What brought you to The Cotswold School?

The opportunity to serve at the Cotswold school is so exciting. To work in a school that has a fantastic reputation and is full of staff and students who care and support each other was an opportunity I felt called to be part of. The chance to bring my experiences and skills in coming alongside people, as well as the chance learn and grow in a new environment is what drew me to this amazing new role.

What does your role as Chaplain involve?

The role of Chaplain means to ‘come along side and support’. It is a role that is pastorally proactive and spiritually reactive. The school Chaplain is for ALL staff and students of the Christian faith, different faiths and no faith at all. I am here to walk with people in their school journey, to celebrate the highs and sit with them in the challenges. From the little acts of smiling and saying hello, to asking ‘how’s your day going’ (and then listening and genuinely caring about the response) to getting involved with different activities like working with the CU (Christian Union), setting up safe non pressured spaces for people to chat faith and life and supporting different areas of everyday school life.

What are you most looking forward to in your new role?

I am most looking forward to meeting people and the new conversations with both staff and students. It is a blessing and a privilege to be able to find out more about people and hear what they are up to. To encourage them, to champion them, to challenge from a place of love (when needed) as well as hearing and learning from them as they share their thoughts and viewpoints of different aspects of life’s topics big and small.

What would you like to offer to students and the wider school community?

I would love to offer students and the wider school community the assurance that they have a Chaplain who is accessible to ALL. To create safe, non-pressured spaces where people feel they can chat and share about what is going on. To provide different offerings and activities that allow people chance to explore the Christian faith no matter if they believe or not. To share links and signposts to existing groups and resources that run in the areas people live in and help continue to build the link between school and community and importance that can have.

What do you enjoy doing outside of school?

Outside of school I love being outdoors. I love sports and being active where I can. You will find me out at 5.30am most mornings running with my dog Lilah (although sometimes we walk so she can have a rest) (honestly). I have started reading a lot now which is something I didn’t think I would ever say, I now read the whole book rather than jumping to the back to find out what happens. I have an unhealthy passion for biscuits and enjoy a spending time with family. FYI – I also don’t like sweetcorn, rice pudding and batternburg cake!!!

Is there anything else you’d like students, parents or staff to know about you?

This is a new role which we are putting together bit by bit. Please know if you have any questions or queries then do let us know, as this is a role set up to help support the school and the community.

Want to find out more?
Contact tfletcher@thecotswoldschool.co.uk or speak to a member of the Pastoral Team.