Pastoral care
The single most important aspect of any school is its pastoral care provision. Whilst many schools will promote their academic excellence as front and centre, it's actually pastoral care – the wellbeing and happiness of pupils – which matters most.
For parents, it is hard to quantitatively assess pastoral care as you cannot see a set of results data, unlike exams, or scan through a list of recent sporting successes, when evaluating extracurricular provision. But what you can do is examine the school's commitment to pastoral care and evaluate how this is embedded – both in the school's ethos and its day-to-day activities.
When you visit a school, if you like the staff you meet, are impressed by the pupils and their attitude and character, and feel that it's a supportive and inclusive community, you are witnessing first-hand the results of its pastoral care provision. Pastoral care really consists of two aspects, which are intertwined and mutually...
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This is a terrific resource for parents navigating the ever-evolving world of independent education. It offers both wisdom and practical advice in a conversational yet evidence-based tone, helping families find the right fit for their child's educational journey. Matthew's deep understanding of the sector shines through, making this guide an accessible and useful reference for anyone interested in learning more about independent schooling.
Continue reading?
or also have the 106-page print edition posted directly to you.
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£9.99 (12 months access)
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Matthew's new and approachable parent guide to choosing a school is spot on. Naturally, the first thing I looked at was his commentary about Heads. Sage, sensible and savvy advice abounds, as does the caveats and cautions about over glossy marketing spin that school's pump out. The book is really well written, entirely from the perspective of supporting parents. It's also a gentle swipe at some of the nonsense schools promote and how to look past it. Parents, also take heed – there are really good pointers about how to be a great parent in your relationship with the school. Unglossed, direct and delivered with humour, Matthew's book helps make things easier for everyone, and in that way, your child has a better chance of being happy and thriving. Remember, it's a two-way relationship, you're not buying a washing machine.