Well-Being
At Merchant Taylors’, we believe that happy, healthy, and confident pupils thrive in the classroom, on the stage, on the sports field, and in life. Our commitment to well-being is rooted in our core values of Ambition, Character, and Excellence, and is central to our vision of nurturing every individual to become the best version of themselves.
Our approach to well-being is holistic and proactive. We foster a kind, inclusive, and supportive environment where every pupil is cared for, known, valued, and encouraged to flourish. Through a strong pastoral system, a responsive PSHE programme, and the dedicated support of our Well-being Team, we ensure that pupils feel safe, respected, and empowered to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and purpose.
Well-being is not an add on, it is a foundation. From the creation of our new Wellbeing Centre at Mulberry House to the integration of pupil voice through School Council and surveys, we are building a culture where mental, emotional, and social health are championed every day.
We are committed to helping every pupil feel a deep sense of, ready to shape their future with confidence and compassion.
At Merchant Taylors’ Senior School, pastoral care is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that young people flourish when they feel safe, supported, and known, and that their wellbeing is the foundation for academic success and personal growth.
From the moment pupils join us in Year 7, they are welcomed into a warm, inclusive community where kindness, respect, and empathy are lived values. Transitioning to senior school is a big step, and our experienced team is dedicated to making it a positive and reassuring experience for every child, no matter their background or previous school.
Each pupil is supported by a form tutor who provides daily guidance and continuity, alongside regular PSHE sessions that explore topics such as mental health, digital safety, relationships, and resilience. Our pastoral structure includes highly trained group tutors and a dedicated Wellbeing Team, including a full-time school counsellor, who offer personalised care and expert support throughout a pupil’s time with us.
As pupils grow and mature, our pastoral approach evolves with them. Whether they are preparing for GCSEs, navigating the challenges of adolescence, or stepping into the independence of Sixth Form, we provide the right balance of structure, encouragement, and individual attention.
Our holistic approach ensures that every pupil is empowered to become a confident, compassionate, and resilient young person—ready to lead, contribute, and thrive in the world beyond school.
At Merchant Taylors’, we are committed to ensuring that every pupil is equipped to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our Learning Support Team plays a vital role in this mission, offering tailored assistance to pupils from all year groups who may benefit from additional guidance to unlock their full potential.
We take a flexible and pupil-centred approach, delivering support where and when it is most effective. This may include small group booster sessions, one-to-one interventions, or in-class support, always designed to meet individual needs in a respectful and inclusive environment.
Our support focuses on a range of areas, including:
• Organisation and study skills;
• Literacy and numeracy development;
• Memory and processing strategies;
• Exam preparation and revision techniques;
• Subject-specific support.
Pupils are identified through a variety of channels, including close liaison with previous schools, teacher observations, screening, parental input, and self-referral. We also use diagnostic tools such as reading, spelling, and numeracy assessments, alongside regular monitoring of academic progress.
Where appropriate, we work in partnership with external professionals, such as educational psychologists and speech and language therapists, to ensure a comprehensive and informed approach.
Each pupil receiving support typically has an Individual Educational Plan (IEP), which is developed collaboratively with subject teachers and tutors to ensure consistency and focus. We value strong communication with families and encourage regular dialogue through review meetings and parents’ evenings.
Above all, our aim is to nurture confidence, independence, and a love of learning, ensuring that every pupil feels cared for, known, supported, and empowered to succeed.
At Merchant Taylors’, we recognise that emotional well-being is essential to personal and academic success. Our professional counselling service offers a safe, confidential space where pupils can talk openly about anything that may be affecting them from anxiety and stress to relationships or self-esteem.
Support is flexible and tailored to individual needs, whether through one-to-one sessions, short-term guidance, or referrals to external professionals. Our counsellors work closely with pastoral staff and the wider Well-being Team to ensure pupils feel heard, supported, and empowered.
We promote a culture of openness and resilience, helping pupils develop the emotional tools they need to thrive in school and beyond.
To find out more or to access support, please contact our Well-being Team
