Pastoral

Outstanding OFSTED Boarding Inspection

Gordon’s has once again been judged outstanding in all categories: boarders’ safety, quality of care, leadership and management, and overall provision. In particular:

  • Behaviour is outstanding and the relationship between staff and pupils is one of mutual respect. 
  • The quality of provision and care for boarders has an exceptional impact on the quality of their lives and boarders make exceptional progress.
  • The safety of boarders is central to all that the school does. Boarders feel safe and supported.
  • The views of boarders are central to the way the school operates and develops its practice.
  • Boarders have access to an extensive choice of high quality activities which enable them to acquire and develop new skills and knowledge.
  • Anti-bullying is high on the agenda. Because of this, there are extremely low instances of bullying within the school.
  • Boarding Houses and facilities are of high quality, well furnished, maintained and offer students a homely environment.
  • Routine monitoring of quality of practice is used to drive forward continuous improvement. 

 


The Pastoral System

Pastoral care at Gordon’s is led by Mrs L Lewis, Deputy Head (Pastoral) who is also responsible for residential boarding.  Pupils are allocated to a House – there are four residential Houses and five day Houses – which are led by Heads of House and a team of house tutors.  Heads of House are responsible for the safeguarding and welfare of their students and for monitoring their academic and personal development.  The Houses are the centre of a pupil’s life within the school and are instrumental in fostering a sense of community at Gordon’s.  Students tell us that they enjoy socialising and participating in House activities, particularly the annual interhouse competitions.  Parents are encouraged to maintain close links with their child’s Head of House and can contact them directly at any time.

Residential Boarders

Accommodation for residential boarders is in four houses each with its own individual family atmosphere.  Each House is led by resident Houseparents assisted by house tutors.  The boarding houses comprise a mixture of common rooms, study areas and sleeping accommodation and meals are taken in the main dining room.  Extensive recreational activities contribute to creating a thriving, caring and friendly atmosphere and there is always a wide range of activities going on in the evenings and at weekends including theatre trips, outings and a great deal of sport.

Day Boarders

At Gordon’s, the lives of day boarders and residential boarders are inextricably linked.  All pupils take part in our extended day which comprises an activities programme which runs from 3.50 pm to 4.50 pm and Saturday morning school.  Day boarders can eat their evening meal in school followed by supervised prep in Houses from 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm – a resource which is invaluable in supporting pupils’ academic progress.
 


Outstanding Day at Thorpe Park

 


 

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