At Kingsley, wellbeing is not just a priority, it’s a way of life. Grounded in positive psychology principles, we create an environment where kindness, compassion, and strong relationships form the foundation of personal and collective growth.
Strong pastoral care involves all members of the school community: governors, the senior leadership team, all teaching and support staff, students, parents or carers, and visitors. Students who feel known and safe are more likely to fulfil their potential and to participate responsibly in the school community.
The Power of Positive Relationships
We believe that positive relationships are at the heart of wellbeing. Whether between students, staff, or families, genuine connections build trust, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging. Our approach ensures that every individual feels valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Our dedicated staff take an attentive and proactive approach to wellbeing, noticing when a student may need some extra support and acting with care, sensitivity, and discretion. We understand that wellbeing is holistic—emotional, social, and physical health are interconnected. By working together, we create a safe space where students feel comfortable seeking help and growing stronger.
All members of the teaching staff are attached to year teams and there is a dedicated Head of Year for each year group. The school nurse is part of the pastoral team, and she advises students, parents and staff on matters concerning students’ physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. Our open-door policies mean that students can seek guidance and support whenever it is needed.
Our Core Values
Our wellbeing provision reflects the foundation of our school ethos and the core values that are The Kingsley Way:
- We act with kindness – Respect and compassion define how we support one another.
- We aim for excellence – Encouraging ambition, perseverance, and the pursuit of personal growth.
- We create opportunity – Ensuring all voices are heard and that every individual has access to the support they need.
- We build community – Strengthening relationships and fostering a culture of belonging.
These values are embodied in our pastoral year plan which consists of weekly assemblies, tutor time sessions, our positive education programme, study skills and PSHE. Through education, activities and sharing, we develop our ways of being and our ways of doing. This approach helps us to recognise our strengths and use them to make everyone feel valued and an integral part of our community.
Our Approach: SOAR
Our unique Positive Education Programme, based on the acronym SOAR, is designed to help students develop essential life skills and mindset habits for long-term wellbeing:
- Strengths – Recognising and cultivating individual and community strengths.
- Optimism & Outcomes – Encouraging a positive mindset that leads to meaningful success.
- Awareness & Attention – Developing mindfulness, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence.
- Resilience & Relationships – Strengthening our ability to overcome challenges and build supportive connections.
Positive Education Form time sessions are based on SOAR, with time spent on things such as:
- identifying and developing personal strengths
- identifying community strengths such as kindness and gratitude
- developing teamwork and perseverance
- identifying goals and using character strengths to support these goals
- identifying and managing emotions
- help with managing challenges
Through SOAR, we create a nurturing environment where students, staff, and families collaborate, because we believe that wellbeing is a community effort.
Pastoral Care & Support
Our pastoral systems ensure that every student has access to guidance and care throughout their journey at Kingsley.
- Dedicated Pastoral Team – Led by our Deputy Head Wellbeing and Pastoral, alongside Assistant Heads for pastoral and safeguarding support, designated Heads of Year, Form Tutors, support staff, our School Counsellor, our School Nurse, and our therapy dog, Scooby.
- The Student Hub – A welcoming space where students can meet their Heads of Year and seek pastoral support.
- The Reset Room – A quiet retreat for reflection, mindfulness, and personal restoration.
- Student Voice – Student leaders actively shape wellbeing initiatives, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
- Student Leaders – leaders across the year groups contribute to mentoring and buddy systems as well as helping to shape pastoral programmes and initiatives.
At Kingsley, we notice and we act accordingly, whether it’s a big thing or a small thing. By working together, we ensure that wellbeing is a shared responsibility and that every individual is given the tools and support they need to thrive every day.