"I am looking forward to working with the world-class musicians at St John’s and creating a space for wonder, love and praise at the heart of College life"

The Canon Precentor of York Minster has been named as the new Dean of Chapel at St John’s College.

The Chapel of St John’s is one of the most recognisable buildings in Cambridge and is home to a lively, welcoming and inclusive community. Dr Johnson will oversee and manage the provision of services and the conduct of divine worship in the College Chapel, the activities of the choirs, and the pastoral care provided by the Chapel to resident members and staff of the College community.

Heather Hancock, Master of St John’s College, said: “Victoria is known as a person of insight, reflection and integrity, and her priestly experience, cathedral responsibilities, background in scientific research and musical talent equip her well to become our new Dean.

“We very much look forward to welcoming Victoria to St John’s, and see our Chapel continuing to flourish under her leadership as a place of beautiful worship, warm welcome and inspiring teaching.”

"Victoria is known as a person of insight, reflection and integrity"

As the Canon Precentor of York Minster, Dr Johnson oversees the musical and liturgical life of the medieval cathedral church. This includes both its day-to-day management as an Executive Director, and as a member of Chapter and charitable trustee, contributing more broadly to its oversight, governance, and strategic leadership.  

She leads the music and worship department and manages a team of professional musicians and with them nurtures choristers, choral scholars and vicars choral. Her responsibilities have included the enthronement of an Archbishop, services to mark the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and two visits by His Majesty the King. Previously a Residentiary Canon at Ely Cathedral, Dr Johnson is currently on an extended period of study leave from York Minster and is Acting Chaplain at Merton College, Oxford. Her first book will be published in March 2024.  

Before her ordination, she worked as a cancer research scientist at the University of Manchester and published in this field as a post-doctoral researcher and PhD student. She holds degrees from the University of Cambridge and the University of Leicester. 

Dr Johnson said: “I am really very honoured to be taking up the role of Dean of Chapel at St John’s College. As a life-long learner, the prospect of becoming part of this diverse and welcoming learning community is an exciting one, and, as a scientist, theologian and singer, I am looking forward to working with the world-class musicians at St John’s and creating a space for wonder, love and praise at the heart of College life.  

“I am grateful for the last four years at York Minster, where the daily round of music and prayer sustains the mission of that magnificent cathedral, it will always be a significant place for me.” 

"As a life-long learner, the prospect of becoming part of this diverse and welcoming learning community is exciting"

St John’s College has a distinguished tradition of religious music and, since the 1670s, has possessed a world-famous College Choir, whose main duty is singing the daily services in the College Chapel during the University Term. During the University vacation, the Choir carries out engagements in the UK and overseas, as well as undertaking a busy recording schedule. 

Dr Johnson also has experience working in adult education having taught those training for ministry with and without prior academic attainment across North West England and in the Diocese of Namibia. Areas of her specialism span homiletics and liturgy, mission theology and apologetics, science and religion, music and the arts.  

Dr Johnson will succeed The Reverend Canon Dr Mark Oakley who worked at St John’s for five years and has been appointed as the next Dean of Southwark. Dr Oakley will be installed during Choral Evensong at Southwark Cathedral on Advent Sunday, 3 December. His final attendance at St John’s will be the Advent Carol services this weekend and the 8.30am communion service on Sunday. 

Dr Johnson’s last service at York Minster will be Choral Evensong on Easter Day 2024 and she will take up her role in Cambridge in Easter Term. 

Published 24/11/2023

Back to College News