Austin Friars is a small and very friendly School in which the quality of pastoral care has a high priority. All staff are very committed to promoting the welfare and happiness of each child. As teaching and tutor groups are small, the staff are able to get to know their students well ensuring that attention is given to their individual needs.

The Deputy Head is responsible to the Headmaster for the oversight of the day-to-day pastoral life of the School working closely with Heads of School.

Heads of School

The School is divided into three sections: Lower School (1st – 3rd Forms), Middle School (4th and 5th Forms), and the VI^th Form. Each section has a Head of School who is responsible for leading a team of tutors.

Head of Lower School: Miss Quinn
Head of Middle School: Mr Tiffen
Head of VI^th Form: Mr Parry

The Tutor

Working under the direction of the Head of Lower or Middle School or the Head of VI^th Form, the Form Tutor has immediate responsibility for overseeing academic progress, general pastoral well being and discipline. The tutor is a key person in the pastoral set-up and is the first point of contact for students with concerns or difficulties, be they personal or academic. Expectations for all students are high and tutors carefully monitor students’ work to ensure standards are maintained. The Form Tutor is also the first point of contact for parents.

Heads of School oversee the work of their tutor team ensuring that matters of pupils’ welfare, academic progress and discipline are closely monitored. They meet formally with their tutor teams on a fortnightly basis in order to discuss aspects of the day-to-day life of the School as well as particularly monitoring students who are a cause for concern. In conjunction with tutors, Heads of School have a key liaison role in ensuring good communication with parents. As members of the Senior Management Team (SMT), the Heads of School also formally meet with the Headmaster and other members of the SMT on a weekly basis.