Inter Faith Week: Meet KES Group Chaplain Oliver Rokison
With Inter Faith Week beginning on Sunday, we are shining a spotlight on the work of KES Group Chaplain, Oliver Rokison, who began his chaplaincy role at the start of the academic year.
Already a familiar face within the King Edward's community through his previous teaching and digital strategy responsibilities, Oliver now combines chaplaincy with teaching while working across King Edward VI School, KES Prep and Prince's Mead.
The role centres on supporting pupils, staff and families of all faiths, while also creating opportunities for reflection, discussion and exploration of life's bigger questions.
"My main aim is to ensure that all those from any faith community feel that they have a place at King Edward's," says Oliver. "Not just that they are accepted here but that they are a really valued part of our community."
Creating a Welcoming Space for All
A key part of Oliver's work is ensuring that the chapel is an inclusive space where people of all faiths, beliefs and backgrounds feel welcome.
"In a multi-faith setting like this one, it's really important to recognise the diversity of faith backgrounds within our student body," he explains.
The chapel itself has been carefully designed to support this approach. There are no permanent religious icons or images within the space, while a blind can be lowered over the stained-glass window when required. One of the chapel windows also faces towards Mecca, supporting Muslim pupils who wish to pray.
"It's really important to me that all faiths feel that this is their chapel," says Oliver.
A Place for Reflection
While the chapel provides a place of worship for members of faith communities, Oliver is keen to emphasise that it is equally open to those who have no religious belief.
"The chapel is absolutely a place for those who are questioning as well as those who already have a faith," he says. "If you are not part of a faith community, this is still a room for you. It's a room where you can come and be quiet and contemplate the bigger things in life."
This message feels particularly fitting during Inter Faith Week, which celebrates understanding, respect and dialogue between people of different faiths and beliefs.
The Chapel at King Edward VI School
Working Across the KES Group
One of the aspects of the role Oliver has enjoyed most is the opportunity to work across all three schools within the KES Group.
He has already led Harvest Festival services at both Princes Mead and KES Prep and says it has been a pleasure to engage with younger pupils across the KES Group.
"It's a real joy for me to see the enthusiasm of our younger members of our school community," he says.
Building Community
Since taking up the role, Oliver has introduced a Prayer Board in the chapel. The initiative allows members of the school community to leave prayer requests, which can then be supported by staff and pupils from across different faith backgrounds.
"It's a lovely way for us all to be building and encouraging one another in unity," he explains.
For Oliver, chaplaincy is ultimately about helping people feel accepted, valued and able to be themselves.
Reflecting on the best advice he received during his own school days, he recalls being encouraged by his housemaster to simply be himself.
"That's really in my heart here," he says. "Everyone within our community, of any faith or none, should feel encouraged to be truly themselves."
Looking ahead, Oliver is particularly excited about the school's Christmas Carol Service in December, describing it as one of the highlights of the chaplaincy calendar.
As we mark Inter Faith Week, Oliver's work serves as a reminder of the importance of belonging, understanding and respect, ensuring that people of all faiths and beliefs feel valued within the King Edward's community.
