From the very first day in First Form, pupils are welcomed into a school culture where they are known, cared for and celebrated for who they are. 'Be You.'
Known, supported, and able to thrive
Pastoral care in the Lower School is a whole-school philosophy grounded in the importance kindness, consistency and community. Every child belongs to a small class and spends time with their form groups and Form Tutor every day. These relationships create a sense of belonging and continuity.
Working alongside each Form Tutor is the Head of Year, who begins with the year group in First Form and continues to guide and support them throughout their journey up the school. This consistency provides stability, trust and strong relationships, ensuring that each student is truly known and understood as they grow.
A Whole-School Approach to Wellbeing
Our pastoral care is proactive and wide-ranging. A key part of this is our PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) programme, which equips students with the practical tools they need to navigate life’s challenges, from online safety and mental health to financial literacy, nutrition and relationships.
Life Skills Days, guest speakers, and themed workshops further support this journey, giving students time and space to reflect on what it means to be healthy, happy and resilient.
We also provide ongoing support through the TeenTips Wellbeing Hub, a trusted platform accessible to students and parents, offering expert advice on sleep, stress, friendship issues, digital wellbeing and even preparation for university life. This complements the daily work of our Form Tutors, pastoral staff and Wellbeing Team, who are always on hand to listen, advise and care.
A Culture of Kindness and Inclusion
At RGS, we promote a culture of kindness. One of the standout events in the school calendar is our Kindness Festival, which includes:
- Writing Kindness Cards to share uplifting messages among peers and staff
- Celebrating Unsung Heroes - students and staff who make a quiet difference
- Events promoting the values of tolerance, empathy and mutual respect
We also embrace and celebrate our diversity through events like Cultural Awareness Week, led by our Sixth Form Leadership Committee, and the Cultural Identity Museum, an inspiring project created by First Form students to share their personal stories and heritage.
A Dedicated Space for Support
The heart of our pastoral provision is the Wellbeing Centre, home to the school counsellor, chaplain, Learning Support team and our pastoral leads. Within it, the Snug offers a calm space where students can take a break and reset when needed. Whether it is for a quiet moment or a deeper conversation, our students know support is always available.
Mindfulness and Coaching
We also believe in teaching students the tools to support themselves. Mindfulness and coaching are part of the curriculum, helping students develop self-awareness, confidence, and emotional resilience, skills they will carry with them well beyond the classroom.
From a Second Form buddy and Sixth Form mentor to open-door conversations and big-picture thinking, our pastoral care is thoughtful and well-structured.
The result? A warm, inclusive, and respectful culture where kindness is second nature and every child has someone to turn to.
Older pupils contribute in many ways to the lives of younger pupils — as social and academic mentors, leading music ensembles, art and technical clubs, and sports activities.
— ISI Inspection Report