Pastoral Care
Our ethos
As a small school of approximately 120 students, students and staff have the opportunity to get to know each other really well and visitors often remark on the special atmosphere they encounter at Padworth and the relaxed and informal relationships they witness between staff and students.
Each student is treated as an individual and their motivation and well-being is the top priority for both academic and house staff who are always ready to offer advice and support.
"The ways the students are taught and the range of extra-curricular activities offered, provide opportunities for good spiritual, social and cultural development", Ofsted Inspection Report, March 2007
Padworth places great importance on caring for our students and supporting them in all aspects of their lives at school. Our aim is to create a happy and secure environment with an atmosphere which is relaxed and yet purposeful where the needs of the individual are recognised and respected. Padworth is distinctive in a number of respects. There is no uniform, all members of the school community are known by their first names and rules are kept to the necessary minimum for a residential community. Students come to Padworth from the UK and all over the world and there is a strong expectation that they are here both to achieve their academic potential and to develop into confident, responsible and independent young adults by the time they move on to University.
Student welfare
Ultimate responsibility for the welfare of students rests with the Principal who lives on site during the week in term time. Day to day pastoral care is provided by our team of resident House staff whose role is to guide, support, encourage and advise students on any issues that may arise. House staff also organise activities in the evenings and at weekends for students to make the most of school life.
All students at Padworth whose parents are not resident in the UK, must have a guardian in the UK - we can supply a list of Guardianship Agencies upon request.
Communications with parents
We believe that a successful education is based on a trusting partnership between teachers, parents and students. Termly reports are sent to parents to review progress and the Principal, academic and house staff are always happy to discuss any concerns. An annual Parent Evening is held which provides an excellent opportunity to talk to the subject teachers and senior staff.
Tutor Groups
Every student is a member of a small tutor group, typically 10 students, which meets once a week. The tutor plays an essential role in providing students with a regular opportunity to raise and discuss any issues and to ensure that each student is happy and focused.
Healthcare
The medical needs of students are catered for by the College Nurse who is in attendance in the Health Centre located on the campus four mornings per week. All boarders are registered with the School Doctor who is available to see students at the local surgery or at the College. The College Nurse will make appointments for students and accompany them where appropriate. The Nurse plays an important role in the delivery of the Personal, Social and Health Education programme. The College has an Independent Listener who is available to counsel any student who feels that they need to talk to an impartial advisor.
Student Council
The students have their own representative body, the Student Council, which is elected by the student community at the beginning of the academic year and which provides a forum for all students to have their say on any aspect of school life. The Council meets regularly with the Principal to promote the views of the students. The Council also organises a number of social events for students including a very well attended Hallowe'en disco.
In addition, a number of students are appointed to special positions as Head Boy, Head Girl and a number of College Leaders. The aim of these roles is to offer leadership opportunities for students within the College and to create an additional channel of communication for the staff and student community.
"I love interacting with people and at Padworth, I ran for the Student Council and was elected - I tried my best to address any problems students may face and voice their concerns", Xiao Qian, former Padworth student.
Catering
Padworth is fortunate to have a dedicated team of chefs who provide a very wide range of food representing the best of international and British cuisine. A choice from a hot menu including vegetarian options, a varied salad bar and filled baguettes means that all tastes are catered for. All dietary requirements can be met and the self-service dining rooms afford the students a considerable degree of control over their diets.
There are also kitchen facilities in the boarding houses for the students to make their own drinks and snacks in the evenings and at weekends.