Pastoral Care

Up to Form 6 a child’s Form Taker also undertakes the role of Tutor while in Forms 7 and 8 every child is allocated a Tutor as their main pastoral contact within the school. Tutor groups typically tend to be no larger than 10 pupils per group and a Tutor will meet their tutees twice a week. During these meetings a Tutor will undertake a variety of roles, including but not limited to: tracking academic progress, extra-curricular activities, happiness at school, any pastoral concerns and to help all their tutees be the best person they can be.

Within the Prep School there are a range of staff devoted to ensuring all our pupils pastoral care is kept front and centre every day. Pupil’s Tutors are the main Pastoral leads. The Tutors are supported by Assistant Heads of the various year groups, the Head of Academic Support and the Health Centre. The Pastoral team is overseen by the Deputy Head (Prep Pastoral).

We understand that a happy pupil is a successful pupil and the whole pastoral team is committed to ensuring that pupils feel that they have supportive adults around them who they can turn to should they ever feel the need. The Pastoral team meet on a regular basis to ensure all involved in the pastoral care of the pupils are aware of any ongoing issues.  Any pupils needing additional care or assistance are discussed and plans are put in place as to how best to support them to continue to thrive.

To encourage healthy competition and teamwork, we operate a house system. Children are allocated to one of four houses (Divisions) – Arrow, Crown, Martyr or Wolf. Throughout the year there are several inter-house competitions including sporting activities and music events. These allow pupils to work with others from across the year groups in the Lower Prep School and the Prep School.

In Form 8, as pupils progress to the top of the Prep School, we look to help develop their leadership skills by giving them responsibilities in and around the school which bring with them accountability and obligation. The more senior Prep School pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles to support our younger children in the Prep School.

All Form 8 pupils are made Divisional (House) Prefects and help the staff run the Divisions. Pupils promote themselves as ‘managers’ of divisional sporting and cultural teams (both within the Prep School and Lower Prep School), proposing ideas for the way that the Division may be improved, and also taking on a pastoral role in overseeing and supporting some of the younger pupils within the Division, particularly those who may be struggling in some way. Demonstrating the ability to perform these sorts of tasks within the Divisional context, particularly the more social and pastorally based ones, enables all of the pupils to demonstrate a maturity and sense of responsibility and community.

In Form 8 the Prep School also appoints Heads of Division and Heads of School.  Nominated by staff they help assist staff with the daily running of the School. The Heads of School are invited to be a part of the school council and meet regularly with the Headmaster, as well as give speeches on St. Edmund's Open Mornings and at prize-giving on Speech Day.

In the last term of Form 7 and throughout Form 8, pupils are also allocated duties to help with the running of the school, giving the pupils a sense of community duty and a pride in their school – such as raising and lowering the school flag, assisting with library duties or helping with the running of Chapel services.  In addition to these duties, all Form 8's help on a rotational basis and are responsible for helping the Headmaster by signing off 'Stars' and 'Show Ups' in both morning and afternoon breaks.

Prep pupils benefit greatly from the privileges, leadership and responsibilities that come from being at the top of a traditional Prep School model, rather than being at the bottom of an 11+ Senior School environment.

Video created by our Form 8 Pupils marking the end of  their Prep School days

- Summer Term 2023

At St. Edmund's, we firmly believe that a strong foundation in PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) is vital for the holistic development of our students. Our program, tailored around the Jigsaw PSHE framework, is carefully designed to empower students with the necessary tools to make informed decisions, cultivate positive relationships, and foster a strong sense of self-awareness. By engaging in a diverse range of interactive activities and thought-provoking discussions, our students develop resilience, empathy, and critical thinking skills, enabling them to face life's challenges with confidence.

We understand the significance of addressing key topics within PSHE, including mental health, sex and relationships, personal safety, and well-being. To ensure an optimal learning experience, our dedicated team of experienced educators creates a safe and supportive environment, promoting open dialogue and respectful exchanges of ideas. Through this approach, we encourage students to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Our Prep PSHE programme is specifically designed to inspire our students to become confident, responsible, and well-rounded individuals who are equipped to make positive contributions to society. By nurturing their social and emotional well-being, we cultivate a community of young leaders who possess the knowledge and skills to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the modern world.