Following the anonymous Feeling Safe Survey, which all students in the Prep School completed, Pastoral Head of Year 8 Mr Swires fed back to his year group during Enrichment, focusing on the common themes which emerged from their results. He linked the results to the ‘Fundamental British Values and Culture’ we all try to adopt.

The survey asked about where pupils feel safe, how they are able to report concerns and what behaviours they are experiencing which may be challenging. As part of the feedback Mr Swires defined culture as ‘the behaviours people present when no-one is looking’. He reminded pupils that the small things matter, because the small things make a big difference to how everyone feels in school. Mr Swires also encouraged pupils to consider how their everyday actions contribute to a positive culture, from looking out for one another and speaking kindly, to reporting concerns when something doesn’t feel right.

Mr Swires highlighted the importance of ‘the student voice’, explaining that the survey results help the school identify areas of strength, as well as places where further support might be needed for pupils. He reassured pupils that their feedback genuinely shapes future pastoral work and helps ensure that everyone feels safe, respected and included.

Year 8 were reminded that upholding the ‘Fundamental British Values’ – respect, tolerance, democracy, the rule of law and individual liberty- is not just something discussed in lessons, but something demonstrated through consistent, everyday behaviour. This is done by making thoughtful choices and supporting each other. All pupils, and staff, play a vital role in building a community where everyone can thrive and ‘find their exceptional’.