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Chaplaincy Assistant (Prep Schools) Candidate Pack

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Chaplaincy Assistant (Prep Schools)

CANDIDATE INFORMATION

Welcome

It is an exciting time to be joining Canford. Our community is alive with ambition – in the classroom, on the sports field, on the river and on the stage – and that energy is reflected not only in our academic success, but in our pupils’ enthusiasm to contribute, to lead and to grow. Canford is a place where young people are encouraged to think boldly, act with integrity and make the most of the opportunities before them.

We are also a school that continues to look forward. The recent launch of the Canford Schools Group marks an important new chapter in our development. Our partnership with Dumpton School is the first of several planned collaborations with like-minded schools in the independent sector. Together, we share a commitment to excellence, kindness and ambition, while valuing the individuality that allows each school community to thrive. For those starting their professional journey with us, this offers the chance to be part of something dynamic, purposeful and evolving.

At Canford, relationships matter. The strength of our community lies in the way people support one another –pupils, staff and families alike. We believe in empowering young people to take responsibility, show courage in their learning,

and care for those around them. We also believe in developing our staff in the same way: through trust, high expectations and meaningful professional opportunities.

Our Chaplaincy Assistant (Prep Schools) will work closely with the Canford Chaplain. This is an exciting opportunity to support local prep school pupils in developing curiosity about their spiritual lives, engaging with life’s big questions, and exploring the Christian faith for themselves. The role has been designed as a formational stepping stone and therefore lays a strong foundation for routes into ministry work, teacher training or wider pastoral and educational roles.

If you’re eager to help foster a culture rooted in reflection, compassion, service, and strong moral purpose–while supporting the holistic development of pupils and the wellbeing of staff–I warmly invite you to apply. We would be delighted to welcome you into the Canford community.

Background

Founded in 1923, Canford School is set in 250 acres of beautiful parkland on the outskirts of Wimborne in Dorset. The School, which has some 660 pupils aged 13–18, the majority of whom board, is amongst the country’s top co-educational boarding and day schools. The 19th-century Canford Manor House sits at the heart of the campus, and the facilities are exceptional. Canford has established a commanding reputation built on its excellent academic achievement, breadth of education and a fresh, lively approach. The School offers a superb sports and co-curricular programme for pupils, which is seen as amongst the best in the independent sector.

Having celebrated its centenary in 2023, Canford was a finalist for ‘Public School of the Year’ in the Tatler 2026 Awards, the Independent School Parent’s ‘Top School in the South of England 2025’ and the number one-ranked co-ed boarding and day school in the South West for top A level and GCSE results in the Sunday Times Parent Power report 2025. It is an exciting time to be joining the School, with September 2025 seeing the arrival of a new Head, the opening of a new Sixth Form College and the announcement of the merger with Dumpton School to form the Canford Schools Group of charitable independent schools.

Canford is in the final stages of completing ‘The College’, an impressive new £20m facility which will offer our Sixth Form pupils outstanding provision. With U6th day pupils based

in the Hub along with university-style services for Futures, Welfare and Academic Support and boarders in the residential wings, the building is designed to ensure all pupils develop the independence they need to be ready for life beyond Canford, whether at university or one of the growing number of other post-school routes.

Having been at capacity in our boarding houses for many years, the creation of this new facility will create spaces across all boarding houses to grow and develop our boarding provision, which will be an important part of the vision for the coming years.

Alongside its place as a school, Canford also offers excellent commercial facilities which are available to members of the public, including event and wedding facilities, a sports centre, a nine-hole golf course, real tennis courts and a semiprofessional theatre.

This is an exciting time as Canford School and Dumpton merge in December 2025 to form the Canford Schools Group. Dumpton is a popular co-educational day prep school for pupils aged 2–13 years, three miles from Canford. A finalist in the 2025 Independent School of the Year ‘Co-educational School of the Year’ award, it has experienced continued growth in pupil numbers and record numbers of scholarships to senior schools in recent years.

Vision and Values

COURAGEOUS ATTITUDE

Being principled and strong, yet reflective and tolerant, takes courage.

We support members of our community to be bold in expressing thoughts, words and deeds yet respectful of the diversity in our world and society.

HUMBLE AMBITION

Pursuing goals without arrogance or complacency brings meaningful success. We challenge members of our community to be energetic and resilient in pursuit of their goals but honest and grateful for fulfilment of them.

GRACIOUS LEADERSHIP

Fulfilling a duty to guide, support and include others makes a difference.

We urge members of our community to lead graciously and serve willingly for the greater good.

PURPOSEFUL ENGAGEMENT

Building a confident mindset develops positive life-long learning.

We inspire members of our community to be curious and determined in pursuit of knowledge and opportunity.

The Academic Leader

HO W WE ACHIEVE THIS – THE FACTS:

No.1

school in the region* for top A Level and GCSE results.

1-1 suppor t to achiev e the v er y best outcome for ev er y pupi l

Lea rn ing is not just accepted it ’s pa rt of our culture

120 specia lis t subject teacher s across 20 depar tments

Sm all class size s 15 for GCSE , 10 for A Lev el**

Te aching tailored by year grou p, with College approach to Sixth Fo rm

We do no t simply select We look for

top-set pupils. ; all-round potential

Breadth o f inta ke

120 Year 9s join from over 50 diff erent schools***

Academ ic e xcellenc e , but not a results-at-all-costs

independent minds and focus on e ver y child ’s bes t pe rs onal outcome

Over 95% of our pupils currently choose to go on to university, with 80%+ offers from Russell Group/Top 12. But the world is changing fast. Our College Futures programme guides every path – from degree apprenticeships and Art Foundations to Medical Schools and international study. Our focus is on the best outcome for every individual Canfordian.

* Based on Sunday Times Parent Power report 2025., co-ed independent senior boarding and day

The Boarding Culture

Canford’s genuine 7-day-a-week boarding school community offers rich experiences and lasting friendships for all pupils. There is flexibility for boarders to spend some Saturday nights at home if they want to, keeping families closely connected, while day pupils can take full advantage of everything on offer in the evenings and at weekends.

HO W WE ACHIEVE THIS – THE FACTS:

culture inclusive for both boarding and d ay

7-day-a-week 21st-century – boarder

4 out of 5 boarders are in school e very weekend – there is no ‘emptying out ’ cultur model s can opt for some ext ra Saturda y nights at home *

e ay

The mix of fun an d skills-based evening and weekend activities are open to all pupils, boarding and d

Boarding

is the real deal.

Talk Education

Boarding opportunities extend the fun!

Current boy boarder

On average, Canford tracked. *Boarders can leave after Saturday school a number of extra times each term in addition to exeats and half terms, but must return by Sunday evening.

Tiered Opportunities in Sport and Activity

HO W WE ACHIEVE THIS – THE FACTS:

50 + diff erent spo rt s, clubs and activities , inclusiv e and open to al l * Hockey, Cr icket, Netball, Tennis , Footbal l

OCs Be yond Can ford

USA Golf #27 r ank, U23 Wor ld Rowing Gold, U19 England C ri cket , Bath and Leicester Premiers hip Rugb y

CCF – Best School **

260 CCF cadets , 26 Sixth For m NCOs

100+ teams play 1,000+ fixtures across 16 sports every year, developing sporting skills, teamwork, confidence, and positive physical wellbeing.

Sport here is everything you might expect in a school of this calibre and scope – and then some.

The Good Schools Guide

*2023-25, **The Week: Independent Schools Guide

The Role

The Chaplaincy Assistant will provide evangelical ministry and pastoral care to pupils, teaching & support staff, serving the whole community inclusively and sensitively. They will help further shape a culture of reflection, compassion, service and moral purpose, contributing to the holistic development of pupils and the wellbeing of staff. To this end, they will participate fully in the academic and co-curricular life of the schools.

Key Responsibilities

SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP AND WORSHIP

• Be a spiritual leader and role model within the school community.

• Lead age-appropriate Christian assemblies, working with prep school staff, to support the spiritual development of the pupils.

• Support major events and festivals in the school calendar (e.g. Christmas, Easter and Remembrance).

• Provide opportunities for pupils to voluntarily explore questions of faith, including Bible studies, clubs and other activities.

• Encourage, connect with and support Christian staff and parents.

PASTORAL CARE

• Support the prep schools’ pastoral teams, offering support to pupils and staff, confidential listening and spiritual guidance.

• Be a visible and accessible presence in the schools, available for informal and formal conversations with pupils across all age groups.

• Support pupils experiencing bereavement, crisis, anxiety or personal challenge.

• Work closely with prep school safeguarding leads and wellbeing teams.

COMMUNITY AND INCLUSIVITY

• Serve the whole School community, respecting diversity of faith and belief.

• Foster an inclusive and welcoming chaplaincy environment.

• Support interfaith understanding and dialogue where appropriate.

• Seek ways to promote community cohesion.

TEACHING AND FORMATION

• Contribute to teaching in any academic area as appropriate to skills and timetable needs.

• Support pupil leadership in service, charity initiatives and social action projects.

• Encourage moral reflection, ethical discussion and community engagement.

COLLABORATION AND TEAMWORK

• Split time across local prep schools, with the rest of the time at Canford, working closely with the chaplaincy team for support and encouragement, as well as assisting with chaplaincy work here.

• Participate fully in School life, including in the co-curricular life of the school as appropriate to personal skills and experience.

• Foster positive relations between Canford and the prep schools, ensuring continuity of spiritual teaching and practices.

• Work closely with senior leadership in each prep school to ensure continuity of ethos and values, whilst understanding the contextual nuances of each school.

ADMINISTRATION AND ORGANISATION

• Assist in planning and coordinating the chaplaincy calendar across the schools.

• Maintain appropriate records of chaplaincy activities (in line with safeguarding and confidentiality requirements).

• Contribute to communications regarding chaplaincy events and initiatives.

SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION

Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and to become familiar with the policies and procedures for safeguarding children and child protection, which can be found here. The successful applicant will be required to undergo child protection screening.

The Person

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

• An Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential

• Experience working in a school or youth context or similar.

• Willingness to contribute to classroom teaching.

Desirable

• Experience of pastoral care and supporting young people or adults.

• Experience of leading worship or in teaching the Christian faith in a school, camp or church context.

KEY SKILLS

Essential

• Ability to communicate effectively with young people.

• Excellent interpersonal and listening skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively within a team.

• Sensitivity to diversity and commitment to inclusion.

• A driving licence.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Essential

• A practising Evangelical Christian with a clear and thoughtful personal faith.

• Warmth, approachability and integrity.

• Emotional intelligence and discretion.

• Resilience and adaptability.

• A reflective and prayerful approach to ministry.

• A sense of humour and willingness to engage fully in school life.

Employment Terms & Benefits

• Discounted sports centre membership

• Staff wellbeing & health workshops

• Free healthy lunch

• Free cash plan

• Flu jabs

HEALTH

Contract type:

Hours:

Start date:

Salary:

Accommodation:

• Contributory pension scheme

• Death in service benefit

• Cycle to work scheme

• Free car parking

• Free financial advice

• Free access to Lifeworks portal, including online advice and support and access to free counselling

• Discounted golf club membership

• Facebook group for social events

• Staff discount on facilities hire

• Enhanced maternity/paternity and holiday allowance

Fixed term contract for 3 years

37.5 hours per week, term time only

September 2026

£27,500

Accommodation is provided on the Canford campus

MONEY

• Your voice

• Appraisal scheme

• Professional development opportunities

• Use of NASH building

• Excellent working environment

WORK

LIFE

• Discounted sports centre membership for your family

• Family social events

• Reduced theatre tickets

• Free cash plan for children

FAMILY

Application Process

Closing date: Sunday 12th April 2026

Early applications are very much encouraged. We will review and shortlist candidates on an ongoing basis and may close the vacancy once the right candidate has been identified. Candidates are therefore advised to submit their applications promptly to avoid disappointment.

To apply, please visit www.canford.com/Job-Vacancies, where you’ll be asked to complete our application and upload a covering letter.

Applicants are asked to submit a covering letter (no more than two pages) addressing the following:

• Why you are interested in the Chaplaincy Assistant (Prep Schools) role.

• How your experience and skills meet the requirements of the role.

• How your personal qualities, approach, and values align with the ethos of the School and Chaplaincy.

• Demonstration of your ability to contribute to the growth the success of Canford.

If you have any questions, please contact Sonia Bawden, HR Officer: recruitment@canford.com / 01202 847231.

The process is as follows:

• Shortlisting will take place on Tuesday 14th April 2026.

• Candidates will take a tour of the school(s), attend an interview, and be given a task to complete.

• In person interview will take place week commencing 20th April 2026.

Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Appointment is subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks in accordance with the relevant statutory guidance, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, proof of identity and qualifications, and a satisfactory medical report.

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