Pastoral Care

Here at Copthall, we pride ourselves on the care we provide to our students to support them in becoming strong, aspirational young women. From the first day students start with us in Year 7 to their very last day in Year 13, we are there to provide support, care for and nurture students to ensure they grow to reach their full potential.

Ensuring that everyone receives an ‘Excellent Education for All’ is important for every school, but for us it is at core of everything we do. Providing the all-important wrap around care that every child needs and deserves is an important element to securing those successful outcomes and supporting students take the next step in their young lives.

How we provide the Pastoral care for our students

We provide support that meets the differing needs of all our students go on to reach their goals

We support our students to address social, mental and emotional needs

We strive to maintain an atmosphere in which our students feel safe, are encouraged in their learning and social development

We ensure our students know that they are valued within the environment of Copthall School

We reassure parents/carers their children are being educated in a safe and nurturing environment

We encourage our students to recognise and reflect upon our core values and hold them at the center of all we do

We work with parents, outreach agencies and other schools to ensure the continuity and progress of individual pupils

Students at our school speak highly of the care and support they receive. Ofsted – ‘Pupils value their learning in and beyond the classroom. A pupil communicated this by saying ‘we are a small school doing big things’.

The role of the Pastoral team

Working with the teaching and learning team to secure positive outcomes

Working closely with curriculum leaders and teachers to break down barriers to learning and support students engaging with the curriculum

We support our students social, emotional, mental health needs

Working closely with families and supporting them in their child's years with us

We have high expectations in behaviour for learning and ensure that the learning environment in the classroom is one that is positive and aspirational

Joining Copthall

We have a large team at the school who will work with you and your daughter to settle them in during their transition to secondary school. Students will be supported by the team to support them in the following ways:

Building and maintaining positive friendships

Supporting students by providing them with the skills to navigate through difficult social situations

Understanding how the typical day at school looks for a year 7 student

Working on organisation skills to prepare students for their day

Understanding the demands of homework and classwork combined

We will do some testing to understand reading ages and processing which will inform what levels students are working at

We will work closely with our SEND department to ensure students' needs are met

Meet the Key Stage 3 team

Ms Poonam Dave – Associate Senior Leader, Senior Director of Learning KS3 and Teacher of Geography

I have worked at Copthall for nearly 9 years, and I absolutely love it! I have worked very closely with hundreds of students and watched them grow into successful young women. The students and staff make this school special – the unique bond and relationships students have with staff is one of a kind. Our vision ‘Excellent Education for All’ is really at the heart and soul of everything we do. With this vision we really ensure that students have a successful start to life.

Our whole Copthall community includes all our support staff, teachers, students, families and the wider community. We are an incredibly diverse and inclusive school – we believe that everyone is unique, this is something we are so proud of.

Students enjoy their seven-year journey with us – we provide them with critical thinking

Miss Hannah Midgley – Head of Year 7 and Teacher of English

I love working at Copthall because our students make it a special school, there are not many schools in the country that have such a diverse range of girls from all backgrounds, cultures and experiences. Through teaching English I have seen students thrive in their critical thinking, understanding of the human condition and empathy and go on to have empowered futures. In my classes I am fortunate to see genuine love of learning and a mutual respect that binds the school together and outstanding GCSE results. Staff go above and beyond to make sure all students are supported, and I believe we are a school that genuinely cares. I have a passion for pastoral care as I believe it is a chance to support students' transition from primary school and embody our school values of respect, support and safety, equality for all, responsibility and aspiration. The pastoral team, alongside the teaching and learning team works hard to ensure that every student reaches their full potential.

Miss Carla McIntyre – Head of Year 8 and Curriculum Leader for Sociology

I love working at Copthall because the girls show a genuine interest in their learning, which allows me to develop great sociologists. As Head of Year 8 I am proud to support and grow our students into passionate young women. Seeing them learn from their mistakes and grow is the best part of this role. My role as head of year 8, involves looking after the year in terms of wellbeing; to help ensure they can progress academically and work closely with curriculum areas to ensure excellent engagement for learning. Copthall is a special school, and the students are at the heart of what makes it so special. As a Head of Year, I love my job. no day is the same! Watching students grow and mature is so rewarding.

Miss H. Deol – Head of Year 9 and Teacher of Science

Through firsthand experience in a challenging and deprived area, I've honed my ability to connect with learners from all walks of life and respond effectively to their unique needs. This journey has shaped me into a highly motivated and inspirational educator, committed to providing pastoral support, fostering social communication development, and empowering students to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. I was drawn to our students' eagerness to learn and their resilience. Their willingness to challenge themselves and reflect on their progress is inspiring. I've always been passionate about empowering young women and creating supportive learning environments. Copthall offers a unique opportunity to foster a community where students feel comfortable expressing themselves, exploring their interests, and building confidence. I'm passionate and dedicated about creating a supportive and nurturing environment where young women can thrive academically and personally. At Copthall we strive to foster a sense of belonging, encourage leadership development, and promote a culture of respect and inclusivity. I'm excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young women and contribute to the overall success of the school.

Miss Scarlett Castle – Director of Learning Key Stage 3

I love working at Copthall! To work closely with three-year groups is special – I have witnessed firsthand how students grow into driven, aspirational young women. I have been able to use my skills, experience and knowledge to offer support to the girls here at Copthall when they are experiencing challenges in their seven-year journey at Copthall. I have an open-door policy, meaning I will take the time to listen to the girls and support everyone's diverse needs. As a Director of Learning at Copthall, I work in close partnership with the Heads of Years of KS3 managing attendance, safeguarding and behaviour. I believe that wrap around care is essential to supporting their journey to be successful and thrive. No two days at Copthall are the same, which means working here has given me numerous opportunities to interact positively with young people, giving me the chance to help shape lives and inspire the next generation.