RGS Surrey Hills

Pastoral care underpins the wellbeing and social-emotional development of all students. Each pupil is assigned a personal tutor, and boarders have a Houseparent and Tutor to support academic and pastoral development. There is a clear emphasis on helping students maintain a positive mind-set and to develop resilience through wellbeing support and parent wellbeing talks. A broad co-curricular programme, including sport and creative arts, develops character, resilience and balance beyond the classroom. The Round Square framework places leadership, service and global understanding at the heart of school life, preparing students for life beyond exams.

The Learning Development Department supports neurodivergent and disabled pupils under the Neurodiversity (SEND) policy. The department includes a SENDCo, four Specialist Teachers, a Speech and Language Therapist and two Teaching Assistants. It uses 1:1 lessons and a multi-sensory approach with Pupil Profiles detailing each pupil's needs, strengths and required adjustments, reviewed termly. The SENDCo leads day-to-day operations and collaborates with Heads of Year and the Pastoral Team to monitor progress and provide timely support, including arranging Access Arrangements for examinations and reviewing EHCPs when applicable. Referrals, assessment and collaborations with parents and external professionals are coordinated to identify learning needs and plan appropriate intervention.

Progress of pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL) is monitored by the Learning Development Department with input from teaching staff, parents and the pupils themselves. A lack of English proficiency is not treated as a learning difference. The department works with the Head of EAL and the IB Coordinator to identify neurodivergent EAL learners and ensure early support. In some cases a first-language assessment may be used to identify learning differences. Assessment results are shared with parents, and the SENDCo or a Specialist Teacher liaises with parents and staff to implement support.

The school places importance on the mental health and wellbeing of all students. A dedicated Pastoral Team provides support to help students maintain a positive mindset, and students are assigned a Tutor plus Houseparents in boarding to support academic and personal development. Wellbeing is reinforced through guidance and resources, with wellbeing talks provided for parents. The combination of pastoral care and a supportive learning environment aims to foster resilience and emotional wellbeing.

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy includes Early Years Foundation Stage. The policy was reviewed in August 2025 and next due for review in August 2026. The school designates a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSLs; the Designated Safeguarding Lead for RGS Surrey Hills is Kate Cobb, with Deputy DSL Claire Ellis and other Deputy Leads such as Rachael Evans. Staff are provided with safeguarding contact details and guidance, including escalation procedures and relevant local safeguarding contacts. In case of concern about a child's safety, staff should act immediately and contact the DSL, following the policy and, if needed, the Surrey Children's Single Point of Access (C-SPA) or emergency services by dialing 999. Contact information for safeguarding and key staff is published for school use.