La Retraite Roman Catholic Girls' School

1.0FTE Apprentice School Chaplain

Required:  September 2025 

Salary: NJC Grade 5, Points 12 to 15 (£33,291 to £34,779), 35 hours per week, term-time only plus one week. Actual pay pro - rata £28,507 - £29,781 per annum.

Closing date: 12 noon on Friday, 16th May 2025

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 an Apprentice 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 Apprentice 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
  • Healthcare scheme
  • Two-week October half-term holiday
  • Cycle-to-Work scheme
  • Long service awards
  • Two weeks October half term
  • 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.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete our recruitment pack and return to ssilva@laretraite.co.uk. For informal visits, contact Mrs S. Silva, Business Manager (HR & Finance), at 020 8673 5644 (ext. 159).

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.

Visit www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service for further information.

Please note, we reserve the right to close this advertisement early if an appointment is made before the closing date.

Apprentice School Chaplain JD

Application Form Support Staff

Asylum and Immigration pre employment declaration

Consent to Obtain References

Recruitment Monitoring Form

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 Disclosure Form

Notes to Applicants

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