A space to wrestle and belong

Published on: 22 August 2022

By lunchtime on the day we meet, the Revd Jack Branford has already had his regular meeting with the Headmaster, taught a Year 10 RE lesson and visited the bereaved family with whom he’s planning the funeral of a parent.

He has been Chaplain at Gresham’s School for two years and delights in the “incredible privilege” of the role. His own chaplain at Norwich School was “great when I was wrestling with life’s big questions” and it was there that Jack came to faith. Since ordination, he’s felt powerfully drawn to school chaplaincy himself.

It is now his turn to offer space for wrestling. But everyone also craves a sense of belonging and through his welcome, encouragement and pastoral care, Jack offers this too. “This is your Chapel,” he tells the Gresham’s community often. Sixty of its members – both students and staff – have been baptised and/or confirmed in the last 12 months.


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