Supporting Students
At St Paul’s Catholic College, we are deeply committed to nurturing every student’s academic, emotional, and spiritual growth. Our comprehensive support systems ensure that each student feels known, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
We're Committed to Our Students
Academic Support
Teachers deliver well differentiated lessons designed to meet the needs of their specific learners. Subject leaders and heads of years (HOYs) monitor student progress using data gathered from assessments interim reports, profiles and mock exams. Together, these teams implement a range of measures to support students with their academic progress.
Pastoral Support
Students spend time with their tutor in form time or assembly every day. Our tutors develop a nuturing, caring and supportive relationship with each individual. Tutors help students with personal, social and academic issues and liaise with parents/carers, heads of years (HOYs) and other staff.
Learning Support
The education that we provide to students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is second to none. Our Learning Support department are experienced at working with students with the broadest range of specific learning needs.
Systems to Track and Monitor
Our comprehensive purpose-built systems for tracking and monitoring progress, achievement, behaviour and safeguarding means that we are able to intervene at the earliest possible opportunity. We evaluate the impact of each intervention to ensure their effectiveness.
Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing
We believe in promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing to ensure that the school is a community where everyone feels able to thrive. Our school ethos and values underpin everything that we do.
What Helps with Mental Health?
Factors that can help keep children and young people mentally well include:
- being in good physical health, eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise
- having time and the freedom to play, indoors and outdoors
- being part of a family that gets along well most of the time
- going to a school that looks after the wellbeing of all its pupils
- taking part in local activities for young people.
Other factors are also important, including:
- feeling loved, trusted, understood, valued and safe
- being interested in life and having opportunities to enjoy themselves
- being hopeful and optimistic
- being able to learn and having opportunities to succeed
- accepting who they are and recognising what they are good at
- having a sense of belonging in their family, school and community
- feeling they have some control over their own life
- having the strength to cope when something is wrong (resilience) and the ability to solve problems.
What Happens in School?
In school, we teach children about what it means to have good mental health and wellbeing throughout our LoveEd curriculum and daily practice. This is delivered through assemblies, tutor time and community days.
These help our children to understand and manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviour and build skills that help them to thrive, such as working in a team, persistence, and self-awareness.
What If My Child Is Struggling with Their Mental Health or Wellbeing?
At St Paul’s, we recognise that mental health is not about feeling happy all the time or avoiding challenges altogether. It’s about being able to cope, adapt, and feel supported when life becomes difficult.
One of the most powerful ways to help your child is simply to listen to them, take their feelings seriously, and let them know they’re not alone. For many children and young people, feelings of worry or sadness pass with the support of their family and loved ones. But during these times, it can also be incredibly helpful for us at school to be aware, so that staff can offer appropriate support and understanding.
If you’re ever concerned about your child’s mental health, we encourage you to talk to us just as you would with any concern about their learning. We work closely with families and offer a range of support within school, including access to services such as West Sussex Thought-Full which provides counselling and wellbeing support for young people.
Our Senior Mental Health Leads are Mrs Fradgley and Mrs Brownings.
If your child needs more specialist support than we can offer, you can also speak with your GP. They may recommend counselling, mental health services, or a referral for further help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out; we’re here to work with you to support your child’s wellbeing.
