Effective pastoral care underpins school life and there is always someone to whom the students can turn for help and advice. Every adult has a responsibility for students’ welfare and security and there are many layers of care in place.

Our pastoral care system has a structure based on year groups which sees year co-ordinators working closely with their form tutor team to ensure that we get to know every student. Students are individually valued and well-supported.

Students see their form tutors every morning. Tutors have immediate access to information about students’ achievements and any incidents during the day through the school computer system. Sixth Form students see their tutor three times a week, as well as once per fortnight in a form period and for individual appointments as required. Form tutors should be the first point of contact for parents who have concerns about academic progress or effort.

Year co-ordinators have overall responsibility for the efficiency and effectiveness of their form tutor teams, an overview of student progress and the general welfare and behaviour of students within the year group. They should be the point of contact for parents who have more serious concerns about a student’s overall conduct, effort or academic progress.

Our pastoral care system aims to promote our ethos of kindness, inclusivity, respect and aiming for excellence. We are committed to a positive approach and, whenever possible, praise and rewards are used to motivate and encourage the students. There is a clear code of conduct which students are expected to follow at all times and this is underpinned by appropriate sanctions, as set out in the school’s behaviour policy.

Contact Year Co-ordinator

House System

Our vertical pastoral structure is represented by our house system, a powerful and effective way for students to feel part of the school. Each student is a member of one of five houses: Red, Blue, Green , Yellow and Purple; depending on which tutor group they are in. This system helps them to develop relationships across all age groups throughout the school. The house system supports the extra-curricular programme and creates many opportunities for students to participate in school life as they take part in house competitions and events. Each house has a charity that they support and an inspirational person. For more information please click HERE.

Anti-Bullying

All students have the right to feel safe and happy at school. We have full procedures in place to support students who experience bullying and deal with those who choose to bully others. Please see HERE for details. 

Wellbeing, Counselling and Mentoring Team

We have a full student Wellbeing Team consisting of counsellors, mentors and wellbeing support officers. The Wellbeing Team operates a range of services, including counselling from a qualified psychotherapist. Parents should contact year co-ordinators in the first instance if they feel their child would benefit from this service, or any other service provided by the team. Students may also be referred for counselling or mentoring by members of the school’s staff. Parents will be contacted and consent will be sought in these cases. Full details of our Wellbeing Team, please click HERE.

Behaviour Support Team

Our Behaviour Support Team consists of our Pastoral Manager, Deputy Pastoral Manager, four Behaviour Support Officers and our Education Welfare and Family Liaison Officer. The team provides support for students who are having behavioural difficulties, carries out duties around the school, supports year co-ordinators with investigating incidents and leads proactive interventions with individuals and groups of students.