Pastoral Care

Pennthorpe is a warm and friendly environment where every child is respected and staff understand their pastoral role is a key priority. Highs and lows are shared and every pupil has a variety of places to turn to celebrate successes or seek support and guidance

In times of crisis, children can always find a friendly face to help out and every pupil in the Middle and Senior schools receives regular tutorials from their Form and Assistant Tutors. Staff are also frequently appointed to act as mentors through difficult periods or to help underachieving children to seek their potential. An additional safety net is our House system in which the combining of different year groups and the close involvement of three House Leaders ensure that every child has a choice of familiar and trusted faces to help them through any problems.

Pennthorpe also values the role played by the pupils themselves in supporting each other. The "Tissues and Issues" box is often used by pupils who want to share their problems in confidence and Year 8 pupils write a regular agony aunt column in the school newspaper. The school's citizenship awards allow community spirit to be recognised and for pupils to nominate those who have made a difference to their lives. These are often prized above all other rewards. The school's council also gives pupil's a voice and ensures they play an active role in the shaping of their community.

A Pennthorpe pupil is always encouraged to treasure their community and realise that putting others first helps build a better school for everyone.