Pastoral Care
There is something truly special about the pastoral care at Kew House School. At the heart of our approach is the Personal Tutor system, designed to ensure that every pupil feels known, valued and supported throughout their time with us.
Every pupil belongs to a Personal Tutor group that meets in the middle of each school day. These vertically structured groups bring together pupils from every year group, creating a unique community where younger and older students learn from and support one another. Guided by their Personal Tutor, pupils spend this time taking part in a variety of activities, from quizzes and team challenges to mentoring and discussion. It is a relaxed, sociable and enjoyable part of the day that helps build strong relationships across the school.
One of the greatest benefits of this system is the ease with which new pupils settle into school life. Within just a few weeks of joining Kew House, pupils have often formed friendships across all year groups, including the Sixth Form. With older pupils acting as role models and mentors, there is always a friendly face in the corridor, someone to offer advice, and a reassuring sense of belonging.
We believe that our vertical tutor structure plays a vital role in supporting the transition to secondary school. As a close-knit and compassionate community, we pride ourselves on creating an environment where pupils feel safe, confident and cared for. Any anxieties about starting a new school are quickly eased through the support of both peers and staff.
Kew House School Values
- respect
- compassion
- tolerance
- community
- responsibility
These values are fundamental to everyday life for staff and pupils at Kew House School. We remind our pupils of them regularly in assemblies, lessons and especially during their Personal Tutor time.
Our older pupils take great pride in helping younger members of the school community. Sixth Form students are actively involved in mentoring programmes, leadership opportunities and School Council activities, helping to foster a culture of kindness, responsibility and mutual respect. As a result, pupils benefit from a strong network of support that extends far beyond the classroom.
The Personal Tutor system is also central to our family-centered approach to education. In a busy secondary school environment, where pupils are taught by many different subject teachers, the Personal Tutor provides a consistent point of contact and guidance. Wherever possible, tutors remain with pupils for much of their Kew House journey, developing a deep understanding of their strengths, aspirations and wellbeing.
Open Door Policy
We also value the importance of strong partnerships with parents. Our open-door approach encourages regular communication between home and school, and we hope that parents will build a lasting relationship with their child’s Personal Tutor. Together, we work to ensure that every pupil is supported, challenged and encouraged to thrive.
When pupils are asked what they value most about Kew House School, the Personal Tutor system is consistently one of the first things they mention—a reflection of the warmth, friendship and sense of belonging that define our community.
Our unique collaborative approach, where parents, staff and pupils work together, has the child at its heart. Our smaller class sizes and pastoral care system means every child is known to us individually.
The pastoral care at the school and knowing that my daughter has a dedicated tutor and head of year, who is supported by other staff is one of the many reasons I have sent my son to the school. Year 7 parent.