New Chaplain licensed for Sherborne Schools Group
Pupils and staff from across Sherborne Schools Group (SSG) came together in Sherborne Abbey on 4th October for a very special Harvest Festival, during which Reverend Katie Windle was licensed by the Bishop of Salisbury as Chaplain to the four Dorset schools in SSG – Sherborne Boys, Sherborne Girls, Sherborne Prep and Hanford Prep. The service marked the beginning of a new chapter in the schools’ long history of faith, learning and service.
Reverend Windle certainly has a rich history on which to draw inspiration in her new role. Sherborne has been a place of worship and a site of Christian and character education since 705AD, when the Saxon Bishop, Aldhelm founded both the abbey and school.
As Rev. Windle said, "For 13 centuries, young people have exercised intellectual curiosity and critical thinking on this site and discovered truth, purpose and meaning to live by. I am truly honoured to be taking up this new role, working with the Heads to guide the spiritual development of the schools, supporting the whole community, pupils, staff and parents."
Reverend Windle has been the Chaplain at Sherborne Girls for the past eight years, so is a well-known member of the community. She is a member of Sherborne Girls' pastoral team, where she also teaches English and helps with CCF. Katie lives on site with her family, and Reggie the spaniel, and is a regular visitor to the boarding houses.
Simon Heard, Head of Sherborne Boys and Head Designate of Sherborne Schools, a new post he will take up in January 2027, said, 'I am delighted that Katie has been licensed by the Diocese as Chaplain for the four Sherborne schools. I have no doubt that Katie and the wider Chaplaincy team, made up of School Prefects and staff, will work together to build on our schools' rich tradition of Christian education and values. Katie will support the whole community as the schools come together as one unity, with a shared all-through pathway from age 3 – 18, and I wish her every success in this exciting new role."
