CARE & WELLBEING
Our award-winning pastoral care puts every girl at the centre of their educational journey and the growth in their own personal development. They leave us grounded, rounded and above all happy.
Outstanding pastoral care has always been a feature of Sydenham High School. There are no special wellbeing rooms or buildings, it is intrinsically embedded throughout the school as a whole, firmly rooted into our ethos and the teaching offered by our dedicated staff. We believe in the importance of pupils learning to be respectful of themselves as well as others and encourage each pupil to focus on what makes them unique, treating everyone as an individual and supporting them through their journey.
The wellbeing of all our pupils is a priority and we believe firmly in helping our pupils stay healthy and well, both in mind and body. The triangulation between pupil, school and home is paramount, and we encourage strong and supportive connections.
Inclusive SEN Provision 2025
Embedding EDI in the curriculum
Pastoral Care Champion
Student Wellbeing & Prep School of the Year
Reaching out for support
First point of content: Form Tutor
Other pastoral leads:
Head of Year 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and Sixth Form
Head of Lower School, Head of Upper School
Nurses
Counsellors
The Deputy Head Pastoral has overall responsibility for the welfare of all the pupils in the school, as well as being the designated Senior Lead for Safeguarding and Child Protection.
Pupil Voice
We want our pupils to feel that they are being listened to. Everyone knows whom to approach should they need a listening ear or additional support. In addition, regular round table meetings enable pupils to express their views and present new ideas and initiatives.
Stepping up to Year 7
The programme is designed to scaffold pupils first few weeks of senior school and to acclimatise to new routines, expectations and relationships, promoting confidence and communication skills. Part of this initiative includes the opportunity to simply play at lunchtime. This is supervised by Head of Lower School, Head of Year 7 and is facilitated by the Young Leadership Team in Sixth Form.
Leadership opportunities
There are plenty of opportunities for pupils to take on responsibilities or develop leadership skills, through co-curricular pursuits or through the form group. Our House system also adds an additional layer of opportunity, as well as crucial integration with other year groups and forms, all of which helps prepare pupils for taking on larger roles in the wider life of the school community as they become older.
