Pastoral System
Quarrydale has a well-established pastoral system that aims to support your child’s social, emotional and personal development, alongside their academic progress and welfare.
Our pastoral system is organised in age groups Years 7 to 11. On entry to Quarrydale, every pupil is assigned to a tutor group which will, in most cases, be their tutor for their entire stay at school. Each tutor group is led by a tutor who should always be the first point of contact if there are any concerns, worries or other issues. Tutors develop an understanding and detailed knowledge of each individual’s personality and capabilities. Tutors work under the direction of a Head of Year and a designated member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Pupils are also supported by our Student Support Services Team and by our Behaviour Support Team
Heads of Year
Please find the head of year information below for each year group.
Head of Year – Mr Thompson
Assistant Head of Year – Miss Brooks
As Head of Year 7, I play a key role in supporting students as they make the important transition into secondary school. I work closely with tutors, teaching staff, families, and external agencies to ensure every student feels safe, supported, and confident in their new environment.
Within the pastoral system, my role involves overseeing attendance, behaviour, and wellbeing, while promoting high expectations, positive relationships, and a strong sense of belonging across the year group.
Head of Year – Mrs Cohen
Assistant Head of Year – Mrs Evans
I am Mrs Cohen, and I am proud to have been a Head of Year at Quarrydale Academy for many years. I always enjoy getting to know our students and their families over the years we spend together.
Along with Mrs Evans, Assistant Head of Year, and our dedicated tutor team, I am here to support every pupil.
I hope that all students will be happy at school and will aspire to achieve their very best in all aspects of academy life. My aim is to guide and educate students so that they are able to make positive choices and take advantage of opportunities that help them to fulfil their aspirations.
I wish all pupils the very best of luck during their time at Quarrydale and in the future.
Head of Year – Mrs Walton
Assistant Head of Year – Mrs Sheldon
Year 9 is a transformative stage in our students’ secondary school journey, and it is a privilege to lead this year group as they continue to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Over the past two years, our students have developed increasing independence, resilience, and confidence. They have faced new challenges, embraced new opportunities, and begun to form a clearer sense of who they are and who they hope to become.
As we move forward, Year 9 represents an important milestone. The decisions our students make this year—particularly around their option choices—help shape the pathways they will follow into GCSE study and beyond. We work closely with students and their families to ensure they feel informed, supported, and empowered to make choices that reflect their interests, strengths, and ambitions.
Preparation for life beyond secondary school begins long before Year 11, and the skills our students are developing now are central to that future success. From building strong learning habits and effective communication skills to developing teamwork, self-management, and problem-solving, Year 9 is a crucial stepping stone toward adulthood.
Our pastoral team is dedicated to guiding students through this period of transition. We offer a wide range of support—from one-to-one conversations and mentoring to wellbeing initiatives and academic guidance—to ensure every student feels valued and understood. As they begin their GCSE journey, we are committed to helping them navigate any challenges with confidence and positivity.
I am incredibly proud of the progress Year 9 students have made so far, and I look forward to supporting them as they take the next steps in their education. Together, we will continue to build a year group that is ambitious, compassionate, and ready for the exciting opportunities ahead.
Mrs Walton and Mrs Sheldon lead this year group as Head of Year and Assistant Head of Year, and will continue this journey until the end of Year 11.
Head of Year – Mr Lane
Assistant Head of Year – Miss Chappell
Hello, I’m Mr Lane, Head of Year 10. My aim is to guide and educate young individuals in order for them to be able to make the right choices in life and to provide opportunities for them to fulfil their aspirations, along with high expectations within a supportive community.
We aim to provide every student with the confidence to be ambitious and succeed, not just academically but as well-rounded individuals. Though the journey will not always be easy for many pupils, I am here to support each of them, ensuring that every student feels safe, valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
I am fortunate to be surrounded by a great tutor team and support staff. I wish all the pupils the best of luck during their time at Quarrydale and in the future.
Head of Year – Mrs Trevor
Assistant Head of Year – Mrs Rhodes
Role of School First Aiders
School First Aiders are not medically qualified practitioners and should not be regarded as a substitute for professional medical care
Purpose
The purpose of this section is to outline the duties, responsibilities, and limitations of School First Aiders in the provision of immediate care to students and staff within the school environment.
Main Duties
The primary duties of a School First Aider are to:
- Provide immediate assistance to individuals suffering from illnesses or common injuries arising from specific hazards within the school.
- Ensure, when necessary, that an ambulance or other professional medical assistance is requested without delay.
Administration of Medication
School First Aiders are trained to administer medication in accordance with parental or carer instructions, provided that the appropriate consent forms have been completed and the prescribed medication in its originally packaging has been supplied. Students are not permitted to have medication on their person unless it is an Epi-Pen or inhaler, and in these cases, a spare must be kept in Student Services.
First Aiders may also provide basic care for minor illnesses or injuries occurring on school premises.
Where a hospital visit is considered necessary, parents or carers will be contacted. In urgent or emergency situations, an ambulance will be called immediately, and parents or carers will be notified thereafter.
Limitations
School First Aiders are not medically qualified practitioners and should not be regarded as a substitute for professional medical care. Injuries sustained outside of school premises remain the responsibility of parents or carers. Where ongoing medication or additional support is required as a result of such an injury, this must be discussed with the student’s Head of Year prior to arrangements being made.
Assessment Procedure
When a student presents to First Aid, the First Aider will carry out an initial assessment, which may include asking simple questions to determine how the student is feeling and taking their temperature. If the student’s temperature is within a normal range and no concerning symptoms are identified, the student will be advised to return to lessons, with instruction to report back to First Aid should symptoms worsen. Parents are not usually contacted at this point.
Injury Assessment and Treatment
When a student presents with an injury, the First Aider will assess the affected area to determine the severity of the injury. Where appropriate, an ice pack may be provided to help reduce initial swelling. If the injury appears to be more serious or causes concern, parents or carers will be contacted and advised to seek professional medical guidance or attend hospital for further assessment.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are always examined and assessed carefully. A Head Bump Form will be completed for all head injuries, with one copy sent home with the student and another retained in school for records. Parents or carers will be informed of all head injuries.
If the student feels well, displays no visible bumps or swelling, and is comfortable returning to lessons, they will be permitted to do so under the instruction to return to First Aid if they begin to feel unwell.
In cases where there is significant swelling, visible bruising, or the student reports feeling unwell, parents or carers will be contacted to collect the student from school and monitor them at home.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
If a student with a pre-existing medical condition, of which the school has been informed, attends First Aid feeling unwell, the First Aider will normally consult with the student’s parents or carers to determine the most appropriate course of action, in accordance with the student’s individual health plan and the school’s medical policy. Parents or carers will then be asked to decide whether the student should remain in school or be collected to rest or seek further medical advice.