Student Life

Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

The family ethos

At King Edward VI High School, our commitment to the well-being and personal development of every student is at the very core of our family ethos. We firmly believe that happy, safe, and well-supported children are the most successful learners. Our comprehensive pastoral care system is designed to nurture every aspect of your child's growth, ensuring they feel valued, understood, and equipped to navigate the challenges of school life and beyond.

Our approach to pastoral care and wellbeing

Our multi-layered approach to pastoral care provides a robust network of support for all students:

Dedicated Progress Leaders

Each year group benefits from a dedicated Progress Leader. This key individual oversees the overall welfare and academic progress of students within their year group, acting as a primary point of contact for both students and parents.

Behaviour Support Managers

Working closely with Progress Leaders, our Behaviour Support Managers provide targeted assistance and strategies to ensure a positive and respectful learning environment for all.

Form tutors

Every pupil is part of a form group and is supported daily by their Form Tutor. The form tutor is often the first point of contact for students, providing daily guidance, fostering a sense of belonging, and helping to set a positive tone for the school day.

Strong Safeguarding Team

Your child's safety is paramount. Our robust Safeguarding Team, led by our dedicated Safeguarding Officer, Shona Christey, ensures that all necessary measures are in place to protect our students and promote their welfare. We work proactively to create a secure environment where every child feels safe.

Special Educational Needs & Inclusion Team

Our very strong SEND and Inclusion Team provides tailored support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. They work collaboratively with staff, students, and parents to ensure all learners can access the curriculum and achieve their potential.

School Counsellor

We are proud to offer the support of our own School Counsellor. This confidential service provides a safe space for students to discuss personal challenges, anxieties, or any issues affecting their well-being, helping them to develop coping strategies and emotional resilience.

Attendance Consultant

Our Attendance Consultant works to ensure high levels of attendance, recognising its crucial link to student progress and well-being. They provide support to students and families to overcome any barriers to regular school attendance.

Life Matters Lessons

Our comprehensive "Life Matters" lessons are integral to our pastoral provision. These lessons explicitly focus on personal development, covering a wide range of well-being topics, healthy relationships, online safety, mental health awareness, and preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of modern life.

Hear4U Peer Mentoring Team

We harness the power of peer support through our Hear4U Peer Mentoring team. These older students are specially trained to offer empathetic listening and guidance to younger pupils on a range of common issues, such as friendships, homework worries, and anxiety, fostering a supportive student-led network.