School Lay Chaplain

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are looking to appoint a School Chaplain to lead and support the Catholic life and collective worship of our school community. You will need to be proactive and be able to work independently, with excellent time management and organisational skills. Experience in education or youth ministry would be an advantage.

The Chaplain must be a practising Roman Catholic and should have relevant experience or qualification (e.g.Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies).

Key responsibilities

• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills when engaging with a diverse range of people, showing compassion, approachability, and discretion at all times.
• Offer a listening ear, emotional support, and spiritual guidance to students, staff, and families during challenging and significant moments.
• Lead and support the spiritual and liturgical life of the school by coordinating whole-school Masses, form Masses, liturgies, and prayer services.
• Maintain and care for the school chapel, ensuring it remains a welcoming and reflective space for prayer and worship.
• Plan, co-ordinate, and lead retreats that support students’ spiritual growth, personal development, and reflection.
• Foster strong links between the school and the wider community, including local parish priests, the diocese, and families.

Please complete the School Chaplain application form found under About Us/Vacancies on our website www.stbernardswestcliff.org.uk and email it to recruitment@stbernards.southend.sch.uk – please note we do not accept CVs.

What the school offers its staff

St Bernard’s High School is a vibrant Catholic girl’s school from Years 7-11 with a co-educational mixed Sixth Form. Our school is ranked one of the top schools in Southend, and we are in the top 20% of schools across the country for our progress with students and our outcomes. It is a warm and welcoming school where our Catholic values underpin our day to day life.

All new staff are supported within the positive ethos of this happy and high performing school, and to this end all staff complete an applicable induction training programme. The community at St Bernard’s welcome applications from those of all faiths or none.

Commitment to safeguarding

The Governing Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share in this commitment.