Chaplaincy

Senior Chaplain - Rev. Ian Gulland

At Dean Close School our Chaplaincy is at the heart of our community, nurturing the spiritual life of our pupils, staff and parents. Rooted in the School's Christian (evangelical) faith, it is committed to creating an inclusive space where everyone is welcome to explore faith and ask life's big questions.

Purpose

The Chaplaincy exists to support the spiritual well-being of the School community. Whether through leading regular Chapel services, facilitating Bible studies and Christian Union meetings or simply being there to listen, they strive to walk alongside each member of our community through all stages of life. 

Chaplaincy Services and Activities

They offer a range of services and activities designed to help the community grow in faith and understanding:

  • Chapel Services: Held regularly, these gatherings are a time for worship, reflection and coming together as a School.
  • Bible Studies and Christian Union: Weekly meetings provide a space for pupils to delve deeper into Scripture and share their faith with peers.
  • Exploring Faith: Courses like Alpha offer a safe and open environment to discuss life’s big questions and explore Christianity.
Supporting The Community

The Chaplaincy supports pupils, staff and parents through all of life’s ups and downs; always ready to talk or offer spiritual guidance.

Community Engagement

Regular parent prayer gatherings are held as a time to come together, share and lift up the School in prayer.  Pupils and staff are able to get involved with the Chaplaincy, whether by attending a Chapel service, joining a Bible study, or simply reaching out for support. 

Additionally, a 'Ministry and Leadership Training (MALT) programme' provides talented young people with the opportunity to work with the Chaplaincy, developing ministry and leadership skills that will serve them for a lifetime. 

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Senior Chaplain

Revd Ian Gulland is Senior Chaplain to the Dean Close Schools and oversees the Chaplaincy team. He is married to Vicky and they have three boys in the Prep School. His background includes 10 years of church leadership; prior to ordination he worked in senior leadership in several sectors including health, engineering, finance and consulting. In his downtime he is keen on all things outdoors (surfing, sailing, mountaineering, skiing) but his great passion is to engage with the next generation and help them on their faith journey.

"The school moto says it all: "Verbum Dei Lucerna" God's word is a guiding light. My job and the role of the Chaplaincy is to ensure that light is bright and clear.”

 

Watch our Chaplaincy Video

Chapel

The School Chapel is located in the centre of the School campus.  Regular chapel services are taken by the School Chaplain with considerable contributions from staff, pupils and visiting speakers. The building itself stands as a memorial to Old Decanians who gave their lives in the First World War, and has been adorned by the recently built Poppy Cloister showcasing 128 poppies (one for each OD who fell) from the emotive Tower of London display. The Chapel Choir is very accomplished, leading worship regularly in chapel and at a range of abbeys and cathedrals, and most recently singing Evensong at St George’s Chapel, Windsor.

Our hope for every service is that it will serve our School community by giving life and health in a variety of ways.

For many, the reflection facilitated during the services allows for a necessary pause in the middle of their busy week. For others, the beauty of the hymnody and choral pieces bring real rest and joy. And for some, the chance to hear Scripture read and explained in engaging, contemporary and relevant ways can be life-changing and life-enhancing.

Besides red letter annual services such as Remembrance, Confirmation and our much-loved Carols by Candlelight, the Senior School bookends the week with a shorter service on Monday mornings and a longer Service of the Word on Friday evenings, with a lively congregational practice on Wednesdays thrown in for good measure. Pupils and staff are also welcome to join us for a reflective service of Holy Communion fortnightly on Friday mornings. The Prep School meets for worship in the Chapel at the start of every term, and immediately prior to exeats and holidays; we’re delighted to welcome parents to join us at these services. The Pre-Prep enjoys an annual Christingle service in the Chapel.