At Wells Cathedral School, Pastoral Care Isn’t an Add-On — It’s the Core of Who We Are
At Wells, pastoral care isn’t bolted on to a strong academic or specialist offer. It is the foundation that makes everything else work. From Nursery through to Sixth Form, our aim is unapologetically simple: happy, healthy pupils who know who they are and feel supported to be their best selves. That comes before success – not after it.
Our community is built on kindness and individuality. The School’s motto, Esto Quod Es (“Be What You Are”), isn’t a marketing line, it drives how we treat every child. Each pupil is valued as unique, and we tailor support so they flourish emotionally, socially and academically.
What Sets Our Pastoral Care Apart
- A Truly Pupil-Centred Approach
Wellbeing sits at the heart of pastoral life here. Far beyond “welfare checks,” we have an all-embracing system that supports every aspect of a child’s life — from friendships and confidence to mental health and resilience. - Proactive, Practical Wellbeing Support
We don’t wait for problems to escalate. Initiatives like Wellbeing Wednesday, dedicated counselling services, and therapeutic programmes (including therapy dogs in Prep and structured emotional literacy support), are built into the rhythm of school life. Pupils also benefit from structured tools that help monitor wellbeing so support can be timely, targeted and effective. - A Professional, Experienced Pastoral Team
Our pastoral network is broad and expert — from tutors and houseparents to counsellors, nurses, mental health first-aiders, support staff, and a Deputy Head (Pastoral). What matters most is that every pupil has someone they trust and can turn to, every day, all year round including the holidays. - Boarding Care That Builds Confidence and Independence
For our boarders, pastoral care is much more than supervision. Dedicated staff teams know every child’s personality, rhythms and challenges. They build strong, dependable relationships that create confidence, resilience and genuine wellbeing, whether a pupil is local, national or international. - Whole-School Integration
Our pastoral work doesn’t sit on the sidelines — it’s woven into everything pupils do: assemblies, tutor times, co-curricular activities, PSHE, leadership opportunities, community service, trips and reflections on character. This means wellbeing isn’t a box to tick — it’s how we educate young people for life.
We don’t just say wellbeing matters, we’ve been recognised for it. The School holds a prestigious Wellbeing Award from Optimus Education (in partnership with the National Children’s Bureau), benchmarking long-term cultural change for pupils, parents and staff.
The Outcome? Young People Ready for Life
Parents, pupils and independent reviewers consistently highlight the strength of pastoral care here, valuing how we nurture and develop curiosity, resilience and emotional maturity, not just exam results.
At Wells Cathedral School, pastoral care isn’t a programme — it’s a culture of care, connection and personal growth that underpins every pupil’s journey.
