Pastoral

The Sixth Form personal development develops an independence of mind in addressing topics such as applying and budgeting for university as well as living independently away from home. We arrange talks on a diverse range of issues, including managing stress and anxiety, student finance, becoming a new driver, diet and healthy eating, sexual health, first aid and life at university. We deliver personal development in tutorials and as part of Future Focus, a series of events and workshops designed to help our Sixth Formers develop the knowledge and skills needed for successful futures.

As part of the Future Focus days, engaging speakers talk to the girls about a diverse range of issues relevant to young people including managing stress and anxiety, student finance, becoming a new driver, body image, sexual health, healthy relationships, the law and young people, and life at university. There are also practical life skills lessons such as emergency first aid and personal safety.  Read more about the Future Focus programme and careers >>

“Relationships between staff and pupils and between the pupils themselves are excellent. a strong sense of mutual respect permeates the school: pupils say they are well supported.“ISI

We pride ourselves on knowing each girl well and treating our students as individuals. We ensure that pupils are happy and healthy – in mind, body and spirit – in order to reach their full potential.

Technological advances have changed the way we communicate, and to ensure positive mental health we need to create opportunities to have an open and honest dialogue with our pupils. Communication is key to good mental health and the school hosts a lunchtime Wellbeing Hub which is run by our Senior School Pastoral Prefects. The space provides an opportunity for younger pupils to speak to older pupils about their minor worries or concerns in a safe and undivided environment.

We are very proud to have been awarded the Wellbeing Award for Schools (2021) and this reflects how seriously we take the mental health and wellbeing of our school community. Our Wellbeing Week programme promotes the mental health of our pupils and embodies the mind, body and spirit philosophy through self-care activities and opportunities for pupils to connect, give, create, get active and have fun. The mind and body work in tandem so pupils are encouraged to move regularly to think clearly. In addition to the extensive co-curricular programme, pupils can enjoy a brisk walk across our 25-acre site, armchair yoga, salsa dancing or a spot of gardening.

Our school counsellor runs half termly sessions on key wellbeing issues to support pupil mental health and pupil lead assemblies encourage the girls to think on poignant issues. The regular charity fundraising keeps the girls open minded and considerate of others.

Our commitment to Fundamental British Values is underpinned by our diverse curriculum which prepares our girls for lifelong education in modern Britain. We engage with important dates in British culture including Black History Month, International Women’s Day, Neurodiversity Week, Remembrance and Diwali. Belonging Week highlights our undivided community where our school stands side by side to celebrate the range of heritages that we have in school.

The Pastoral Team is overseen by Mrs Hathway – Deputy Head Pastoral.

We have a professional counsellor to help pupils with any problems they might have. Counselling is an opportunity to talk in confidence to a qualified professional about any issues or concerns.

Counselling works with a definition called ‘Gillick Competency’, which is a way of deciding when a young person is old enough to make decisions for themselves about their lives. This is an individual decision based on how well you understand what counselling is and the consequences of not telling your parents. Counselling works best when pupils are able to tell their parents and they can support their child.

Common issues raised in counselling include anxiety, stress, relationships, loss and traumatic events but anything that is a concern can be discussed. The counsellor will help pupils to look at their choices and encourage them to make their own decisions. Counselling is confidential; what is discussed with the counsellor is not repeated to others without the pupil’s permission unless there are very serious concerns about the safety of the pupil or another pupil.

The school counsellor offers a drop-in session during the lunchtime for pupils to ask any questions they may have about how counselling works.

Student leadership is key to our undivided principal, giving pupils a sense of belonging which is integral to wellbeing and fostering self-confidence and a spirit of service.

In the Sixth Form, student leadership is at the pinnacle of the school. All Sixth Form students have a minimum of two formal leadership roles.  Roles include Head Girl or a member of the Head Girl Team, House Captain or Deputy, Subject Prefect, Lower School Form Prefect, Diversity Committee Lead, and Mental Health/Pastoral Prefect.  Additionally, students can opt to become a Big Sister Mentor.  Many Sixth Formers lead clubs and societies for younger pupils.  

GDST Lead is a Leadership Enterprise Advanced Diploma in partnership with the London School of Economics. Year 12 can opt to participate in this as part of the elective programme.

All of these opportunities enable our pupils to develop into confident young women who we are prepared for life beyond school, to seize senior positions of responsibility in society, close the gender gap and make the world a better place.

Brontë is a Labrador Cocker Spaniel cross, and joined the school in 2022.

Brontë brings a fun, warm and comforting presence in the Pastoral Team. Our pupils often have the opportunity to walk with Brontë through our extensive grounds.

Working in partnership with our new catering supplier Thomas Franks, we are committed to providing our girls with well-balanced meals that give them the nutrients they need to learn and develop. Our freshly prepared food is filled with nutritious ingredients, instilling positive food habits that will last for a lifetime.