At The Elms, exceptional pastoral care is at the forefront of all that we do. Our school is a really warm and friendly family environment that nurtures and cares for our children to give them the best chance of flourishing both here and beyond. Of course we want them to achieve and succeed in the classroom and in other pursuits, but we also want them to be good people and citizens who leave us full of confidence and a thirst for life.

The size of the school and the boarding ethos mean that all staff know the children and each other very well. Everyone takes an interest and responsibility and all children get the focus and attention they deserve. One of the many things on which we pride ourselves is the relationship between everybody in our school family. We all engage with the care of the children, whether they are officially responsible or not – indeed many ancillary staff have offered an open ear or a shoulder to cry on throughout the years, from those running the farm to the kitchen staff, cleaners, receptionists and grounds team!

All children have a form teacher who takes the lead on the day-to-day pastoral side and this is overseen by the Deputy Head (Pastoral). Full boarders have a boarding tutor who acts in a parental role and as their first port of call with any queries or worries, or as someone they can tell about their performance on the stage, their full marks in a Latin test or their hat-trick in the hockey match!

Mr Lee Card, Deputy Head Pastoral