Pastoral Care

NURTURING WELLBEING, BUILDING RESILIENCE

Pastoral Care

We believe education is about more than academic success—it’s about developing confident, compassionate, and resilient young people. Our pastoral provision ensures every pupil feels purposeful, valued, and connected within our community.

Our Ethos & Approach

We empower pupils to take ownership of their growth while guiding them with compassion. By fostering independence and resilience and working in close partnership with parents, we create a collaborative environment where pupils feel supported, valued, and ready to meet challenges with confidence.

We encourage pupils to develop a strong sense of self and an awareness of what they need to thrive. By empowering them to make informed decisions, we help them build resilience and self-confidence that lasts a lifetime.

Our Pastoral Structure

Every pupil is known, supported and encouraged as an individual. Each form group is cared for by two dedicated tutors, with each tutor responsible for supporting 12–13 pupils. In Sixth Form each form group is cared for by one dedicated tutor overseeing the support for 12–13 pupils. This enables close monitoring, personalised guidance and strong, trusting relationships. 

Tutors are a consistent presence through a pupil’s journey—celebrating successes, guiding them through challenges, and ensuring they feel secure and supported. Experienced, compassionate and pupil-centred, they act as the vital link between pupils, teachers, the wider school community and home, with all key communication flowing through them. 

Pastoral care is further strengthened by a Head of Year who oversees the wellbeing and progress of the entire year group. They are supported by the Head of Sixth Form. Together, these layers ensure every pupil benefits from a cohesive, attentive and expertly guided pastoral system. 

Additional Support

Our individual care is also supported by a wider network of specialist staff. This includes our Futures advice team, Learning Support department, a team of four qualified nurses and our BACP-accredited school counsellors. In addition, some of our teachers hold further training in mentoring and solution-focussed approaches, providing pupils with an even richer level of guidance and wellbeing support.

I have always felt myself to be part of a strong community here at Perse, characterised by inclusivity and kindness. This is a great backdrop for aiming high and being yourself.

Ted, Sixth Form student

Supporting with the Transition

Transition is a carefully planned, pupil-centred process designed to make change as smooth and positive as possible. We understand that moving to a new environment involves adapting to new routines, relationships, and opportunities, and that this can feel daunting for both children and parents. Our experienced pastoral team works proactively to build strong, nurturing connections with pupils and families from the outset, offering clear structure, regular check-ins, and safe spaces for open communication. Through tutor-led activities, PSHE lessons, assemblies, and access to specialist support where required—including counsellors, learning support, wellbeing staff, and medical care—we ensure every child feels supported academically and personally. Our House system further fosters belonging and peer networks, helping pupils settle confidently and thrive. Transition is a normal and exciting part of growing up, and we are committed to making it a positive experience for every child. 

Feeding a Happy & Healthy Body

The teenage years are a time of continued growth. Our in-house caterers Lodestone House, provide high quality, healthy food options using the best fresh British produce including free range eggs, fruit, vegetables and meat from local farmers, producers and artisan food suppliers .

The daily menu includes three main course options (including a vegetarian and a vegan option), as well as a selection of side dishes, pasta and sauce, hot and cold desserts and fresh fruit. The Perse has Allergy Team Trust mark status.

Please talk to our admissions team if your child has specific dietary needs so that our team can work with you to manage their needs safely.

The pop up tuck shop and Performing Arts Centre café is available daily enabling pupils to purchase breakfast, morning snack and a sandwich/snack at the end of the day ahead of after school activities.

Anti-Bullying Ambassadors

Over 40 students across the Upper School serve as anti-bullying ambassadors. They promote our positive, kind and caring Perse culture, through workshops and events with staff and our student council.

Supporting Parents & Carers

Our pastoral team work together with our Perse Parents’ Association (PPA) to arrange regular talks which cover a wide range of relevant topics including drugs, relationships and online safety.

Sixth Form Staff

In additional to our Upper School pastoral team, our Sixth Form has a dedicated Head of Sixth Form, as well as Heads of Year for the Lower and Upper Sixth. As well as your tutor, you can pop in for a chat with the dedicated Sixth Form staff if you need help or advice.

If you need advice about applying to university or are unsure about the next steps to take, you can speak to our university admissions team or in-school careers advisor.

Here are more details about our Upper School pastoral team.