At Sturminster Newton High School, we believe that every young person thrives when they feel safe, supported and known. Our pastoral care is rooted in the belief that it takes a village to raise a child, and as a school community we take collective responsibility for the wellbeing, development and success of every student.
We are proud of our strong ethos of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience, which underpins every aspect of school life. Pastoral care at SNHS goes beyond responding to challenges—it is about building positive relationships, promoting wellbeing, and ensuring that every student has the support they need to flourish both academically and personally.
As a small school, we pride ourselves on knowing our students as individuals. Every student has access to multiple trusted adults, and any member of staff will take the time to listen, support and act when needed.
Our Tutor System
The tutor system sits at the heart of our pastoral care provision.
Every student is allocated a form tutor who they meet twice each day, forming a consistent and supportive relationship over time. Tutors are the first point of contact for both students and families and play a key role in monitoring wellbeing, attendance, and day-to-day concerns.
Parents and carers are encouraged to contact their child’s tutor with any pastoral concerns. Tutors will carry out an initial assessment and ensure that appropriate support is put in place, working with the wider pastoral team where necessary.
Beyond the tutor, our experienced pastoral leadership team provides additional support:
- Head of Year 7
- Head of Years 8 and 9
- Head of Years 10 and 11
- Head of Sixth Form
- Sixth Form Deputy
This structure ensures that students receive age-appropriate guidance and that support is carefully coordinated as they progress through the school.
We are also supported by dedicated pastoral workers and SEN Support Staff, who play a key role in both pastoral care and safeguarding. However, what truly defines SNHS is that every member of staff is a pastoral adult—students can turn to any trusted adult in the school community for support.
Additional Support and External Partnerships
We recognise that, at times, students may benefit from more specialised support. Alongside our in-school provision, we work closely with a range of external professionals, including trained counsellors and support services.
Little Lives UK
We are proud to work in partnership with Little Lives UK, a charity dedicated to supporting children and young people with their emotional wellbeing.
Little Lives UK provides:
- One-to-one counselling sessions
- Emotional wellbeing support
- A safe and confidential space for students to talk
- Specialist guidance for students experiencing anxiety, bereavement, or other challenges
Through this partnership, students are able to access high-quality, professional support within a familiar and trusted school environment. Referrals can be made through the pastoral team, ensuring that support is timely, appropriate and tailored to individual needs.
Little Lives UK | Children’s Charity
Mental Health Support Team (MHST)
We also work in partnership with the Mental Health Support Team (MHST), who provide early intervention and targeted support for students experiencing mild to moderate mental health challenges.
The MHST works closely with our pastoral team to offer:
- Evidence-based interventions for issues such as anxiety, low mood and emotional wellbeing
- Support for students in developing positive coping strategies
- Guidance for staff and families to better understand and support young people’s mental health
- Group sessions and workshops aimed at promoting resilience and wellbeing
This partnership enables us to provide timely, preventative support, ensuring that students receive the help they need at the earliest possible stage. Referrals are made through the school, allowing us to coordinate care effectively and ensure a joined-up approach to each student’s wellbeing.
Mental Health Support Team (MHST) in Schools – CAMHS Dorset
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