Pastoral care, the well-being of every boy and girl, is the most important aspect of any school. A child who feels supported, confident, secure and happy is much more likely to thrive than one who does not. Warminster School prides itself on the strength, warmth, consistency and thoroughness of its pastoral care.

Here at the School the pastoral care is based primarily upon a tutor and House system. Every pupil, whether day or boarding, is in a small House tutor group. Their relationship is vital and the keystone of effective tutoring; the tutor really gets to know the pupil and champions his or her cause when needed. The word ‘pastoral’ is derived from the Latin word for ‘shepherd’ and that sums it up perfectly. The tutor also acts as the first point of contact for parents.

A pupil’s House membership is constant throughout their entire career at Warminster, underpinning activities whether it be internally through regular tutor and house meetings or via inter-house opportunities during our popular life skills programme, sports competitions and community action events.  Led by both a Head of House and Deputy member of staff, the Houses provide all important support, leadership and mentoring opportunities for pupils as they progress through the School. 

In addition, boarders have a housemaster or housemistress, along with at least one Assistant HM and a matron. All of these people play an important role in the provision of pastoral care, as does the Head of Boarding, the School Counsellor and the School Nurse.

The work of tutors is managed and overseen by Heads of Houses and Head of Sixth Form. Overall responsibility for pastoral care lies with the Deputy Head, who reports directly to the Headmaster.

However, one further, important and carefully nurtured aspect of the School’s pastoral care is that the pupils support and look after one another and take responsibility for playing their part and contributing to the School community. 

Pastoral well-being is the passport for success in all aspects of school life. Pupils at Warminster School should not only be well cared for but should flourish. Lying at the foundation of any outstanding institution is empathy; the fabric that links and binds people together by helping to build healthy relationships.

Matt Williams, Headmaster

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