At Bancroft’s Senior School, pastoral care is the foundation of school life.
Our systems are designed so that every pupil is known, supported and cared for, academically, socially and emotionally, throughout their time at the school.
“Leaders make sure that the pastoral needs of pupils are met.”
Independent Schools Inspectorate Inspection Report, February 2025
Our pastoral care has been recognised by School House Magazine for its quality and depth.
It’s an acknowledgement of the genuine care that shapes daily life at Bancroft’s, an ethos woven into the fabric of the school.
Pastoral care at Bancroft’s is structured, proactive and personal. In practice, this means:
Pastoral and safeguarding concerns are logged and monitored through CPOMS so that appropriate staff can act quickly, consistently and proportionately.
Bancroft’s pastoral system is a tremendous strength of the School. It underpins all that we do, enabling pupils to flourish and make the most of their opportunities. We endeavour to foster a friendly, supportive and caring environment in which each pupil is cherished and nurtured and their individual needs addressed. We aim to make our pastoral care proactive with a focus on wellbeing and the individual.
The House system lies at the heart of our pastoral care with tutors and house staff being key points of contact for pupils and parents throughout their time at School. On a daily basis, the tutor is the first port of call, fostering the academic, co-curricular and pastoral welfare of each pupil and our Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) programme is delivered in house groups. The house staff are supported in their role by the Deputy Head, Pastoral, who is also the Designated Lead for Safeguarding and Child Protection matters.
We recognise that adolescence can be a turbulent time and sometimes a pupil may experience difficulties which require specialist and professional help. Counselling is available in School for those who feel they need it and we will always source help from outside if necessary.
The senior house staff oversee all house activities and junior house staff have specific responsibility for Thirds to Lower Fourths (Years 7-9); together they lead weekly house assemblies during which teachers and pupils share thoughts, celebrate achievements and perform. Sport, drama, music and spoken English competitions between the four Houses promote a friendly rivalry. Each House celebrates its own identity with events such as their family evenings which help bond parents, pupils and staff.
Throughout the school year we run several pastoral evenings to which all parents are invited. The format of such evenings may vary to include talks, workshops and discussion groups. Subjects covered have included: academic pressures; digital technology and teens; striking the balance between the academic and the co-curricular; mental wellbeing.
Hear James and Liz discuss the Pastoral System at Bancroft’s in this podcast episode.
At Bancroft’s, the happiness and wellbeing of our pupils always come first.
Education should be academically enriching, but it must also be fulfilling in every sense.
Every child is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to learning. Our teachers are more than educators, they’re mentors, supporting each pupil’s journey.
When I first walked under the tower, it wasn’t just the architecture that struck me, it was the warmth of the community that made me choose Bancroft’s.
