Lower School

Each week, form tutors lead dedicated personal development sessions during morning registration, complemented by a fortnightly timetabled Personal Development (PD) lesson. These sessions cover a wide range of themes including SMSC, emotional well-being, relationships, safety, and citizenship. Lower school students also attend weekly assemblies that explore topics linked to our core values, current affairs, and the transition to secondary school.

To enrich our provision, we invite guest speakers to deliver workshops on key safety and well-being topics, such as road safety. We also celebrate student achievements every half term through achievement assemblies, fostering a culture of recognition and pride.

Our transition programme ensures that new students feel supported from the outset. Year 7 students benefit from an information evening, pastoral sessions, and enrichment activities such as the Jack Petchey “Talk the Talk” workshop. Form tutors play a vital role in building strong relationships, acting as a trusted adult for their students.

In Year 8, students begin exploring their GCSE options. We support this process through subject-specific assemblies, one-to-one guidance with senior staff, and tutor-led discussions. Furthermore, all Year 8 students participate in the First Give Charity programme, encouraging empathy and social responsibility.

Our pastoral team - including Heads of Year and Pastoral Support Workers - provides targeted mentoring and group work to help students navigate challenges such as friendship issues, bullying, and conflict resolution. We promote calm and respectful communication and help students reflect on their behaviour to make positive choices.

We are proud of our inclusive approach. SEN and Pupil Premium students receive tailored support to access all aspects of personal development, including differentiated resources, additional mentoring, and collaboration with our SENDCO and inclusion team to ensure interventions are personalised and impactful.

Through this holistic and inclusive provision, we ensure every student is supported to thrive - academically, socially, and emotionally.

Upper School

Each tutor leads a personal development session every Tuesday morning during registration. In addition to this, students have a timetabled Personal Development (PD) lesson once every fortnight. Upper school students also attend weekly assemblies that address a range of themes linked to personal development, such as online safety, the school’s core values, anti-bullying, and more. Assemblies and form time are also used to explore current affairs, often in response to significant national or global events.

We celebrate student successes every half term through achievement assemblies, helping students understand the value of recognising and celebrating their peers' accomplishments.

In Year 10, students benefit from a week of work experience with an external company during the spring term. Form tutors support students during registration by helping them secure placements and preparing them for professional conduct in the workplace.

In Year 11, all students receive a 1:1 careers meeting to discuss post-16 options and educational pathways. Form time activities further support this transition, including CV writing, mock interviews, and completing sixth form applications.

Our Heads of Year and Pastoral Support Workers provide targeted mentoring and group work to help students navigate challenges such as friendship issues, bullying, conflict resolution, and behaviour management.

We are committed to ensuring that SEN and Pupil Premium students receive tailored support to access all aspects of personal development. This includes:

  • Differentiated resources and approaches during PD lessons and assemblies.
  • Additional mentoring and check-ins with pastoral staff.
  • Support with work experience placements, including liaising with employers to ensure accessibility and appropriate adjustments.
  • Enhanced careers guidance, including supported CV writing and interview preparation.
  • Collaboration with the SENCO and inclusion team to ensure all interventions are personalised and impactful.

Our inclusive approach ensures that every student, regardless of background or need, is supported to thrive both academically and personally.

The Reset Room

We have recently established the Reset Room, a central and inclusive space within the school, led by our Pastoral Support Worker team. This provision is designed to support the personal development of all students.

  1. Developing Pupils’ Character
  • The Reset Room fosters key character traits such as resilience, self-regulation, and empathy. Students are encouraged to reflect on their behaviour before it escalates, helping them to develop emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills. This proactive approach nurtures a sense of responsibility and self-awareness, which are essential for long-term personal growth.

  1. Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing
  • By offering a calm and predictable environment, the Reset Room acts as a safe space for students experiencing emotional distress or sensory overload. For SEN students, this consistency is vital in managing anxiety and promoting a sense of security. The presence of trusted adults throughout the day ensures that students feel supported and listened to, contributing positively to their mental health and wellbeing.

  1. Promoting Readiness for Learning
  • During morning registration, students can access the Reset Room to ensure their basic needs are met—such as having breakfast, correct uniform, and necessary equipment. This routine removes barriers to learning and promotes personal responsibility, helping students start the day positively and with a sense of purpose.

  1. Encouraging Positive Behaviour and Attitudes
  • The Reset Room plays a key role in promoting positive behaviour through restorative practices and mentoring. Students learn to manage their emotions constructively and understand the impact of their actions. This contributes to a positive school culture where pupils feel safe, respected, and motivated to succeed.

  1. Providing Opportunities for Personal Development
  • Throughout the day, students engage in targeted interventions, including mentoring, emotional coaching, and social skills development. These sessions are tailored to individual needs and help students build confidence, improve communication, and develop coping strategies. For disadvantaged students, this personalised support is crucial in closing gaps and fostering aspirational attitudes.

  1. Promoting Inclusivity and Equality
  • The Reset Room is an inclusive space that reflects our commitment to equality of opportunity. It ensures that all students—regardless of background or need—have access to support that enables them to thrive.