After two years of partnership development and relationship building across the churches in the North Cotswolds, led by Deanery Youth Connector Amy Todd, The Cotswold School is delighted to welcome Tim Fletcher as its Chaplaincy School Connector from September 2026.
The School Connector project is part of the Diocese’s vision to put children at the centre of all we do. Working with secondary school communities, the project brings together the parishes within the school catchment area to imagine how to bring ‘Life in all its Fullness’ to that community.
In 2024 the North Cotswold Deanery began to collaborate around mission and ministry in the Cotswold School, building on years of previous engagement from individual churches and groups. Amy Todd, Deanery Youth Connector, gathered a team from across the churches and led a pilot project to explore what being distinctively Christian in the school would look like. As the pilot bore fruit, the Diocese of Gloucester, Sylvanus Lyson Charity, and local churches and individuals committed funding to create this full-time chaplaincy post.
As Chaplain at The Cotswold School, Tim will work as part of the school’s wellbeing team, supporting the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of pupils and staff, contributing to the pastoral life of the school, and helping to strengthen links between the school, local churches and the wider community. The role will serve the whole school community, including those of all faiths and none, while creating opportunities for young people to engage with questions of faith, meaning and purpose.
Tim joins the school from Sportily, where he currently serves as Sports and Faith Leader. He brings extensive experience of working with young people in both community and school settings. Through his work with Sportily, Tim has led detached sports sessions, youth groups, Youth Alpha courses, community cafés, outdoor coffee hubs, public acts of worship, interactive faith-based activities and community chaplaincy. His approach has focused on creating safe, non-pressured environments where young people feel supported, valued and able to explore questions of life, faith and identity.
Tim also brings direct school-based chaplaincy and ministry experience. He has worked for four years with Hardwicke Primary School, leading activities including Active RE lessons, prayer and reflection days, spirituality days, collective worship, transition work and leadership development programmes, and he currently serves as a school chaplain there. In addition, he has supported the Connect Team in Severn Vale School through its Christian Union gatherings.
Academically, Tim holds a BA (Hons) in Theology, Mission and Ministry from Ridley Hall Theological College, Cambridge, equipping him with a strong foundation in leadership, pastoral care, mission and community ministry.
Tim said:
“I am honoured and excited to be joining The Cotswold School as Chaplain. Throughout my work in schools, churches and community settings, I have been passionate about creating safe, supportive and non-pressured spaces where young people can grow in confidence, explore life and faith, and know that they are valued. I am looking forward to becoming part of the school community, supporting pupils and staff, and helping build strong connections between the school, local churches and the wider community.”
Will Morgan, Headteacher of The Cotswold School, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Tim Fletcher to The Cotswold School as our new Chaplain. Tim brings a wealth of experience in youth work, chaplaincy, pastoral care and community partnership, together with a clear commitment to the wellbeing and flourishing of young people. We look forward to the energy, care and insight he will bring to this important new role.”
The Revd Charlie Styles, a representative of the North Cotswolds Deanery / Chaplaincy Mission Oversight Team said:
“Tim’s appointment is an exciting step forward in the partnership between The Cotswold School, local churches and the Diocese of Gloucester. His experience, warmth and heart for young people make him exceptionally well placed to help shape this new role. We are delighted to support him as he begins this ministry within the school and wider community.”
Tim’s role forms part of a growing network of School Connectors and Chaplains across the Diocese, who share learning, peer support and training as they serve schools and communities. For more information about the School Connect project, please contact Barrie Voyce, Senior Youth Connector ku.gro.coidsolg@ecyovb
