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Pastoral care
We recognise that girls will be fulfilled and thrive academically when they are happy in all aspects of their life. We are proud of our strong system of pastoral care at Headington and believe it is key to the success of all students in the School.
Our pastoral structure of Form Tutor, Head of Year, Head of Section and Deputy Head, Pastoral ensures that there are at least three members of staff who have a particular concern for each girl. As with all staff at Headington, the Headmistress operates an ‘open door’ policy, so girls also have the chance to talk to her in confidence if they wish.
Our pastoral staff look at the progress of students in the broadest sense, ensuring that any problems that arise can be dealt with quickly and efficiently. The girls know all these members of staff well and can and do ask their advice about anything that troubles them.
Girls in the Lower and Middle Schools meet their Form Tutor twice a day and Sixth Formers have one-to-one tutor meetings several times a week. Headington girls also support each other – all are members of school houses and regular meetings are held each term, furthering the sense of involvement and belonging.
Those joining the school for the first time need not feel overwhelmed or lost. At whatever stage they join the School, they will be guided and supported by Sixth Form ‘big sisters’ and staff mentors who help them settle in quickly. Girls joining in the Sixth Form are paired with a ‘buddy’ from their own year group who knows the School and can help them find their feet.
When the need arises, additional support for students’ well- being is available 24 hours a day from fully trained nurses in our Health Centre. We also have a professional counsellor who visits the school regularly and a school Chaplain who both provide support for the girls. For boarders, house staff provide a critical link between school and the home environment of the house. Parents of all girls can contact the pastoral team at any time by email or through pre-arranged meetings.
