The Alice Smith School - Secondary Campus

At the Secondary Campus, student wellbeing and pastoral care form a core part of the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) approach. Support is provided through daily tutor check-ins, student surveys, and proactive follow-up by experienced pastoral teams. The curriculum includes a dedicated Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) programme called ACHIEVE, designed to help students develop resilience, character, and essential life skills. A dedicated counselling service is available, offering confidential support and resources to students, with pastoral leaders also playing a vital role in addressing individual and family concerns.

The school supports students with Special Educational Needs at its Secondary Campus, though it is not a specialist SEN institution. The Personalised Learning Faculty (PLF) and Learning Support Unit (LSU) work to address a range of needs, such as dyslexia and attention difficulties. Support is integrated through in-class assistance and occasional small group withdrawals to ensure students can access the curriculum. Student needs are considered on a case-by-case basis upon application, with detailed records required to determine the school's capacity to provide appropriate support.

The Secondary school offers a dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) support programme. Students whose first language is not English undergo an assessment, which may involve an interview with an English language specialist from the Learning Support Unit, to determine their proficiency. Accepted students who require specialist English language support join an EAL programme, often on the condition that they achieve a sufficient level of fluency over time with this support. The EAL support includes additional English language teaching both within and beyond the academic curriculum, spanning Years 7 to 13, and is led by dedicated EAL teachers and a Head of Department for EAL. Additional fees are charged for EAL support.

At the Secondary Campus, mental wellbeing is a key priority, integrated through a structured pastoral care system. This includes regular daily tutor check-ins, student surveys to monitor wellbeing trends, and follow-up by experienced pastoral teams. A dedicated counselling service is available, offering confidential support and resources for students, staff, and parents for more complex concerns. The PSHE programme, ACHIEVE, is a timetabled lesson that teaches students essential life skills, including stress management and emotional resilience, actively engaging them in discussions and debates on relevant topics.

The Alice Smith School is deeply committed to safeguarding and child protection. Its policies and procedures are aligned with UK Government guidance and international standards, ensuring the welfare of all children is paramount. The school implements robust safeguarding practices, including rigorous safer recruitment processes for all staff and adults working on site, and conducts appropriate background checks. A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and a Child Protection Team are in place with clear roles, ensuring all concerns are reported and addressed promptly. All school staff receive regular training on child protection, and students are educated on how to keep themselves safe. This commitment to safeguarding extends to all school-arranged activities, whether on or off campus.