Downe House
West Berkshire
Salary:
Competitive
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Start date:
01 January 2026
Apply by:
26 September 2025
Job overview
Required from January/April 2026, full-time position
Downe House is a leading independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18, based in Cold Ash, Berkshire. Our aim is to provide pupils with a wealth of academic, pastoral and co-curricular opportunities to allow them to grow into confident young women who are committed to playing an active role in the world beyond Downe House. We are looking to appoint an inspiring Chaplain to provide spiritual and pastoral leadership within the school community, nurture faith and walk alongside our pupils, staff and families.
As a School Chaplain you will:
* Lead and co-ordinate all services of worship within the school, including weekly services, Confirmation and carol services and services to mark other major events in the school calendar.
* Teach and witness the relevance of Christian faith principles in a modern, secular and multi-faith community in creative and innovative ways.
* Provide a pastoral and caring presence around the school, whilst communicating positive faith and moral values.
* Nurture the involvement of pupils and staff in services.
* Grow and develop initiatives to encourage acts of service within the community.
* Teach a subject (or two) across various age groups.
The ideal candidate will:
* Be a graduate and an ordained (Anglican) priest.
* Preferably be a qualified teacher, with experience of teaching across all age groups.
* Have experience of working with young people and able to relate well to adolescents from diverse backgrounds and enjoy their company.
* Have excellent pastoral skills and an approachable, welcoming, inclusive and caring manner.
* Be a sensitive communicator with a warm approach and a sense of humour, able to develop encouraging, collaborative and fruitful relationships with pupils, staff and parents.
* Be enthusiastic to work in a busy boarding school with high standards.
At Downe House you will join a supportive, close-knit team where professional development is valued, and colleagues share a common commitment to educational excellence. From our regular CPD sessions to seasonal gatherings, you'll find opportunities to connect, collaborate, and grow within our welcoming school community.
Benefits Include:
* Off site accommodation may be provided close to the School for the right candidate and as necessary.
* Generous teacher pension scheme - 21% employer contribution.
* Life insurance and critical illness cover.
* Discounted school fees up to 65%.
* Beautiful working environment in a semi-rural location.
* Delicious free meals.
* Modern gym and swimming pool facilities.
* A variety of social occasions through the year for you and family members.
How to Apply:
For further details and to apply, please visit our website:
Applications close: 26 September 2025.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Own transport is essential as the school is in a rural location with no public transport links.
For any queries you can contact the HR Department on or email
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people, and any offer of employment is subject to an Enhanced DBS and social media checks.
At Downe House we promote equality of opportunity for all pupils and staff, both current and prospective, and we actively support an environment and culture that values diversity and inclusion.
About Downe House
Downe House
Cold Ash, Thatcham
Berkshire
RG18 9JJ
United Kingdom
Situated in the town of Thatcham, in Berkshire, Downe House is an independent secondary school for girls aged between 11 and 18. It is both a day and boarding school. There are around 580 students enrolled at the school, the majority of whom are boarders. Downe House School was established in 1907 in Charles Darwin's formal home. It is located on 110 acres of land. There are 12 houses for those living on the campus. One of the houses is located in France where year eight students have the opportunity to spend a term.
Headteacher
Emma McKendrick
Values and Vision
Downe House aims to give every girl attending the school equal opportunities. The goal is for them to develop positive attitudes towards learning and become important figures in the local and global community. Children are encouraged to have excellent exam results, as well as personal development.
ISI Report
"There is positive leadership and a proactive approach to the health and well-being of the boarders. The health centre provides an outstanding service to the whole school. The welfare of pupils is at the heart of all the work that is done and the systems that are in place to support this aim. The pupils are well protected from harm with a written child protection policy that is regularly reviewed. The headmistress is the designated person in charge of child protection and works closely in this area with other members of the leadership team. Good attention is paid to overall health and safety matters supported by robust policies and comprehensive risk assessments."
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