Supporting students’ mental health at UK boarding schools

Starting life at a UK boarding school will be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your child’s life. The academic opportunities, personal growth and lifelong friendships your child will gain are all incredibly valuable and will shape their future in incredible ways.

However, moving to a new school away from home can bring unfamiliar challenges for students of all ages, and can sometimes lead to feelings of loneliness, homesickness and anxiety during this period of change. It’s natural to feel concerned about how your child will adjust to this new chapter – especially when considering the growing mental health challenges young people around the world face.

With the right support these feelings can be effectively managed, allowing students to make the most of their time at boarding school and reach their full potential.

The role of pastoral care in boarding schools

Pastoral care refers to the support system within a school and is a cornerstone of the boarding school experience. It plays a fundamental role in supporting a student’s overall wellbeing and is designed to help students cope with any issues they may face. Pastoral care is comprehensive, covering everything from mental health support to social and personal development. It’s about nurturing a child’s growth both in and beyond the classroom – helping them build strong values, self-confidence and resilience.

Every school will have its own approach to pastoral care, but all share the same goal – ensuring that students are supported, happy and thriving. Pastoral care staff are often the first point of contact for students who need someone to talk to. In boarding houses this could be their tutor, houseparent, matron or another dedicated person. Our blog on common boarding school terms is a helpful resource for those unfamiliar with these titles.

Whether it’s academic stress or personal issues, these staff members are there to listen and offer guidance. Their primary objective is to support an individual student, and they will work closely with parents to address any concerns regarding their child’s emotional wellbeing. 16+ year old students may request their parents not to be involved.

How Academic Families supports students’ mental health at UK boarding schools

Academic Families are experts in dealing with any issues that students may face while at their UK boarding school. Our Guardianship Care Managers are qualified Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA). This certification equips them with the skills to recognise any sign of mental health issues and to act early. Our Guardianship Care Managers are trained to –

• recognise early signs of mental health issues and provide first-level support and early intervention
• engage in active listening, ensuring students feel heard and understood
• reduce any stigma surrounding mental health by facilitating open and honest conversations
• provide techniques, tools and resources that students can use to manage stress and improve their mental health
• encourage students to seek professional help when necessary and guide them to the right resources

Comprehensive support every step of the way

Our team is here to guide your child throughout their UK boarding school journey – ensuring they have the tools and resources necessary to thrive in every aspect of their experience.

If you’re interested in learning more about how Academic Families can support your child’s mental health at a British boarding school, you can contact our team here.

Together, we can help your child succeed, giving you confidence and peace of mind.

This article appears in the following categories  Boarding School Life, Guardianship