Pastoral Overview
Lower Prep
Pastoral care remains central to the Lower Prep experience, ensuring that pupils continue to feel supported as they grow in confidence and independence.
Each class benefits from the stability and continuity of a Form Tutor within a classroom base, who teaches the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science. This model allows staff to develop a deep understanding of each pupil’s strengths, interests and areas for development, while providing consistent guidance and encouragement.
Within this framework, pupils also benefit from flexible grouping opportunities, enabling teachers to provide targeted support where needed and to offer stretch and challenge activities for those ready to extend their learning further. This responsive approach ensures that every pupil is supported to achieve their full potential.
Our Lower Prep department continues to uphold the school’s core values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience, encouraging pupils to take increasing responsibility within our nurturing environment for their learning, their relationships and their role within the wider school community.
Through strong relationships with staff, a well-structured academic programme and a broad range of enrichment opportunities, pupils in Lower Prep develop the confidence, independence and intellectual curiosity that prepare them well for the next stage of their educational journey.
Upper Prep
Importantly, Years 6, 7 and 8 remain firmly within the Prep School umbrella, allowing pupils to benefit from the gradually widening breadth of the senior school experience while continuing to receive the close guidance and nurturing pastoral support that characterises the Prep environment. This balance ensures pupils are both challenged academically and supported as they develop the independence required for the next stage of their education.
Pastoral care remains strong and purposeful, ensuring pupils feel confident and well supported as they take on new opportunities and responsibilities. Upper Prep pupils benefit from the support of two Form Tutors, who meet with them twice daily and maintain close oversight of both their academic progress and pastoral wellbeing. This structure ensures that each pupil is well known and supported, while providing a consistent point of contact for guidance and encouragement.
The PSHE curriculum is also delivered by Form Tutors, enabling these important discussions to take place within a trusted and familiar environment. As a result, tutors are well placed to address emerging issues sensitively, support pupils’ personal development and reinforce the school’s values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience within the context of everyday school life.
Leadership opportunities form an important part of personal development during this stage. Pupils may serve on the Pupil Council or act as House representatives, developing confidence, responsibility and a sense of contribution to the school community. They also continue to take a leading role in class assemblies, strengthening their public speaking skills and sense of ownership within school life.
Through this gradual expansion of opportunity and responsibility, pupils in Upper Prep develop the confidence, maturity and independence needed to thrive as they move fully into the senior phase of their education.