-thinking and values-led school community.
To Apply:
Please complete our recruitment pack and return it to ssilva@laretraite.co.uk.
La Retraite R.C. Girls’ School is committed to Safer Recruitment and is an Equal Opportunities Employer. The successful candidate will be subject to an Online Search, Social Media check, and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check.
Please note, we reserve the right to close this advertisement early if an appointment is made before the closing date.
1.0FTE School Chaplain employer: La Retraite
La Retraite RC Girls’ School is an outstanding employer that fosters a vibrant and diverse community, dedicated to the spiritual and academic growth of its students. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, ongoing training, and a supportive Catholic ethos, staff members are encouraged to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on young lives. The school offers unique opportunities for personal and professional development within a welcoming environment, making it an ideal place for those passionate about youth ministry and education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 1.0FTE School Chaplain
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those involved in Catholic schools. They might have insider info on openings or even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching La Retraite RC Girls’ School. Understand their ethos and values, and think about how your personal faith aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly fits the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to youth ministry and spiritual guidance. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace 1.0FTE School Chaplain
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for faith and youth ministry.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to align your experiences and skills with what we’re looking for in a School Chaplain. Highlight any relevant work or volunteer experiences that showcase your commitment to nurturing spiritual growth.
Showcase Your Faith Journey:As a practising Catholic, it’s important to share your personal faith journey. Tell us how your faith has shaped your life and how you plan to inspire students on their own journeys.
Follow the Application Process:Don’t forget to complete our recruitment pack and send it to the specified email. Applying through our website is the best way to ensure your application gets noticed!
How to prepare for a job interview at La Retraite
✨Know Your Faith
As a School Chaplain, your personal faith is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your spiritual journey and how it shapes your approach to youth ministry. Reflect on how you can inspire students through your own experiences.
✨Understand the School's Ethos
Familiarise yourself with La Retraite RC Girls’ School’s mission and values. Think about how you can contribute to nurturing the Catholic ethos and support the Headteacher in their role as a faith leader. Show that you’re aligned with their vision.
✨Engage with the Community
Consider ways to collaborate with local parishes and the wider Catholic community. Be ready to share ideas for charitable outreach and social justice projects that resonate with the school’s values. This shows your commitment to making a positive impact.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about how you would lead prayer, liturgies, and retreats. Prepare examples of past experiences where you’ve successfully engaged young people in spiritual activities. This will demonstrate your capability and enthusiasm for the role.
