Pastoral

Senior School

This aspect of Ipswich School is immensely important and the welfare of each boy and girl matters greatly to us. Academic success has to be underpinned by attention to the ‘whole person’ and we are strongly committed to this approach.

“The pupils’ personal development is excellent, supported by an extremely effective and well-organised pastoral care system.  Pupils show high levels of confidence, are thoroughly articulate, and demonstrate very strong moral and cultural awareness.”  Independent Schools Inspectorate 2014

Until they are 13, pupils are looked after by their form tutors, heads of year and the Head of Lower School. Considerable emphasis is placed on helping newcomers to settle in; they visit the school for two sessions before their first term and the Life Skills programme helps them to grow in confidence and develop important social and study skills.

Pupils in the Middle School and Sixth Form are placed in houses and in year-based tutor groups within their house. Tutors, housemasters and housemistresses are responsible for their general welfare, for encouraging their personal development and for monitoring their academic progress. The move from Year 8 to Year 9 marks an important stage of ‘growing up’ and the different pastoral and academic groups in the Middle School help pupils who join us in Year 9 to integrate quickly, both socially and in the classroom.

Mrs Audrey Cura, our Deputy Head (Pastoral) has the overview of all our pastoral care, assisted by senior members of the teaching staff who also have important pastoral roles, particularly, Ben Cliff, Head of Sixth Form; Andrew Bradshaw, Head of Middle School; and Anna Caston, Head of Lower School.

Confidential help is available from Matron, from the School Counsellor and from the Chaplain, who has an important role in pastoral care; pupils of any faith or none may turn to her for advice and counselling. Many parents and pupils will testify to the help they have received from these and other members of staff during difficult or challenging times.

Miss Woodmansey, our Wellbeing Coordinator has put together a list of wellbeing and mental health support links that may be able to help young people, parents and families with any concerns.