Pastoral care forms the basis for a thriving school community at Malvern St James, not only supporting its girls to achieve academically but preparing them to cope with life's ups and downs when they leave school, too.
Deputy head pastoral, Zinnia Wilkinson, who has been an integral part of the MSJ community for the past 16 years, speaks to SoGlos about its award-winning pastoral care provision and what makes the school so special.
Tell us about your approach to pastoral care at MSJ.
Having been a teacher at MSJ for 16 years, a parent for 10 of those and now in my seventh year as deputy head pastoral, I have seen first-hand the importance of empathy, resilience and support.
My personal experience of losing my older daughter to cancer in 2017 has deepened my commitment to non-judgmental listening and preparing students for a world that will not always go their way.
What is the philosophy behind pastoral care at Malvern St James?
At Malvern St James, we believe that excellent pastoral care underpins everything our pupils do and achieve, both in school and beyond. Our goal is to support students in developing resilience, self-care, service and application, ensuring they are equipped to navigate life's inevitable highs and lows.
How does Malvern St James foster happiness and wellbeing in students?
While we recognise that nobody is happy all of the time, we encourage our pupils to embrace change and develop the skills to manage life's challenges.
We provide a nurturing environment where they can access a wealth of academic and co-curricular opportunities, helping them become the best versions of themselves.
What makes pastoral care at MSJ unique?
One of the key strengths of MSJ is the strong sense of connection within our community. As a smaller school, teachers, boarding staff, kitchen staff, cleaners and even bus drivers know our students personally. This enables us to recognise when a student needs support while also fostering independence where appropriate.
We also have our own wellbeing dog, Enzo — although he's happy to lay low for pupils who aren't dog lovers!
How does the school support students' mental health?
We are well-equipped to support our students with over 35 staff members trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid.
This is especially crucial in light of recent studies indicating a rise in mental health challenges among teenage girls in the UK, with emergency hospital admissions for children aged five to 18 experiencing mental health crises increasing by 65 per cent over the decade leading up to 2022.
What role does technology play in student wellbeing at MSJ?
Our robust mobile phone policies help students develop autonomy over their online activity.
As they progress through the school, they receive education on how and why digital tools can be both beneficial and dangerous, empowering them to make informed choices about their use.
How does MSJ prepare students for change?
Change is inevitable and we aim to help our students embrace it with enthusiasm, excitement and an open mind. Whether it is personal growth, shifts in the world beyond our school or the changes they will lead as future global citizens, we encourage adaptability and leadership.
As I prepare for my own transition to senior deputy head in September 2025, I remain committed to modelling this mindset — after all, in the words of John F. Kennedy: 'Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.'
Find out more about Malvern St James at one of its open days. To see all upcoming events and and book your place, visit malvernstjames.co.uk/admissions/register-for-an-open-event.
