If you are interested in applying for a Sunday School Leader Scholarship,you will find below the answers to questions you may have and our contact details.


We look forward to hearing from you.


Who can apply for Sunday School Leader Scholarships?
Sunday School Leader Scholarships are open to anyone with an interest and calling to work with children and lead them in their religious education experiences.


What does the Cathedral Sunday School do?

The Sunday School Leader prepares and delivers a programme of appropriate Bible based lessons and activities for the children of the church and the wider community.


Sunday School meets in the Cathedral during the 11 o’clock morning service. All children between the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome. Visiting children over the age of five are also welcome to participate.

The Sunday School is small at present (there are about a dozen mainly younger children on the roll), but it is well led by a small team of volunteers. An elder of the church attends each Sunday School meeting.


How long is the period of the Scholarship?

Scholarships are initially awarded for one academic year (September to June). The award will then be reviewed and may be extended for up to a further two years.

How much is the Scholarship worth?

The Scholarship is £800 per Sunday School year September to June inclusive, normally payable on a monthly basis.


What are we looking for in a Sunday School Leader Scholar? The requirements for a Sunday School Leader Scholar are:

  1. enthusiasm to work with children
  2. an understanding of the work of the Church of Scotland
  3. commitment to regular attendance
  4. Scholars must be C.R.B. checked and provide references

What does a Sunday School Leader Scholar have to do?
The functions and duties of Sunday School Leader Scholars are:

  1. to develop lesson plans that reflect the church year
  2. to provide suitable and age appropriate activities for the Sunday School
  3. to work with the Cathedral Minister and Kirk Session to build a positive foundation in the beliefs and traditions of the Church of Scotland.


When does a Sunday School Leader Scholar have to be available? Attendance is essential each Sunday morning (11 am - 12 noon) throughout the Sunday School year (September to June).

Overall we would expect a commitment of approximately three hours per week. Allowing for preparation time.

Attendance would be greatly appreciated at:

  1. Church festivals – i.e. Christmas, Easter etc.
  2. Occasional special Cathedral services and performances

It is understood that educational term breaks and other commitments may make attendance on those occasions difficult. This should be discussed with the Minister.


Can a Sunday School Leader Scholar take a weekend off?

Sunday School Leader Scholars are entitled to paid leave for 5 weekends in each Sunday School year. Normally this should be outwith major church festivals.


Can I have a trial period before I decide whether I would like to apply for a Sunday School Leader Scholarship?

We strongly recommend that anyone interested in applying for a Sunday School Leader Scholarship should join us for at least one Sunday morning service to get to know the Sunday School and the Cathedral before deciding whether to apply for a Scholarship. This would not involve any commitment.


Whom should I contact if I have further questions or would like to apply? Requests for further information or expressions of interest should be addressed to:


Meredith Greiling Co-Convenor Congregational Life Committee,
St Machar’s Cathedral, The Chanonry, Aberdeen, AB24 1RQ
Tel. 01224 485988 ; E-mail: office@stmachar.com ; Web: www.stmachar.com

Applications are invited for Sunday School Leader Scholarships
for the Sunday School of St Machar’s Cathedral
(Church of Scotland), Old Aberdeen