Job Introduction
We have the very rare and exciting opportunity to appoint a passionate, enthusiastic and caring Assistant Lay Chaplain who is a practising Catholic with a deep commitment to his/her own faith and an understanding of the role within a school setting.
The successful candidate will be supporting the Lay Chaplain in leading and developing the Catholic life of the school. They will have a genuine passion for finding new ways of enthusing and encouraging teenagers on their journey of faith by nurturing the faith formation and liturgical life of the school community. Along with the desire for justice and faith in action, ensuring our work with charities and projects continue to flourish.
Bishop Challoner Catholic Secondary School is an oversubscribed, diverse and forward thinking school, which serves the Catholic and other faith families of Basingstoke and the surrounding villages.
In November 2025 the Diocese of Portsmouth judged Bishop Challoner as ‘Outstanding’ in all area of the Section 48 Inspection.
The Assistant Lay Chaplain has a central role in leading times of prayer, supporting students as they lead faith-based clubs. With the Lay Chaplain the Assistant will work closely with the clergy of St Joseph’s Catholic Church to implement a full liturgical programme.
The successful candidate will be resilient, dynamic and passionate. They will share the school’s vision to nurture curious, reflective young people who leave school equipped to embrace the world and reach their full potential.
In return, they will find working at Bishop Challoner incredibly rewarding due to our vibrant and talented students, who have a real thirst for learning, and engage in the various opportunities offered to them. The Assistant Lay Chaplain will join a highly professional, enthusiastic and dedicated staff that ensure Bishop Challoner is a welcoming, caring and supportive family in which to learn and work.
Application Procedure
Please note that we do not accept applications on Hampshire County Council forms as we are a Catholic school. All applications must be submitted on forms from the Catholic Education Service that are available on http://www.bcs.hants.sch.uk/vacanciesnav/ or by request from school.
Please submit your application as soon as possible as we may invite candidates to interview before the closing date.
If you require any further information or would like to arrange a visit to the school, please contact Beverley O’Shea - recruitment@bcs.hants.sch.uk
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
