Pastoral Support

Every student who enters Soar Valley is assigned to a year group under the overall control and guidance of a Head of Year.  The day to day welfare (or pastoral care) system of the college is based around the Form Tutor and the Associate Head of Year.  The Form Tutor, who usually moves through the college with their forms, takes responsibility for the well-being and progress of the students in their form.  They check their attendance and punctuality, their appearance, their attitude to work and their behaviour.  They advise students who have problems, offer them support and, where necessary, consult parents. 

In this important pastoral role the Form Tutor works closely with all their colleagues. They are supported by the Head of Year, the Associate Head of Year, Assistant Principals, Vice Principals and the Principal.  Our care guidance and support system was described as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in our most recent report.

If parents are in any way concerned about their child's well-being or progress, they are urged to get in touch with the college promptly.  In most cases the Form Tutor, the Head of Year and the Associate Head of Year can help as they usually know the students best but other staff are always willing to see parents to discuss their concerns.  Parents are, however, asked to make appointments whenever possible as teachers will have many prior commitments and cannot always make themselves available if parents visit the college without notice.

Each year group has a weekly assembly in the Main Hall, with Form Tutors and the Head of Year and the Associate Head of Year present.  Others, including outside speakers, are invited to take assemblies during the course of the year.