Pastoral

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

Tuesday

20th May 2025

School engagement plummets in Year 7, research finds
Separate studies warn that students’ enjoyment of lessons drops, and stress levels rise, after moving to secondary school
Pupil enjoyment and engagement bored stressed

Saturday

17th May 2025

Why schools should be worried about exam TikTok
When Amy Forrester discovered her GCSE students were turning to unreliable online videos for help with their revision, she set out to understand more
Reading tea leaves GCSE predictions

Friday

16th May 2025

DfE sets out mental health, behaviour and attendance plans
Expansion of mental health support in schools announced alongside the launch of 90 attendance and behaviour hubs
Mental health hand on shoulder

Wednesday

14th May 2025

4 in 5 teachers warn government will miss ‘school-ready’ target
A lack of affordable childcare is contributing to the problem of children starting Reception without being ready for school, a poll suggests
Mother tying child's shoes School Ready

Thursday

8th May 2025

How English literature can counteract the ‘manosphere’
Few boys are opting to take English at A level, missing out on developing important empathy and communication skills, writes Andrew Copeman
Hand holding skull English Literature

Saturday

3rd May 2025

Why we must hold on to the ‘magic’ of the early years
In the push to see more children reach a good level of development, we can’t forget the intangible benefits of patience, persistence and empathy in EYFS, writes Julian Grenier
Why we must hold on to the ‘magic’ of the early years

Sunday

27th Apr 2025

How well do you understand the dangers of nicotine pouches?
With a ban on single-use vapes coming into force, pouches are a new source of nicotine favoured by young people – so what do teachers need to know about the risks they pose?
Nicotine pouche with question mark

Saturday

26th Apr 2025

What does research say about how students acquire soft skills?
It’s a familiar debate: can those non-academic life competencies actually be taught? A new study has re-examined the evidence, writes Christian Bokhove
People making cogs work

Saturday

19th Apr 2025

1 in 4 female teachers verbally abused several times a week
School staff concerns about misogyny and the influence of Andrew Tate laid bare in research that reveals how female teachers have been ‘barked at’ and intimidated by male students
Andrew Tate with boys classroom

Friday

18th Apr 2025

S6 is a hard sell for Scottish schools - so what can they do?
Even if students have already achieved the grades they need for university, the final year of secondary school in Scotland can still be hugely rewarding, explains Alan Gillespie
Carrot on string

Wednesday

16th Apr 2025

5 ways to counter body image issues in early years
After noticing a rise in young children commenting on their appearance, this early years teacher took steps to address this worrying trend
Wicked queen as witch with cake

Thursday

10th Apr 2025

How peer-led approaches can help schools address misogyny
Empowering students can break down harmful stereotypes and create safer, more inclusive environments, says Scottish headteacher John Naples-Campbell
Illustration of a woman being walked over by men's shoes