Pastoral Care
At Sherrardswood, we understand the significance of personalised support and guidance during the crucial years of Sixth Form. Our pastoral care team provides mentorship and guidance to help our students navigate academic choices, university applications, and career pathways.
Tutor Support
Our Sixth Form uses vertical tutor groups, bringing Years 12 and 13 together to create a supportive, family‑style atmosphere where older students act as positive role models and the Year 12 students see their older colleagues and friends progressing through the process of mock exams, UCAS applications, apprenticeship interviews and, of course, the real exams at the end of the year, helping them understand the process and learn the best approaches from their peers. Form groups are small (usually around 14 students) allowing our caring tutors to get to know each tutee extremely well.
Students register with their tutor twice daily, providing consistent routines, guidance, and opportunities to discuss how they are doing and feeling. Tutors support students through target setting, monitoring progress, and helping them to develop strong study habits, ensuring that every learner stays on track. They are also the warm and friendly face that greets them each day and ensures that they are ready for whatever their lessons, friendships and school life may hold that day. Because tutors know their tutees so well, they are a consistent supportive present throughout the two years, and they also write each student’s UCAS and other references, offering detailed, personalised insight that strengthens university applications.
Pastoral Mentoring
Every Sixth Form student has a personal mentor who provides individual academic and pastoral guidance. Regular mentoring conversations help students stay organised, manage their workload, and feel supported throughout their studies. The Sixth Form pastoral team works closely with subject staff, support staff, and the Head of Sixth Form to monitor each student’s wellbeing. Support such as adjusted timetables, key‑worker guidance, and links with external agencies is available when needed. Strong relationships and small class sizes help students feel known, valued, and listened to.
Sixth Form Ethos & Environment
The Sixth Form environment promotes independence, respect, and responsibility, with students acting as role models to younger pupils throughout the school.
Located in their dedicated Stables building, students have access to common spaces, a kitchen, their own meadow for outside activities, and quiet study rooms that mirror a university‑style working atmosphere. This helps them develop effective study habits, time‑management skills, and the confidence needed to thrive in higher education and beyond.
ISI Report 2023 - In discussions, pupils who had recently joined the school spoke very highly of the atmosphere of inclusivity they encountered amongst the pupils.
What Our Students and Parents Think
‘I want to say a big thank you for the latitude, support, and care you have given my son over the past year. I can’t imagine he would have been fortunate enough to have that kind of support anywhere else.’ - Sixth Form Parent.
‘Thank you so much for being such a brilliant and supportive teacher to me over the past two years. You’ve brightened so many days and have always been there for me with open ears if I ever had any problems, and that’s why you’re my favourite teacher! It’s crazy to think I’ve only really known you for two years because I quickly saw you as someone I could trust and almost like a second mum! You’ve made my sixth form experience so happy, so thank you! You’ve inspired me massively, and there will always be a piece of you in every future essay I write!’ - Sixth Form Student.