More than just providing stress-relief programmes or extra-curricular activities, wellbeing should be at the heart of a school’s offering that allows students to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Placing a range of activities within the curriculum and enabling participation is of course a first step. However, it is the culture, ethos and values of a School that foster confidence, resilience, and long-term personal development.
For students to truly thrive, wellbeing must be the bedrock of their boarding experience. Confidence and resilience doesn’t develop overnight; it requires a supportive environment where students feel secure and valued and are able to develop the skills and attributes required in the world in which they live.
Traditionally, pastoral care has been viewed as a safety net to catch students when they falter. However, to foster true wellbeing, pastoral care, particularly in a boarding setting, should be proactive, focusing on growth and empowerment. Staff at Earlscliffe not only manage student welfare but also build meaningful, trust-based relationships that encourage our students to take risks and grow.
The heart of successful pastoral care not only nurtures students emotionally but anticipates their needs, offering continuous support that helps them develop confidence and independence. This level of care is deeply ingrained in the culture of the school.
There’s a clear link between wellbeing and academic success. Research shows that emotionally supported students perform better academically. But how does Earlscliffe ensure that this happens in practice?
We offer comfortable, ‘home away from home’ accommodation, which is essential for student wellbeing. We know that boarding schools need to create spaces where students feel relaxed and can recharge. When living conditions feel institutional or uncomfortable, students are less likely to engage academically or personally. By investing in welcoming environments, we are creating a foundation where our students can thrive.
It’s no secret that food plays a pivotal role in wellbeing, which is why at Earlscliffe fresh, home-cooked meals are provided daily. Food not only supports physical health but also provides emotional comfort. Mealtimes are often a time for students to connect socially, creating a sense of community. Schools should view dining as an integral part of their wellbeing strategy: healthy, balanced meals help students focus, stay energised, and manage stress.
There is a strong connection between wellbeing and university outcomes. Confident, emotionally supported students perform better academically and are better prepared to make informed choices about their futures. Schools that focus on wellbeing don’t just prepare students for exams, they prepare them for life beyond school, including university.
At Earlscliffe, we are keen to move away from gimmicky wellbeing initiatives and focus on creating environments where students can thrive and feel at home
Earlscliffe offers all students personalised guidance whereby pastoral and academic staff including the Head Teacher work together to help students understand their strengths and interests to enable them to make thoughtful university decisions. Well-supported students are more likely to succeed in both their studies and in the choices they make for their futures.
At Earlscliffe, we are keen to move away from gimmicky wellbeing initiatives and focus on creating environments where students can thrive and feel at home. This requires strategic investment in the right staff, facilities, and programmes that provide the emotional, social, and academic scaffolding students need for success. Success is not only measured by academic results but by the confidence, resilience, and independence our students gain.
We recognise that wellbeing is not a quick fix; it is the foundation of a successful educational experience that prepares students for university and life beyond. We’re proud to have earned the Kent Mental Wellbeing Award 2024 reflecting our dedication to creating a nurturing environment for both students and staff.
Get in touch:
T. +44 (0)1303 253951
E.admissions@earlscliffe.co.uk
About the author: Mark Love is the head teacher at Earlscliffe, Folkestone. He has fulfilled such a role at schools and colleges in London and Oxford for the past 20 years. Mark began his career in education in 1990 and he specialises in developing schools’ organisational structures and cultures to ensure the delivery of strong outcomes for students, both academic and personal.
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