Catholic Secondary School Lay Chaplain - St Anthony's Girls' Catholic Academy

Catholic Secondary School Lay Chaplain

Salary: Grade 5 SCP 17 to 22 £ 26,332 to 28,604p.a. (FTE £31,022 to £33,699p.a.)

Start Date: 1st September 2026

Contract: Permanent

Contracted

Hours:

37 hours a week Term time only plus 5 days

Working Pattern: Monday to Thursday 8am to 4pm and Friday 8am to 3.30pm with 30 minutes unpaid lunch break each day

Location: St Anthony's Girls' Catholic Academy, Thornhill Terrace, Sunderland, SR2 7JN

Role

Summary:

The Catholic Secondary School Lay Chaplain will support the spiritual life of the school, providing pastoral care, leading religious services, and promoting Christian values in a busy secondary school environment. The role requires a high level of initiative and commitment to Catholic faith.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and minister Catholic worship services and special religious events.
• Provide pastoral support to students, staff, and the wider school community.
• Collaborate with teachers to integrate faith into the school curriculum.
• Support student progression and wellbeing informed by Catholic teaching.
• Maintain accurate records of pastoral activities and attend regular meetings with school leadership.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Actively practising and committed Catholic.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in pastoral care or religious education preferred.
• Valid Enhanced DBS check is mandatory.

Staffing and Safeguarding: Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust safeguards and protects all students and staff in accordance with South Tyneside Child Protection Procedures. Enhanced DBS checks are required for all school staff.

Equal Opportunities: Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and we expect staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Compliance: This position is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act; a satisfactory Enhanced DBS is required as part of pre‑employment checks. An online search will be completed for all shortlisted candidates.