BWS has a thorough PSHRCE and Personal Development Programme which helps to both develop character and broaden horizons alongside academic ability. 

In Years 7 – 8 boys themes include Citizenship, Personal, Health and Social Education (PHSE), Careers Education and Target Setting. Elements of this continue in the Middle and Upper Schools. Careers Information, Advice & Guidance is provided by our full time independent impartial careers adviser; the breadth and depth of this provision grows steadily through the Lower and Middle School.

Full details of the PSHE curriculum can be viewed here.

In Sixth Form the Wednesday afternoon slot is used to deliver the Personal Development Programme as part of our Enrichment schedule. This covers mental health, managing anxiety, sexual issues (e.g. consent, health etc), equality and discrimination, substance abuse and other key issues. Guest speakers for Years 12 and 13 cover other key issues, including alcohol and drugs, safe drive and mental health.
 

Attendance Concerns 

At Bishop Wordsworth’s School, regular attendance is essential for students to achieve their full potential, both academically and socially. We expect all students to maintain an attendance rate of at least 95%, unless prevented by illness or unavoidable circumstances. We work closely with parents to support students in attending school regularly and on time. 

How We Support Families 

• Early help and advice: The Attendance Officer, Form tutors, Heads of Year, and the Pastoral Team are available to discuss any attendance concerns.  
• Monitoring and communication: We track attendance closely and contact parents if patterns of absence or lateness are identified.  
• Tailored support: For students experiencing difficulties, we provide supporting pastoral meetings, catch-up support, and access to other services such as the school nurse or ELSA support, where needed.   
• Recognition and encouragement: We celebrate strong attendance and improvements to help motivate students.  

Reporting Absence 

Please notify as soon as possible if your child is unwell or needs to attend a medical appointment, including supporting evidence such as an appointment letter or email. Absences can be reported by email to attendance@bishopwordsworths.org.uk. 

For full details, including punctuality expectations and procedures, please see our Attendance Policy. 

At Bishop Wordsworth’s School, we aim to support not only our students but also the families guiding them through the teenage years. To help, we provide free access to FACE Family Advice (FACE) parent talks for all BWS parents and staff. 

Delivered by Jane Keyworth, a family specialist, therapist, and teacher with over 30 years’ experience, these talks offer practical guidance on supporting young people through adolescence. Topics include: 

• Understanding the Teenage Brain  
• Anxiety, Anger, and Self-Esteem  
• ADHD and Autism Support  
• Healthy Sleep and Screen Use  
• Managing Defiance, School Avoidance, and Addictive Behaviours  
• Drug Awareness and Prevention  

Talks run on a four-week rotation, with morning (10:00–11:30am) and evening (7:00–8:30pm) sessions. Recordings are available for 48 hours after the live session if you cannot attend. 

How to Access 

1. Visit the FACE Parent Talks page 
2. Select a topic and date/time that suits you  
3. Enter the BWS code: BWW081025 at checkout to access the talk for free  

We hope you find these sessions helpful in supporting your child’s wellbeing and development. 

The school will work with families to support pupils with medical needs, but it is important that all medical needs are clearly communicated and the relevant school office is kept updated with any evolving conditions.

Medication

Medication must be provided  in the correct form and with clear instructions so that it can be administered safely. All medication received by the school must be in its original box or packaging and clearly labelled with the student’s name. Prescription medication should also show the dispensing label issued by the pharmacy.

If a student requires prescribed or non-prescribed medication during the school day, parents should contact the School Office in the first instance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Medication should not be carried by students unless this has been specifically agreed by the school, for example in the case of certain medical conditions such as asthma or severe allergies. Where this applies, appropriate permissions and care plans should be in place.

Parents are asked to ensure that the school is kept fully informed of any medical condition which may affect their child during the school day, including any changes to diagnosis, treatment, or medication.

School Nurse

We have a School Nurse with whom students can book appointments to discuss a range of medical and wellbeing concerns in a confidential and supportive setting.

Drop-in sessions also occur at lunchtime on Thursday in the Pastoral Support Office (MSO). 

At Bishop Wordsworth’s School, student mental health and wellbeing is a top priority. We provide a supportive environment where pupils feel safe, heard, and able to thrive academically and personally. Our approach follows the Department for Education’s eight principles for promoting mental health, guiding leadership, staff development, pupil voice, early intervention, and collaboration with parents and external services. 

Mental Health Support at BWS 

Students can access support through our team of trained Mental Health First Aiders, who are available for advice, guidance, and initial support: 

• Susannah Venter – Teaching Assistant  
• Charlotte Grayer – Teaching Assistant and ELSA Support  
• Hamish Morton – Assistant Head of Sixth Form  
• Elizabeth Jacobs – Middle School Pastoral Support  

Our Senior Mental Health Lead, Nikki Mesnard (Assistant Head - Student Development), oversees the school’s mental health strategy, ensuring we deliver consistent, evidence-based support across all year groups. 

How We Support Pupils 

We support pupils’ mental health through early identification and intervention, with staff trained to recognise signs of distress and respond promptly. Students receive personalised support, including one-to-one conversations, ELSA sessions, and mentoring, alongside peer and pastoral support. Whole-school initiatives promote resilience, positive mental health, and coping strategies, while collaboration with parents and external agencies ensures each student gets the support they need. At BWS, wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility, helping students develop the skills and confidence to thrive both at school and beyond.  

abc

Support for pupils IN school

• Lower School (Years 7 and 8). Pastoral Support Officer: Mrs Kate Bazire-Smith. Email: kbs@bishopwordsworths.org.uk
• Middle School (Years 9, 10 and 11) and Lower School (Years 7 & 8): Pastoral Support Officer: Mrs Elizabeth Jacobs. Email: esj@bishopwordsworths.org.uk
• Sixth Form (Years 12 & 13): Email: sixth@bishopwordsworths.org.uk

SENDCo: Mrs Steph Paden: smp@bishopwordsworths.org.uk

Chaplain: Canon Rev Dr Stella Wood smw@bsihopwordsworths.org.uk

Useful contact numbers

Childline: www.childline.org.uk or Tel: 0800 1111
KOOTH: www.kooth.com online advice from qualified counsellors
Samaritans: www.samaritans.org or Tel: 08457 90 90 90

At BWS, we are committed to listening, acting, and creating a school environment where pupils feel safe, heard, and empowered. We believe that every pupil’s voice matters and have set up systems to ensure we hear from our nearly 1200 voices:

• The Student Voice: Online reporting tool which ensures that students can share their ideas, concerns, and feedback, and that their input shapes school life. Reports can be feedback on lessons, behaviour, bullying, discrimination, or areas where students feel unsafe, including in school or around Salisbury. The leadership team monitors submissions and acts swiftly to address any issues.  Students can access The Student Voice by doing this?????
• Student Councils: Each tutor group nominates one or two representatives to the Student Council, which is led by sixth form prefects. Representatives meet regularly with the leadership team and report back to their tutor groups, ensuring that pupils see how their feedback leads to action.
• Throughout the year we also use surveys and forms to gather pupils’ views on topics such as the behaviour policy, rewards and sanctions, and their overall school experience.
• Pupils with additional needs, including those with SEND or eligible for pupil premium, are given dedicated opportunities to reflect on the support they receive. 
• The Pupil Code of Conduct is regularly reviewed with student input to ensure it fairly reflects pupils’ understanding of school rules and expectations. A copy of the Student Code of Conduct can be found in the policies page.