Pastoral Support
Pastoral support and mentoring
It is just as important to provide an individually tailored approach to pastoral support as it is in the classroom. We try to ensure that each child can access the level of support, or independence, that best suits them.
All pupils have a form tutor with whom they meet three times a day. Form groups are small, allowing tutors to get to know the needs of the group. Form tutors also deliver two PSHE sessions each week, enabling this to be specific to the needs of the group. Wherever possible pupils remain with the same tutor throughout their school career, which also enables tutors to develop a good understanding of parents and home circumstances.
In addition to form tutors, for their critical GCSE year, all Year 11 pupils can choose a personal tutor with whom they meet one-to-one once a week to discuss in depth any personal issues they may have.
Boarders also have a key worker who is a member of the boarding team giving them access to support at all times. Key workers and form tutors work closely together.
Some pupils may need specific targeted mentoring to meet their special needs. This is delivered by staff members specially trained in counselling and mentoring.
Others may need input from our school nurse who maintains excellent links with all outside agencies so that any additional support needed in medical matters can be dealt with quickly and by experts in the field.
