Pastoral Care | Sir William Perkins's School (SWPS)
Source: https://www.swps.org.uk/life-at-swps/wellbeing/pastoral-care
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:21
Pastoral Care | Sir William Perkins's School (SWPS)
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Pastoral Care
Caring for our students is at the heart of everything we do at SWPS.
We focus on students as individuals, encouraging them to achieve their potential and explore their interests in an atmosphere where they feel supported, encouraged and appreciated.
We know students achieve their best and are most motivated to learn when they are happy and feel supported and valued; we take mental and physical health and well-being very seriously and have a comprehensive pastoral structure in place throughout the school.
Pastoral Care at our heart
The structure of the school – centred as it is around the pastoral team, Heads of Year and Form tutors – creates a robust network of staff dedicated to looking after every child. But pastoral care does not rest only with certain members of staff, the whole community knows it is fundamental to every aspect of school life.
Our wellbeing programme prepares students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life, and our holistic approach embeds chances to enhance wellbeing within a broader educational programme. By creating opportunities for students to ask questions and discuss important topics, we help them explore difficult themes in a safe and supportive environment.
“… positive outcomes are developed through a well organised caring proactive pastoral system which has developed a mutually supportive set of common values. This leaves all pupils knowing there is always someone to talk to and that they will be supported in making the right decision when facing difficult choices regarding leading a moral life.”
ISI report
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)
We believe that a diverse learning environment enriches the educational experience for all our students. We are committed to cultivating a sense of belonging for all. This means every member of the community from Governors to staff members and all our students and their families. You should feel that your views, experiences and history are valid, no matter your gender, sexual orientation, race, religious belief, disability or socio-economic background.
Wellbeing
Our approach to wellbeing is designed to equip students with the knowledge, insights and confidence to cope with the challenges and changes of their teenage years and allow them to reflect on these topics in the supportive environment of the school community.
We integrate themes related to wellbeing into broader aspects of school life, so that staff are actively thinking about and discussing topics which are relevant and important to students as they progress through the school.
It is understood that students will be happier and able to achieve their full potential when they are healthy in body and mind. We take a holistic view towards the health and wellbeing of our students which encompasses all relevant areas of school life.
Wellbeing Room
At the centre of the campus, our Wellbeing Room is for the whole community and is managed by our Student Support Officers who are on hand all day to listen and care for students who need them.
...pupils commented very positively on the school's introduction of a dedicated wellbeing centre staffed by onsite counsellors to sensitively address the possible impact of mental health
ISI report
Wellbeing FAQs
How do you identify a struggling student and how do you address this?
Our students are assessed every term and outcomes are monitored by our Heads of Department.
We have various intervention strategies we use if required including Sixth Form Study Buddies, revision mentors and weekly organisational support from the Wellbeing Room staff.
Class teachers contact parents to work through any concerns.
How do you deal with bullying?
We are strict about the importance of kindness and respect for one another and we communicate this message at every opportunity. We work hard at teaching students to recognise bullying and not ignore it. If we uncover any bullying behaviour we tackle it head on.
What support do new students get; my child doesn’t know anyone?
Many of our students come to us as the only person from their primary school. We place these students together in form groups, often with classmates who are on their bus route or who live nearby.
Students are taught mainly in their form group for Year 7. This means that they form friendship bonds very quickly. We also do many ice breakers in their first few weeks.
Our Year 11 mentors look after Year 7 classes for their first few weeks and help the groups to mix at break and lunchtime.
What SEND provisions do you have?
We have three members of staff in our SEND department who support students in individual lessons or small groups as appropriate. Sometimes SEND students have a reduced timetable and study periods are given over to SEND lessons.
How do you support student wellbeing?
Being a teenager can be tough, and we know that being happy at school is more important than anything else, not least because it helps students get great grades.
We promote wellbeing through special events in our termly Wellbeing Weeks and we also staff a dedicated Wellbeing Room from 8.00am – 6.00pm daily with specialist colleagues. They offer time out or directed support to any students who need it.
We also make sure that there are lots of opportunities for fun – our Sixth Form panto, whole school Easter egg hunt and Tug of War are just a few examples of this. Down time is a very important part of school life at SWPS.
Continue your
journey
Sport
Find out more
Drama
Find out more
Academic Ethos
Find out more
Life at SWPS
Skip to content
Book a visit
Pastoral Care
Caring for our students is at the heart of everything we do at SWPS.
We focus on students as individuals, encouraging them to achieve their potential and explore their interests in an atmosphere where they feel supported, encouraged and appreciated.
We know students achieve their best and are most motivated to learn when they are happy and feel supported and valued; we take mental and physical health and well-being very seriously and have a comprehensive pastoral structure in place throughout the school.
Pastoral Care at our heart
The structure of the school – centred as it is around the pastoral team, Heads of Year and Form tutors – creates a robust network of staff dedicated to looking after every child. But pastoral care does not rest only with certain members of staff, the whole community knows it is fundamental to every aspect of school life.
Our wellbeing programme prepares students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life, and our holistic approach embeds chances to enhance wellbeing within a broader educational programme. By creating opportunities for students to ask questions and discuss important topics, we help them explore difficult themes in a safe and supportive environment.
“… positive outcomes are developed through a well organised caring proactive pastoral system which has developed a mutually supportive set of common values. This leaves all pupils knowing there is always someone to talk to and that they will be supported in making the right decision when facing difficult choices regarding leading a moral life.”
ISI report
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)
We believe that a diverse learning environment enriches the educational experience for all our students. We are committed to cultivating a sense of belonging for all. This means every member of the community from Governors to staff members and all our students and their families. You should feel that your views, experiences and history are valid, no matter your gender, sexual orientation, race, religious belief, disability or socio-economic background.
Wellbeing
Our approach to wellbeing is designed to equip students with the knowledge, insights and confidence to cope with the challenges and changes of their teenage years and allow them to reflect on these topics in the supportive environment of the school community.
We integrate themes related to wellbeing into broader aspects of school life, so that staff are actively thinking about and discussing topics which are relevant and important to students as they progress through the school.
It is understood that students will be happier and able to achieve their full potential when they are healthy in body and mind. We take a holistic view towards the health and wellbeing of our students which encompasses all relevant areas of school life.
Wellbeing Room
At the centre of the campus, our Wellbeing Room is for the whole community and is managed by our Student Support Officers who are on hand all day to listen and care for students who need them.
...pupils commented very positively on the school's introduction of a dedicated wellbeing centre staffed by onsite counsellors to sensitively address the possible impact of mental health
ISI report
Wellbeing FAQs
How do you identify a struggling student and how do you address this?
Our students are assessed every term and outcomes are monitored by our Heads of Department.
We have various intervention strategies we use if required including Sixth Form Study Buddies, revision mentors and weekly organisational support from the Wellbeing Room staff.
Class teachers contact parents to work through any concerns.
How do you deal with bullying?
We are strict about the importance of kindness and respect for one another and we communicate this message at every opportunity. We work hard at teaching students to recognise bullying and not ignore it. If we uncover any bullying behaviour we tackle it head on.
What support do new students get; my child doesn’t know anyone?
Many of our students come to us as the only person from their primary school. We place these students together in form groups, often with classmates who are on their bus route or who live nearby.
Students are taught mainly in their form group for Year 7. This means that they form friendship bonds very quickly. We also do many ice breakers in their first few weeks.
Our Year 11 mentors look after Year 7 classes for their first few weeks and help the groups to mix at break and lunchtime.
What SEND provisions do you have?
We have three members of staff in our SEND department who support students in individual lessons or small groups as appropriate. Sometimes SEND students have a reduced timetable and study periods are given over to SEND lessons.
How do you support student wellbeing?
Being a teenager can be tough, and we know that being happy at school is more important than anything else, not least because it helps students get great grades.
We promote wellbeing through special events in our termly Wellbeing Weeks and we also staff a dedicated Wellbeing Room from 8.00am – 6.00pm daily with specialist colleagues. They offer time out or directed support to any students who need it.
We also make sure that there are lots of opportunities for fun – our Sixth Form panto, whole school Easter egg hunt and Tug of War are just a few examples of this. Down time is a very important part of school life at SWPS.
Continue your
journey
Sport
Find out more
Drama
Find out more
Academic Ethos
Find out more
Life at SWPS