School Chaplain and Renhold Vicar at Bedford School

  New


New
  Job Reference #
EDV/2026/BS/27160
  Location
De Parys Avenue, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 2TU
  Contract Type
Permanent
  Contract Term
Part-Time/Full-Time
  Closing Date
Midday, Thu 25th Jun, 2026
  Start Date
September 2026
  Positions Available
1
   Positions Available        1
  Interview Date(s)
14 July 2026
   Interview Date(s)           14 July 2026
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About this Role

School Chaplain (20 hours per week) 

The School Chaplain will provide pastoral support for all members of the school community, lead worship and assemblies, work closely with the Head Master and Director of Music, and have oversight of all Christian activity within the school. Experience of teaching is not essential.

Bedford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; therefore, applicants will be required to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are “spent” unless they are “protected” under the DBS filtering rules) in advance of interview. Bedford School is part of The Harpur Trust.

Parish Vicar

The Parish see the new Vicar as being someone who:

  • is strong, resilient and courageous, able to energise others, encourage participation, and lead change with wisdom and confidence
  • nurtures individual faith, comfortable using a variety of service styles, valuing both traditional and contemporary liturgy, and recognising the power of music in worship
  • is approachable, adaptable across ages and contexts, a good listener, and someone who can challenge and encourage with empathy
  • is committed to full inclusivity and accessibility
  • leads with clarity and organisation and is skilled at managing time across varied responsibilities

Candidates who feel called to only one of these part-time roles (either the parish post or the School Chaplain role) are welcome to apply and will be considered on that basis.

Applying for the Chaplain (Bedford School–only) role:
Applicants who wish to be considered solely for the Bedford School Chaplain position should apply via an application form on MyNewTerm. Those wishing to be considered for the combined Vicar/Chaplain role should apply via the Diocese of St Albans application process (details below).

Please note:
Shortlisted candidates whose applications include the Chaplaincy role will be invited to attend a meeting and tour with the Head Master, senior staff and pupils in the week prior to interviews. Please ensure you have some availability during this time.

Closing date: 12pm on Thursday 25 June 2026

Interviews: Tuesday 14th July 2026

How to apply

For further information and an application pack for the combined role, or to arrange an informal conversation with the Archdeacon, please contact Revd Tricia Reed at tricia.reed@stalbansdiocese.org or 01727 818167.

If you would like a conversation with the Benefice Patron (CPAS), please contact Rob Miles at rmiles@cpas.org.uk.

For enquiries about the Chaplain role at Bedford School, please contact Sam Baldock, Vice Master, on 01234 362200 or at sbaldock@bedfordschool.org.uk.


Contact Details

  Sam Baldock
  01234 362200
  HR@harpurtrust.org.uk

Bedford School would like all candidates to answer specific questions for the personal statement section. For reference, here is a preview of the questions/headings:

  1. Interests and Co-Curricular Activities: Please give details of any interests or skills that you could bring to The Harpur Trust for the purposes of co-curricular and extra-curricular activity:
  2. Supporting Statement: Please give your reasons for applying for this post and say why you believe you are suitable for the position. Study the job description and person specification and describe any experience and skills you have gained in other jobs or similar environments which demonstrate your ability and aptitude to undertake the duties of the post. Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.

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