Guildford Grammar School
A New Chapter for
Guildford Grammar School
Welcoming The Revd Thomas Gerald Edward Pote
Guildford Grammar School is thrilled to announce the appointment of The Revd Thomas Gerald Edward Pote as the new Chaplain, set to join the school community in September 2024. Fr Thomas, along with his wife and young daughter, brings a wealth of experience and a profound passion for pastoral care and spiritual guidance, which Guildford Grammar School is confident will greatly enrich the school environment.
During a recent visit to Western Australia with his family, Fr Thomas had the opportunity to explore the state, tour Guildford Grammar, and engage with some community members. This visit provided Fr Thomas with valuable insights into the school's culture and ethos, allowing both parties to assess compatibility and ensure a strong mutual fit. Such interactions are crucial in facilitating a harmonious integration when Fr Thomas officially joins in September.
Currently serving as the Chaplain at The King’s School Canterbury, Fr Thomas has been instrumental in orchestrating the seamless execution of weekly school services across both the Preparatory and Senior schools. His responsibilities include assisting with the pastoral care of pupils and staff, preparing individuals for baptism and confirmation, and supporting the school’s most vulnerable students. Beyond his school duties, Fr Thomas actively engages with the wider church community, serving as an Honorary Minor Canon at Canterbury Cathedral and participating in various church committees.
Before his tenure at The King’s School, Fr Thomas served as an Assistant Curate at Holy Trinity and St Mary’s in Guildford, United Kingdom. There, he led weekly worship, managed parish pastoral care teams, and engaged with young people through youth groups and worship activities. His journey into ordained ministry began at Westcott House, Cambridge, where he was ordained as a Deacon in 2019, followed by his ordination to the priesthood in 2020.
Fr Thomas’s diverse educational background further enriches his pastoral work. He has experience as a language teacher and director of studies, and his academic achievements include a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies from Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge, an MA in Italian Literature from Royal Holloway, University of London, and a BA in French and Italian from the same institution.
In addition to his professional endeavours,
Fr Thomas is deeply committed to community service. His past role as a Foundation Governor at St Jude’s Church of England Junior School saw him contribute to various committees and provide oversight on matters related to education and spirituality. Guildford Grammar is confident that Fr Thomas’s blend of pastoral experience, educational expertise, and commitment to service will make him an invaluable addition to the school community.
Fr Thomas will join an established chaplaincy team at Guildford Grammar. The interim period has seen dedicated efforts to maintain the Chapel’s vibrancy and ensure the continuity of spiritual guidance within the school community. As Fr Thomas joins this team, he will contribute to and enhance the already robust pastoral care and spiritual services available to students, ensuring that Guildford Grammar continues to provide a nurturing and spiritually enriching environment for all members of the community.
Guildford Grammar looks forward to welcoming Fr Thomas to Australia and to the community in September as it continues to strengthen and elevate its Chaplaincy team. With his leadership, the school is excited to embark on this new chapter, fostering a nurturing and spiritually enriching environment for all members of the community.
Published in Messenger August 2024
Guildford Grammar School
Guildford Grammar School is an Anglican co-educational private day and boarding school for students in Kindergarten to Year 12.
