Pastoral

The latest news, analysis and advice on pastoral support, including pupil mental health and wellbeing, attendance and non-academic development

Yesterday

18th May 2026

The 6 essentials of primary transition planning
The government has suggested that young children’s transition to school must start on Primary Offer Day, but what does this look like in practice? Molly Devlin sets out her trust’s approach
Bird flying from nest

Friday

15th May 2026

The 4 fundamentals that drive great schools, anywhere in the world
Robert Tarn reflects on his time as a trust CEO and now working for an international schools group on what great education looks like, whatever the context
Swimmer on start line

Monday

11th May 2026

Why a major US study on mobile phone bans may please no one
As England presses ahead with plans for a full phone ban in schools, a new report suggests the impacts can be less clear-cut than many would hope for, says Luke Ramsden
No mobile phones sign

Saturday

9th May 2026

How to help students with SEND transition to secondary school
The transition from primary to secondary school can be particularly daunting for pupils with special educational needs, but these steps can help, says Gemma Corby
Typewriter New Chapter

Thursday

7th May 2026

How the PAS approach improves wellbeing and academic growth
A Sendco shares ideas on how to create meaningful action plans for students that prove that interventions to boost wellbeing and academic outcomes aren’t incompatible
Starlings flying in formation

Wednesday

6th May 2026

Why the time has come for a Boys’ Education Commission
From lower attainment outcomes to being targeted by harmful influencers, boys face a raft of challenges that we need to understand, says the chair of a new commission designed to do just that
Why are so many boys struggling in education?

Friday

24th Apr 2026

Why simple everyday rituals hold huge power
The corporate head of wellbeing at GEMS Education outlines how small everyday practices can be the bedrock of a thriving and happy school environment
Children in line
Most teachers ‘don’t know how to support students with EBSA’
With new Tes research highlighting the problem of emotionally based school avoidance, leaders warn that the government’s attendance drive is not tackling the issues keeping children out of the classroom
Most teachers do not feel equipped to meet the needs of students with EBSA.
Exclusive

Thursday

16th Apr 2026

How is Australia’s social media ban playing out in schools?
After Australia introduced a world-first ban on social media for under-16s, Zofia Niemtus speaks to school leaders in the country about the impact of the new law
Sydney Opera house

Monday

13th Apr 2026

Why traditional school mental health support fails in high-need areas
The deputy head of a school in the London Borough of Newham explains how efforts to improve mental health should be aligned with initiatives to address poverty and instability
Mental health in high needs area

Friday

10th Apr 2026

Inclusion: how to give support without stigmatising students
A director of a multi-academy trust explains how it changed its approach to inclusion based on the principle that removing barriers to learning is ‘essential for some and useful for all’
Birds on wires

Thursday

2nd Apr 2026

What war taught me about purpose and education
School is only ever part of how you are formed as an adult, but it can influence that process like no other, explains 97-year-old Alma Williams
School mottoes