Pastoral Care and House System
How we look after our pupils
Royal Russell prides itself on giving bespoke pastoral care to all pupils and on supporting their family ties. We encourage an ethos of respect for oneself as well as for others in a supportive, caring and inclusive community.
Pastoral care begins with an underlying ethos of consideration and kindness and is promoted when our staff work collaboratively for the good of the pupils.
Our ethos supports pupils’ personal, social and emotional development and a culture of encouraging good behaviour and taking on responsibility. pupils then develop self-confidence, learn to keep things in perspective and grow to be resilient.
All pupils are members of a House and these are run by an experienced and sympathetic Housemaster or mistress, and a Deputy, alongside a Tutor team. All Houses have prefects - senior pupils whose role is primarily pastoral - there is an onsite Medical Centre to deal with any health problems and a School Counsellor to whom pupils may turn if they wish. At the heart of the school is the Chapel which provides the moral and spiritual cradle for the whole community, regardless of religious affiliation.
Our Tutoring System also plays an integral part in the day to day life of staff and pupils. In addition to being members of a House, all pupils have a Tutor who is responsible for their academic and social well-being. We pride ourselves on how our staff set out to develop firm, meaningful, nurturing relationships, which enhance pupil’s progress in all areas.
Each pupil is an individual, as well as part of a House. Each needs an individual approach, which can only be developed through open channels of communication and time spent getting to know one another. Within the regular email and telephone conversation between school and home and the informal chats at school events, we aim to establish warm friendly relationships with parents. This often helps us to understand their child and certainly helps us to deal more effectively with difficulties should they arise.
Our recent Independent School Inspectorate (ISI) inspection reported ‘At all ages, students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is excellent, they are self-aware, confident, tolerant and respectful. Relationships throughout the school are excellent.’
What our Inspection Report says:
The highly effective house system is at the heart of providing strong support for the pupils’ academic and personal development. Pupils are proud of their houses and support them in a wide range of activities and competitions. Pupils are clear that they can easily approach a member of staff or an older pupil if they have a problem.
What our Parents say:
The most important reason for choosing Royal Russell was the House system that provides excellent pastoral care. The social skills fostered at Royal Russell are equally as important a the academic achievement.
Parental Survey, Year 10 Parent.
I am very satisfied with the standard of service and education provided to both my daughters. Both daughters were forecast by their former school to under achieve academically in the long term. However, Royal Russell took them and turned their academic careers around. We owe the school a huge debt of gratitude for this success.
Parental Survey, Year 12 Parent.
All 3 children have thoroughly enjoyed their years at Royal Russell and have achieved their full academic potential and benefitted from very caring and supportive staff who have enabled them to become confident and well rounded young people. As parents we have been extremely pleased with our choice of school for our children in all aspects and would (and do) recommend it very highly.
Parental Survey, Year 13 Parent.