Exeter School welcomes new chaplain

Exeter School is pleased to welcome new chaplain Reverend Tom Carson, who was licensed officially in Chapel by The Bishop of Crediton, The Right Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally, on Saturday 19 September.

Reverend Tom, as he is called by pupils, is Exeter School’s first full-time chaplain. Previously Head of Religious Studies at Wallington High School for Girls, Revd Tom’s ministry complements the work of the pastoral teams and the School nurse and covers the Junior and Senior Schools.

As well as being a listening ear for the entire school, Revd Tom also teaches Religious Studies to all age groups and the Extended Project.

Revd Tom joins Exeter School from Mortlake and East Sheen in South West London where he was working as parish curate. His commissioning service was presided by the new Bishop of Crediton, The Right Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally, and marks the beginning of a new Christian ministry at Exeter School.

Revd Tom said: “It was wonderful to welcome Bishop Sarah to Exeter School to conduct my licensing service in her early days as the new Bishop of Crediton. I’m delighted to start my ministry here and am really enjoying getting to know pupils and staff.”

Revd Tom is married to Marian and they have two children, Zoe and Barney. They are all enjoying the change of lifestyle having moved to Devon over the summer.

Exeter School pupils, staff and parents are grateful to Chaplain John Allan who retired after 13 years at the end of the summer term. He led Founders’ Days at Exeter Cathedral, weekly gatherings in the Chapel, as well as Sixth Form services and a range of faith groups at lunchtimes and after school. Mr Allan took a keen interest in environmental issues, securing a Silver eco-award for the school, and taught Religious Education and English, as well as the Extended Project.