In contemporary education, academic achievement is only one aspect of a well-rounded school experience. Equally important is the provision of structured and consistent support for students’ emotional wellbeing. At St. Andrews International School Green Valley, we place great emphasis on pastoral care, ensuring that every student feels supported, safe, and understood throughout their educational journey.

• Pastoral care supports students’ emotional, social, and personal development alongside academic learning. It plays a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive.
  
• International schools often provide more structured, inclusive, and proactive pastoral support than local systems.
• At St. Andrews Green Valley, we offer daily teacher support, PSHE lessons, mindfulness activities, and access to trained pastoral counsellors.
• Our award-winning approach ensures every child receives personalised care, promoting wellbeing and long-term success.

What is the Pastoral Care Meaning?

Pastoral care refers to the systems and practices schools implement to safeguard students’ emotional, social, and personal development. It is designed to foster a nurturing environment where children can flourish not only academically but also as individuals.

At the core of effective pastoral care is the ability to recognise when a student may be facing challenges and to respond promptly and appropriately. A pastoral counsellor or trained staff member plays a crucial role in guiding students through personal difficulties, promoting resilience, and encouraging open dialogue around emotional wellbeing.

Mental Health Tips for Students and Parents

Supporting a child’s emotional health is a collaborative effort between school and home. The following approaches can contribute to a healthier mental state for students:

Creating Healthy Routines

Children respond well to consistency. Maintaining regular routines—such as bedtime, mealtimes, and designated study hours—helps create a sense of stability and security. These structures also support better time management, reduce anxiety, and improve concentration during the school day.

Practicing Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a simple yet effective way for children to manage stress and develop self-awareness. At school, we introduce age-appropriate mindfulness techniques, including breathing exercises and short meditations. Parents can reinforce these practices at home to promote calm and focus.

Open Communication at Home and School

Open communication between children and adults is fundamental to emotional wellbeing. Encouraging students to articulate their thoughts and emotions—whether with parents, teachers, or peers—helps normalise help-seeking behaviour and builds emotional resilience over time.

The Importance of Pastoral Support in Schools

Pastoral support is a fundamental component of a high-quality education. While academic achievement remains a key focus, schools must also ensure that students feel emotionally safe, socially connected, and personally supported. 

A strong pastoral care system contributes directly to improved behaviour, higher engagement, and better learning outcomes. It also plays a critical role in identifying and addressing emotional or mental health challenges before they escalate. 

In today’s complex world, equipping children with emotional resilience and interpersonal skills is as essential as preparing them for exams. This is the reason why mental health support in schools is unnegotiable.

How Does Pastoral in International School Different?

Pastoral care in international schools often takes a more holistic and structured approach compared to local systems. With students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, international schools must provide inclusive, adaptive support tailored to varied emotional and social needs.

We prioritise proactive wellbeing initiatives, embed pastoral care across the curriculum, and invest in specialist staff such as trained pastoral counsellors and mental health first aiders. This contrasts with many local schools, where pastoral responsibilities may be more limited or informal. The international model reflects our commitment to supporting the whole child, beyond academic performance.

Pastoral Care at St. Andrews Green Valley: A Wellbeing Award-Winning Approach

The importance of mental health support in schools is increasingly recognised, particularly in international contexts where students may experience additional pressures such as cultural adjustment, language barriers, or the challenges associated with relocation.

Schools that prioritise pastoral care typically see improvements in student behaviour, engagement, and academic outcomes. In many international settings, including ours, pastoral care is embedded within the school culture—supported by dedicated resources, trained staff, and a commitment to the holistic development of each child.

Designated Class Teachers as First-Line Support

In Primary, the class teacher serves as the first point of contact for pastoral care. With daily opportunities for observation and interaction, they are well-placed to recognise changes in a child’s behaviour or mood. This close relationship allows for timely and appropriate support.

Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)

Our Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) programme addresses a wide range of topics, including mental health, friendships, respect, and personal safety. It is designed to develop social skills, emotional understanding, and informed decision-making across all year groups.

Mindfulness Lessons and “Thankful Thursday”

We incorporate regular mindfulness activities into the school day to help pupils manage their emotions and reduce stress. “Thankful Thursday” is a school-wide initiative that encourages gratitude and reflection—key habits that support long-term emotional wellbeing.

Tutor Time and One-on-One Check-Ins

In Secondary, pastoral care is delivered through daily tutor time. Each student is part of a small tutor group led by a dedicated staff member who monitors their wellbeing and academic progress. One-to-one discussions are held regularly to address individual needs.

Mental Health First Aiders and Counselling Services

We have trained Mental Health First Aiders on staff, who are equipped to provide initial support to students experiencing emotional difficulties. Where necessary, pupils are referred to our professional school counsellors for more specialised care in a confidential setting.

At St. Andrews Green Valley, we believe that academic success is closely linked to emotional wellbeing. Our approach to pastoral care is comprehensive, consistent, and integrated across all areas of school life. From daily teacher interactions to specialist mental health support, we ensure that every student is known, supported, and valued.By fostering a safe, inclusive environment and equipping students with the tools to manage their mental health, we prepare them not only for academic achievement, but for life beyond the classroom. Our commitment to pastoral care reflects our wider educational philosophy: that true learning takes place when children feel secure, confident, and connected.