What the Good Schools Guide Says About Teddies

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ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD

Pastoral care, inclusivity and discipline Wellbeing a key focus. Mr Chirnside has already invested in a new head of wellbeing; ‘the depth wasn’t there, they’ve acknowledged that they need the resources,’ parents say. ‘We’ve been so impressed with the HM, the matron, the pastoral care,’ says one family; ‘school is talking more about roundedness,’ says another; ‘they were really helpful when he was heartbroken for the first time.’ New wellbeing curriculum supported by housemasters and housemistresses (HMs) and tutors, ensuring plenty of space for those difficult conversations. ‘A culture of acceptance,’ we hear, ‘relationships between pupils are natural and inclusive.’

A positive place. School gets ‘balance between elite and fun,’ parents tell us. Lots of praise for effort from cheerful staff: ‘He gets these emails saying, ‘great job’ – wow, he never got those at his old school’; ‘my son’s brainy but a bit anxious – he is flying being near the top of the pack,’ says another. Discipline a hot topic. Warden has arrived with high expectations and ‘totemic’ (his word) new policies. Clampdown on mobile phones (‘parents really like new rules, children really don’t,’ he says, comfortable that views

A culture of acceptance... relationships between pupils are natural and inclusive.