Meet Our New Chaplain: Reverend Simon Richardson

With over two decades of experience in parish life and community work, Reverend Simon Richardson brings a thoughtful, down-to-earth approach to his new role as Chaplain at Bancroft’s.

He’s already becoming a familiar face around the school, whether it’s leading chapel services, taking assemblies, chatting with pupils, or simply just being a calm, listening presence in the corridor. It was only right that we sat down with him to hear about his journey and what he hopes to bring to his new role.

What appealed to you most about taking on this role at Bancroft’s?

One of the parts I’ve always enjoyed most working in parishes across England and Northern Ireland has been the teaching side and working with young people.

Over time, I realised I wanted to be more involved in education. When I came to Bancroft’s for my interview, I didn’t know much about the school, but it immediately reminded me of my own school days, which were such a positive experience.

I can see how inclusive and diverse the community is and that’s something really special.

The pastoral care, academic excellence and the creativity all makes Bancroft’s a very exciting place to be.

You mentioned pastoral care, why do you think it plays such an important part in school life?

What’s wonderful is that there are many layers of pastoral support already in place, and that care extends to staff as well as pupils. The support I’ve received as a newcomer has been extraordinary.

I’m part of that wider network, not as a counsellor, but as someone with lots of experience in listening and offering support when it’s needed. I’m here for everyone, pupils, staff, and families, whatever their background or beliefs.

Can you tell us a bit more about your background?

So I did not grow up in a religious family, but as a teenager I became really interested in questions of faith and meaning. I studied Theology at Durham University, which I enjoyed and it appealed to me because it combined history, languages and philosophy.

After university, I actually trained and worked as a nurse in Kent before training for ordination in my late twenties. I was ordained in Canterbury in 2003 and have worked in parishes ever since, most recently in Northern Ireland.

And what would you say being a Chaplain means to you?

I think of a vicar as a host, but a chaplain as a guest. At Bancroft’s, I’m a guest in a wonderfully diverse community that includes people of many faiths and none. My role is not to persuade, but to invite everyone to reflect on what gives their own life meaning.

As a school that is diverse, what do you value about it?

Diversity brings richness. I’ve been invited to visit the Muslim students’ Friday prayers, for example, and I’ve found those experiences really moving.

We can all talk, listen and learn from each other with respect.

For me, that’s what education, and community are really about.

If you had to describe your approach in three words what would it be?

Listening. Relational. Humour.

Listening is where it all begins; building relationships is what keeps it meaningful; and a sense of humour always helps!

What’s a fun fact about yourself that may surprise people?

When I was a teenager, I was a soloist in a piano concert at the Royal Albert Hall! I couldn’t do it now, but it was quite an experience at the time.

What do you hope to achieve during your time here?

I hope that through my work pupils will have a clearer sense of who they want to be and the confidence to live by their values. Then I’ll feel I’ve done my job.

Thank you, Simon, for taking the time to share his reflections with us.  We look forward to the positive impact Simon will have within our community.