LEAD ARTICLE: “The Importance of RSHE in an International School” by NAPCE NEC Member Jason Sannegadu

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“The Importance of Relationships, Sex and Health Education” by NAPCE NEC Member Jason Sannegadu

If you were to ask pupils about their favourite lessons, PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Education) or RSHE (Relationships, Sex and Health Education) might not immediately come to mind. Yet, as both a teacher and senior leader, I see firsthand how essential this discrete subject is within the curriculum. RSHE supports pupils not only as they navigate immediate challenges, but also as they prepare for adulthood and life beyond school. In the UK, the profile of this subject has risen significantly over the past few decades, supported by organisations such as the PSHE Association and NAPCE, alongside a growing body of research evidencing its importance.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Mental Health (2015), in its Inquiry into Parity of Esteem for Mental Health, recommended that mental health education form a core part of the PSHE curriculum to promote wellbeing and resilience and prevent mental health problems from developing. Research from SHEU (2015) and the Cabinet Office (2015) identified poor mental health as a key emerging risk for young people. These findings reinforce what many of us see daily: preventative education matters.

This provision is particularly important post-16. Students at this stage experience greater independence, and we have a duty to ensure they are equipped to manage complex challenges. At the beginning of this term, I worked with Year 12 to review the planned curriculum and gather their feedback. They identified healthy relationships, particularly consent, as priorities. Together, we mapped out the challenges they might face during Year 12 and structured the term accordingly, beginning with relationships. Each lesson concludes with clear takeaways, offering practical strategies to manage issues such as stress.

If we as educators do not provide structured education on relationships, sex and health, then who will?
Statutory guidance reinforces this responsibility. Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE, 2025) emphasises that schools play a crucial role in preventative education, highlighting the importance of teaching pupils about safeguarding risks and wellbeing through a planned and structured curriculum, often delivered through RSHE or PSHE.

For colleagues overseeing or delivering RSHE, regular review is essential. This might include seeking feedback from students and staff, working with pastoral and safeguarding teams to identify emerging trends, evaluating impact, collaborating with parent representatives, and implementing and reviewing changes. This helps ensure that the curriculum remains relevant for the context of your school.

Within an international school context, this responsiveness becomes even more important. The curriculum should safeguard and promote wellbeing while building emotional literacy and resilience. A spiral curriculum is essential, but so too is sensitivity to cultural contexts, awareness of local legislation, and meaningful collaboration with parents.

Termly letters outlining content and offering guidance on supporting conversations at home are incredibly helpful and valuable to parents. For example, how can parents support safe online behaviours? Do they know who their child is communicating with? Would they feel confident  enough to report cyberbullying? How can they have sensitive conversations with their children?

One emerging safeguarding consideration is the rapid rise of AI chatbots and companion apps designed to simulate relationships through human-like conversation. By 2025, more than 100 such platforms were available globally. Many lack robust age-verification mechanisms and, while often marketed as tools offering emotional support or entertainment, they can expose young people to harmful content and distort perceptions of relationships and consent.

The Australian eSafety Commissioner identifies key risks including exposure to dangerous concepts, emotional dependency, unhealthy attitudes towards relationships, heightened vulnerability to exploitation, and the compounding of bullying behaviours.

This trend is not simply another digital concern; it illustrates why RSHE must remain dynamic and responsive. If our curriculum is truly preventative, it has to respond to the challenges that students are facing. Reviewing emerging technologies, analysing their potential impact on relationship norms, and integrating these discussions into E-safety and healthy relationships education is essential. Equally, keeping parents informed through safeguarding updates or workshops strengthens our collective response. Rather than reacting to incidents, a forward-thinking RSHE programme anticipates change and equips students with the critical literacy needed to navigate it confidently and safely.

Research by Rudoe and Ponsford (2024) suggests there is limited research into parents’ perceptions of school-based RSHE and how effectively schools communicate about it. Parents’ conversations with their children about relationships and sex remain under-researched. Many parents express embarrassment or feel underprepared to discuss these topics confidently. This highlights the importance of genuine partnership rather than one-way communication.

At my school, we are planning a workshop to explore the RSHE curriculum across key stages and to model some of the activities we use. For Sixth Form parents, this provides an opportunity to discuss how we approach topics such as consent and how we prepare students for university and independent living. In international schools, parents may also worry about children studying overseas, away from support networks. Such forums create space to share hopes and concerns and to work collaboratively in supporting young people through stress, transition and independence.

Ultimately, RSHE remains an essential part of the curriculum, but its effectiveness depends upon collaboration. When schools involve parents and stakeholders in planning, reviewing and delivering the curriculum, they strengthen trust and shared understanding.

Preventative education cannot be delivered in isolation; it requires alignment between school, home and safeguarding practice. RSHE is not an add-on to academic provision — rather, it helps students to thrive. If we want young people to flourish beyond school, then a strategic, responsive and collaborative RSHE curriculum must remain central to our work.

Key Questions for Reflection

• What is the vision of your RSHE curriculum, and why is it important?
• How effectively are stakeholders involved in its implementation and review?
• What role do parents play, and how are they being equipped to support discussions at home?
• How is your school communicating emerging safeguarding trends to the wider community?

Jason Sannegadu
NAPCE NEC Member

FREE EVENT: NAPCE FREE Spring Online Conference 2026 – The Impact of AI on Pastoral Care in Education – BOOK NOW

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NAPCE FREE Spring Online Conference 2026 – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Pastoral Care in Education – BOOK NOW

The National Association for Pastoral Care in Education’s Spring Online Conference 2026, focusing on the timely and important theme: “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Pastoral Care in Education”, is just weeks away.

And tickets for the event, on 16th April, 2026, are FREE.

As artificial intelligence continues to shape the future of education, it is a topic that no educator can afford to ignore. Recent updates in Keeping Children Safe in Education have highlighted the growing relevance of AI, reinforcing the need for schools and colleges to understand both its opportunities and challenges.

With less than one month to go, this is a timely opportunity to engage with one of the most rapidly evolving areas in education. Places are limited and previous NAPCE online events have filled quickly—early booking is now essential to avoid disappointment.

Join the Conversation

This free online event will take place on:

• Date: Thursday 16th April 2026
• Time: 7:15pm (UK time)
• Venue: Online (joining link sent to ticket holders)

Whether you are a pastoral leader, teacher, student, or simply interested in the future of education, this event offers a valuable opportunity to engage with the latest thinking in this fast-moving field.

Guest Speaker

The conference will feature a keynote address from Dr Rohan Jowallah, a globally recognised educator, researcher, and instructional innovator.

With over 30 years of experience across the Caribbean, England, and the United States, Dr Jowallah’s work sits at the intersection of pedagogy, technology, and inclusion. He is widely known for his commitment to ensuring that the development of AI in education remains ethical, inclusive, and centred on human values.

His keynote presentation will explore:
“The Opportunities and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence.”

Conference Aims

The event will provide an opportunity to:

• Share perspectives on the opportunities and challenges presented by AI
• Explore the potential impact of AI on future educational policy and practice
• Consider how AI may influence pastoral care and support for learners
• Highlight effective practice in pastoral care
• Discuss current issues affecting education and student wellbeing

What to Expect

Delegates will benefit from:

• A keynote presentation from an international expert
• Insight into current and emerging issues
• Opportunities to share and reflect on good practice
• A live “Pastoral Question Time” panel discussion

Programme Highlights

• 7:15pm – Welcome from Phil Jones, National Chair of NAPCE
• 7:20pm – Keynote Address: Dr Rohan Jowallah
• 7:50pm – Questions and discussion
• 8:00pm – Pastoral Question Time Panel

Panel contributors include:

• Mark Diacopoulos, Pittsburg State University (USA)
• Nicole Ponsford, CEO, Global Equality Collective
• Charlie Walker, Chief of Staff, CompliMind
• Sam Human, Head of AI at Globeducate
• Samantha Marsden, author and teacher

Book Your Free Place Now

Free tickets and further details are available via Eventbrite:
https://NAPCEONLINE26.eventbrite.co.uk

• Places are limited to just 100 delegates
• Demand is high and tickets are expected to go quickly

Don’t Miss Out

With the event fast approaching, now is the time to secure your place. This promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking evening, offering practical insight into how artificial intelligence is already influencing pastoral care—and what it could mean for the future.

Join colleagues from across the sector for an evening of discussion, reflection and shared learning—just don’t leave it too late to book.

Any questions? Please contact admin@napce.org.uk

AWARDS: National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 2026 –  How to Make a Nomination

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How to Nominate for the National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 2026

The National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 2026, organised by National Association for Pastoral Care in Education, are now open for nominations—offering a valuable opportunity to celebrate the exceptional individuals, teams, and organisations making a real difference to the lives of young people.

The nominations window closes on Tuesday 12th May 2026 and will recognise outstanding pastoral care practice during the 2025–26 academic year. Whether you are a colleague, leader, student, or community member, you are encouraged to put forward those whose work deserves recognition.

Award Categories

There are a wide range of categories to reflect the breadth and impact of pastoral care:

• Pastoral Development of the Year
  Recognising initiatives or ideas that have improved learning experiences and future life chances.

• Pastoral Member of Staff of the Year
  For individuals who consistently go above and beyond to support young people.

• Pastoral Team of the Year
  Celebrating teams demonstrating commitment and measurable positive impact.

• Raising Awareness about Pastoral Care
  For those who have promoted awareness and driven improvements in pastoral care.

• International Contribution to Pastoral Care
  Honouring schools, organisations, or individuals outside the UK delivering high-quality pastoral care.

• Outstanding Contribution to Pastoral Care
  Recognising significant and lasting impact on young people.

• Pastoral Leader of the Year
  For inspirational leaders who motivate others and champion pastoral care.

• Effective Pastoral Care to Support Transition
  For collaborative work ensuring smooth transitions between educational settings.

• Pastoral School of the Year
  A school that can demonstrate a commitment to pastoral care and support for learners that makes a real difference in the progress and personal development of young people in the school

In addition, three special honours may be awarded at NAPCE’s discretion:

• Special Recognition Award

• Lifetime Achievement Award

• The Edith Hanko Award for Outstanding Pastoral Care for SEND Learners – Celebrating exceptional support for learners with SEND.

How to Submit a Nomination

Submitting a nomination is simple:

• Complete the official entry form via the NAPCE Awards 2026 – Entry Form

You will be asked to provide:

• Your name and role (as the nominator)

• The nominee’s name and role (or organisation name)

• Up to 500 words of supporting evidence

Self-nominations are welcome, and anyone able to provide clear evidence can submit a nomination.

Writing a Strong Nomination

Your submission should:

• Clearly address the criteria for the chosen category

• Demonstrate impact on learners’ wellbeing, learning experience, and future life chances

• Provide specific examples of high-quality pastoral care

• Stay within the 500-word limit

Additional materials such as photos or links are not required unless requested by judges.

Please ensure that nominees are aware of their nomination and that accurate contact details are provided.

Judging Process

All nominations will be reviewed by independent professionals with expertise in pastoral care. Submissions will be anonymised and judged solely on the quality of evidence provided, not the number of nominations received.

Judges will be particularly interested in:

• The difference pastoral care has made to young people

• Evidence of meaningful and measurable impact

• Examples of best practice

Key Dates

• Closing date for nominations: Tuesday 12th May 2026

• Judging completed: By the end of June 2026

• Finalists announced: Via NAPCE social media and newsletter

• Awards Ceremony: Friday 10th October 2026

The presentation event will take place at the Graeme Hick Pavilion, Worcestershire County Cricket Ground, in Worcester.

Winners in each category will receive:

• A commemorative plaque

• £100 prize

• A NAPCE winner’s badge

All finalists will receive a certificate recognising their achievement.

Why Nominate?

These awards are an important opportunity to:

• Celebrate excellence in pastoral care

• Share and promote effective practice

• Recognise the dedication of professionals supporting young people

NAPCE will also share examples of best practice from nominations in its monthly newsletter following the awards.

Stay Informed

For further information, visit www.napce.org.uk or contact NAPCE at admin@napce.org.uk. You can also request to join the mailing list for the free monthly newsletter.

Latest News

NAPCE is also planning a Wales Symposium, following successful events across the UK. This will take place at Ebbw Fawr Learning Community (Secondary Phase Campus) in Ebbw Vale on Tuesday 9th July 2026. The event will feature a guest speaker and a “Pastoral Question Time” panel exploring current issues in pastoral care.

More details will be shared soon via the NAPCE newsletter and website.

Now is the time to recognise and celebrate the individuals and teams whose work is transforming lives through outstanding pastoral care.

EVENT: NAPCE AGM to take place on 28th March, 2026 – Details Released

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The NAPCE Annual General Meeting – 28th March, 2026 – Meeting Details 

The 2026 Annual General Meeting for the National Association for Pastoral Care takes place on Saturday 28^th March at 1-00pm at the Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, London.

Members will be able to attend to hear reports about NAPCE’s work in the last year and plans for the future. Any member who would like to join us for the meeting should email events@napce.org.uk to register your interest in attending to be sent an agenda and other information.

A copy of the Chair/Secretary report that will be presented at the meeting is published below and other documents will be sent to members attending ahead of time.

Chair/Secretary Report 2025/26 for The National Association for Pastoral Care in Education (NAPCE) AGM March 2026

The Association through the National Executive Committee (NEC) continues to maintain strong financial management and governance. The NEC, at its meetings and through the work of its members, ensures sound strategic planning and internal accountability for the activities of the Association. The NEC ensures, (that as a non-profit making charity which aims to support pastoral care in education), the work of its members, NEC and sub committees including the Editorial Board (EB) has the support needed to achieve its aims including administrative, financial, and appropriate insurance. The National Executive Committee has the responsibility for ensuring that the Association meets the governance expectations of the Charities Commission.

The strategic priorities for the NEC this year have been.
1)    Planning events and conferences, where appropriate in partnership with other organisations to ensure that NAPCE is active in the educational world.
2)    To expand the activities of NAPCE to enable the Association to interact with an increasing number of people with an interest in pastoral care in education.
3)    To develop the role of NAPCE as a provider of training and professional development, to share theory and good practice in pastoral care.
4)    To continue to develop the structure and organisation of the Association to meet the current and future needs of its members.
5)    To raise the profile of NAPCE and the Journal in the educational world

The strategic aims during this period have been.

1. To be financially secure.
2. To continue to engage and interact with people with an interest in pastoral care in education.
3. To sustain interest in the work of NAPCE, to maintain and increase membership.
4. To support professionals with an interest in pastoral care and explore new ways to support professionals, to ensure that the Association continues to a have positive role in a changing educational world.

These strategic aims have been achieved because of the hard work and contributions made by the National Executive (NEC), Editorial Board (EB), NAPCE Admin support, NAPCE members and people who support the work of the Association. In recent years, the Association has adapted to changing situations and been successful in responding to these challenges. The NEC and EB have taken advantage of opportunities to promote NAPCE online and to return to live events and face to face meetings. This ensures that NAPCE is taking advantage of all opportunities to raise awareness about its work and to engage people in supporting the aims of the Association.

The NEC along with members of the EB have had discussions this year about the future strategic direction of the Association. Discussions have focused on the values, purpose, mission and vision for the future of the Association. Suggestions for the principles of the Association are.

• To promote the theoretical study of pastoral care in education through the journal.
• To liaise with other organisations who have similar objectives.
• To disseminate good practice in pastoral care in education.
• To promote the education, training of those engaged in pastoral care.

The discussions are exploring the strategies that will support the association to achieve these principles and what actions can be taken to develop and implement the future strategic plans for the Association. The NEC plans to continue with these discussions and encourage members to contribute and share their views and ideas.

The NEC continues to work closely with the EB to support their work in developing the Journal and to maintain its excellent reputation. The Association has a positive relationship with the publishers of the Journal, Taylor and Francis. They are an important partner in the future development of NAPCE which provides a regular income, from the publication of the Journal to ensure the financial stability of the Association. Professor Noel Purdy continues as the editor of the Journal and is assisted by Associated Editors, Caron Carter, Amanda Hatton and Mark Shields provides the administrative support for the Journal. James Coggins continues to be the Association’s contact with Taylor and Francis and his support and guidance is appreciated by the NEC and EB. The reputation of the Journal continues to grow with an encouraging quantity and quality of articles submitted for publication

NAPCE organised several events in the last year. These included an online conference in March. The title for the event was, ‘Why we need pastoral care in education. Supporting the well-being and mental health of children and young people’. The guest speaker was Dr Louise Jones who talked about supporting the wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. A “Pastoral Question Time” followed the presentation.

On the 23^rd of June, NAPCE organised a Symposium in Belfast with the title ‘Building Resilience in Schools. Supporting Pupil and Teacher Wellbeing’. The event was very well attended with all tickets sold out. The first NAPCE Wales Symposium took place on 1^st July, hosted by Ebbw Fawr Learning Community, the Pastoral School of the Year in the 2024 National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education organised by NAPCE. The title for the event was ‘Why we need pastoral care in education. High Achievement and Personal Development’. The First Speaker was NAPCE National Chair. Phil Jones, who talked about how to support the academic progress and personal development of all learners. He was followed by Charlotte Hopkins, Chair of trustees for ‘BulliesOut’ and Director of Kinbee who spoke about empowering and inspiring children and young people. The event finished with an ‘Education Question Time’ with delegates asking questions for an invited panel of guests to answer. The panel included Melanie Thomas, Headteacher, Ebbw Fawr, Learning Community, Oribi Davies, Director of the Inclusion Hub, Friern Barnet School and Charlotte Hopkins, Chair of Trustees for ‘BulliesOut’ and Director of ‘Kinbee’.

NAPCE organised its Annual Conference in Worcester on Friday 10^th October at the Worcestershire County Cricket Ground. The conference sponsored by Pupil Pathways had the title ‘Why we need pastoral care in education. Sharing Good Practice’. Keynote presentations were made by Brendon Nell from Pupil Pathways, who talked about Supporting Transition, Humphrey Walters, who talked about Inspiring people to achieve, Dr Sue Roffey, who gave a presentation about Growing Great Schools Worldwide, ‘ASPIRE to a Love of Learning’, and Michelle Bomber who provided a presentation with the title, ‘Know me to teach me’. Good practice in pastoral care was shared through presentations by Sam Coton from ‘Better Me Better You’, Alice Barker, Assistant Principal, Carr Manor Community School, Zoe Ali, Deputy Headteacher, Thornhill Community Academy, and Louisa Pritchard, Principal, at Bristnall Hall Academy. In November NAPCE was invited to attend and have a display stand at Attachment Research Community (ARC) Annual Conference. In December NAPCE was invited to attend the University of Worcester Educators Climate Summit.

The events and activities organised by NAPCE raise awareness about the Association and share good practice in pastoral care in education The table below is an analysis of the 2025 NAPCE events and demonstrates how they have enabled professionals with an interest in pastoral care and education support for learners to engage and support the work of the Association.

Analysis of NAPCE EVENTS 2025

Countries – UK, USA, Nigeria, Cyprus, Singapore, Kuwait, Germany, Hong Kong, South Korea, China, Switzerland

Towns – Belfast ,Ipswich, Birmingham, Evesham, Craigavon, Bristol, Wimborne minster, Walton on Thames, Walsal, Twickenham, Taunton, Stoke on trent, Sheffield, Solihull Rugely, Romford, Peterborough, Pinner, Louth, Nuneaton, Hackney, Glasgow, Enniskillen, Dudley, Canterbury, Barking, Derby, Crook, London, Salford, Downpatrick. Barnsley, Burnley, Blackpool, Nottingham, Fulham, Ilford, Lewisham, Lichfield.

The campaign launched by NAPCE in 2025, ‘Why We Need Pastoral Care in Education’ was a focus for events and activities in the year. NAPCE in common with other providers of educational conferences and professional development events has found it challenging to attract delegates to attend.

Schools and other educational organisations are reluctant to allow staff to attend conferences and events and professionals are reluctant to attend in their own time. NAPCE invested in the National Conference on paid presenters and speakers to attract delegates. There is a focus on schools providing professional development opportunities for teachers in the new Ofsted inspection framework so it is hoped that this will have a positive impact on professionals being able to attend events. The Annual Conference and other events organised by NAPCE are an important opportunity to raise the profile of the Association and to interact with professionals with an interest in pastoral care.

The Association organised the ‘National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education’ for the sixth year in 2025 This is an important initiative to raise awareness about NAPCE and to engage with more people who share an interest in pastoral care in education. It has become an important part of the education calendar which was demonstrated by the number of nominations increasing for the 2025 Awards. We continue to see a connection between people who make nominations for the awards and then become more actively involved in NAPCE and interested in becoming members. The Presentation Event took place in Worcester in October at Worcestershire County Cricket Club. Awards were presented to the winners selected by the judging panel. A huge thank you to Susana Cervera, Anne Jones, and Iain Johnson for their work to make the awards and the presentation event an enormous success. Thank you to Noel Purdy, Anne Emerson, Margaret Mullholland, Caron Carter, Andrew Wright and Jill Robson, for judging the nominations. Nominations have opened for the 2026 awards.

The Association was once again actively involved in the planning and delivery of the Association of School and College Leaders, (ASCL) Annual Conference for Pastoral Leaders in January 2026. The conference which took place in Manchester was sold out and NAPCE contributed with Phil Jones representing NAPCE and Anne Jones from the admin team being available on the NAPCE display to talk to delegates and tell them about the work of the association.

This was an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of NAPCE, with delegates in leadership roles in primary and secondary schools, attending the conference, from all around the country. NAPCE was once again invited to contribute to the planning of Safer Internet Day and was a registered supporter of the event. This is an annual event involving schools and organisations from across the country. It is good to see NAPCE taking an active role in educational events and activities and that other educational organisations are now approaching NAPCE to ask for our support and contributions to important educational events.

The National Executive Committee has planned a busy calendar of NAPCE events for 2026.

Dates for 2026 

The NEC have continued to take positive action to enable the Association to interact more effectively with other people who share an interest in education and the contribution that pastoral care can make to the learning experience of children and young people. The Association continues to develop partnerships with organisations with similar interest and values. Partner organisations include.

Some partnerships are well established and others are being developed. The partnerships provide opportunities for NAPCE to network with organisations with similar values and to share ideas and expertise.

The increase in contact with NAPCE administration by email and telephone has continued this year and demonstrates how NAPCE has raised its profile. There have been requests for advice and guidance on a wide range of pastoral issues that members of the NEC have responded to. Contacts have been about advice on good practice in pastoral care and guidance about the roles of pastoral leaders, pastoral staff, and designated safeguarding leads. NAPCE through its social media platforms encourages the sharing of good practice in pastoral care and discussion and debate about current pastoral issues.

The Association is pleased to continue working with Iain Johnson from Noise PR. Iain is managing our social media and supporting the Association with its publicity and marketing. Iain has made a huge contribution to raising awareness about the work of NAPCE and is making a real impact in helping us to achieve our aim of interacting with more people who share our interest in pastoral care. The impact of his support can be seen in increased followers on social media and people contacting NAPCE. Iain produces the monthly newsletter for the Association, which has seen a growing number of people requesting a copy and an increase in the number of people opening and reading the newsletter each month. The Newsletter has published a wide range of articles on pastoral care, written by guest educationalists from other educational organisations as well as contributions from members of the NEC and Editorial Board. The newsletter has become a valuable resource for the latest thinking and sharing of ideas about pastoral care in education and ensures that members and supporters of NAPCE are kept up to date with current information about pastoral care and news about NAPCE events and activities. Dean Hassan has taken over responsibility for managing the NAPCE website. This increased interaction has seen more interest, in membership of the Association. Increasing the membership of the association continues to be a priority for the National Executive Committee.

Members of NEC this year have contributed their energy, skills, and expertise to the Association to enable it to continue to expand its activities for its members and raise its profile in the educational world. The NEC welcomes suggestions about how to raise awareness, of the work of NAPCE, and any views or opinions from our members about future developments in policy and practice in pastoral care in education. NAPCE as a charity follows the guidance and advice of the Charities Commission to ensure that it has good governance and that decisions are made in the best interest of achieving the aims of the Association. Thank you to all members of the National Executive Committee, Editorial Board, Anne Jones, Communication Administrator, Susana Cervera, Meetings and Events Administrator, Iain Johnson at Noise PR, Mark Shields, for administrative support for the Journal, Dean Hassan for his work with the website and James Coggins and his colleagues at Taylor and Francis, for your support, contributions, energy, and ideas this year. NAPCE continues to raise its profile in the educational world and to make a positive contribution to the sharing of good practice and developing effective policy and practice, in pastoral care in education.

Phil Jones – National Chair, NAPCE                                                Jill Robson – National Secretary, NAPCE

EVENT: NAPCE Annual Conference – New Guest Speaker Announced

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Daniel Machin Confirmed as Speaker for the NAPCE Annual Conference 2026

The National Association for Pastoral Care in Education is delighted to announce that Daniel Machin, Principal of Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, has been confirmed as a keynote speaker for the NAPCE Annual Conference 2026.

Daniel leads one of the UK’s most highly regarded co-educational independent schools, recognised as ISA Senior School of the Year and The Times Northern Independent School of the Year for Academic Excellence. His conference presentation, titled “Pro-active Pastoral Care Across Cultures: Meeting the Needs of Overseas Students”, will explore how schools can effectively support diverse student communities through inclusive and forward-thinking pastoral care.

An Experienced Voice in Educational Leadership

A graduate of the University of Hull and the University of Warwick, Daniel Machin brings over twenty years of experience in education. His career has spanned a range of senior leadership roles, including Head of Sixth Form, Head of Senior School and Vice Principal, before becoming Principal.

Throughout his career, he has developed extensive expertise in both strategic leadership and day-to-day school operations, with a strong emphasis on educational excellence, safeguarding, and student wellbeing. At Queen Ethelburga’s, he continues to foster a collaborative and high-performing staff culture, while championing an innovative and dynamic approach to education for modern learners.

Guest Introduction

Daniel will be introduced by David Griffiths, Deputy Director of School Improvement at the ISA International Education Group. David is also Head of ISA Liwan International School and Co-Head of Wenhua Liwan School in Guangzhou.

ISA Liwan International School was the recipient of the International Contribution to Pastoral Care award at the 2025 National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education, further highlighting the global importance of effective pastoral practice.

About the Conference

The NAPCE Annual Conference 2026 will take place on Friday 9th October at Worcestershire County Cricket Club, a stunning venue overlooking the River Severn and Worcester Cathedral in the historic city of Worcester.

This year’s conference theme is:

“Inclusion and Belonging in Education: Sharing Good Practice in Effective Pastoral Care and Support for Learners.”

The event will explore current challenges facing schools and colleges in fostering inclusive environments, and how high-quality pastoral care can support a strong sense of belonging for all learners.

What to Expect

The conference promises a rich and engaging programme, including:

• Keynote presentations from expert speakers
• Case studies and examples of good practice from schools
• A “Question Time” panel discussion
• Opportunities for professional discussion and reflection
• Networking with colleagues from across the sector
• Informative displays and resources

This event is ideal for pastoral leaders, teachers, support staff, educational organisations, researchers and policymakers—anyone with an interest in how pastoral care can help children and young people achieve their full potential.

Book Your Place

Tickets for this highly anticipated event are available via Eventbrite:
https://NAPCEANNUALCONFERENCE26.eventbrite.co.uk

Places are limited, so early booking is strongly recommended.

Join NAPCE this October for an inspiring day of insight, collaboration and shared commitment to excellence in pastoral care.

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The National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education – Sharing Good Practice – Pastoral Member of Staff of the Year Award

The National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 2025 was our biggest event yet, with a huge amount of high quality entries and a sell-out audience, once again.

Every year we share many great examples of excellent practice in pastoral care and we’re proud to offer some of these to you in NAPCE News which may help guide and inspire your own work.

For this fifth instalment of the new series, taken from the 2025 Awards, we’re focussing on the “Pastoral Member of Staff of the year” category, which was sponsored by North London Collegiate School, in Jeju in South Korea.

The National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education, organised by NAPCE, highlights the amazing examples of good practice that is taking place across pastoral care in education.
The Pastoral Member of Staff of the Year Award Criteria

Criteria – A member of staff who works in pastoral care and who always makes the extra effort to support young people to enable them to become effective learners and achieve success.

The Winner

The winner of this award in 2025 was Sue White from the Netherhall School and Oakes College in Cambridge.

Sue White joined the school in September 2004 as a Student Support Assistant and unqualified English teacher, Sue has dedicated over two decades to supporting students, particularly those from challenging backgrounds. Appointed as Pastoral Manager in January 2016, Sue has become the cornerstone of the school’s pastoral provision. Sue’s role is wide-ranging and vital. She leads the pastoral team with clarity and purpose, ensuring all team members carry out their duties effectively while maintaining high standards. As the most experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead in the school, Sue brings an invaluable depth of knowledge to every situation. She regularly provides expert advice and support to staff dealing with complex issues and takes the lead on major safeguarding concerns. Her work extends beyond the school gates as she completes Early Help Assessments to secure vital external support for families in need.

Sue’s commitment to the future of the school and its students is unwavering. She consistently goes above and beyond her role, attending support meetings during holidays, staying after hours to ensure student safety, and even coming into school on her days off when needed. Her professionalism is matched only by her compassion, she treats each student as an individual, no matter how complex or difficult the situation. Sue never shies away from difficult decisions when she knows it is in a student’s best interest. The students Sue works with often face significant challenges – social, emotional, behavioural, and sometimes safeguarding-related. These young people need structure, understanding, and someone who truly believes in them.

The impact Sue has had cannot be overstated. She has helped students remain in education when exclusion seemed inevitable. She has ensured young people received the mental health support they needed at critical times. Her work on attendance and alternative provision has kept many students engaged who otherwise might have slipped through the cracks. For many, Sue has changed the course of their lives, providing the support, structure, and care they needed to succeed. Simply put, Sue White is the person everyone turns to in a crisis, not just because she has seen it all before, but because they know she will handle it with care, integrity, and unwavering professionalism.

The finalists in this category in 2025 were:-

Tanya Pavitt from Edgeborough School in Farnham in Surrey.

Tanya is the heart of Edgeborough School – she has been working with pupils there for nearly 30 years and within that time has positively impacted hundreds of lives through her kind, pupil centred approach to support and learning. She is a powerhouse of energy, enthusiasm and initiative and wants to see every child she works with grow in confidence and feel safe and supported to take risks in their learning. She is ELSA trained and a Higher Level Teaching Assistant showing  dedication to support pupils and is highly attuned to pupils needs.

Jane Davey from Wyborne School, New Eltham in London.

Jane Davey is the Pastoral Care and Safeguarding Coordinator at Wyborne Primary School. Over the past 15 years, Jane has become an invaluable member of the school community, consistently going above and beyond to support both children and their families. Her tireless commitment, innovative thinking, and deep care for the well-being of everyone at Wyborne make her an exemplary figure. Jane’s impact on the lives of our children is profound. She works relentlessly to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed, not only academically but also socially and emotionally. Recognising that a child’s well-being is crucial to their success, she consistently addresses any barriers to learning. By focusing on early intervention and prevention, Jane has made a measurable difference in reducing the number of referrals to social care. This proactive approach ensures issues are addressed before they escalate, enabling children to stay in school and continue their education without disruption.

Charlotte Surry from Dame Alice Owens School, Potters Bar in Hertfordshire.

Charlotte Surry, is the Pastoral Manager at Dame Alice Owen’s School, Charlotte was nominated by a parent in recognition of the extraordinary support she has provided to their son during a year of significant personal challenge and transformation.  These difficulties impacted every aspect of his school life. However, with the support and unwavering presence of the Pastoral Manager, he has begun to rebuild not only his confidence but also his sense of hope for the future.  What sets Charlotte apart is not only her professionalism but the warmth, compassion, and human understanding she brings to her role. She built a relationship with him founded on trust and genuine rapport—one that allowed him to feel safe enough to open up, share his fears, and accept help. Her ability to be both a steady hand and a kind heart gave him a vital anchor during some of his most vulnerable moments.  She has also been incredibly supportive of us as parents. In every interaction, she has shown empathy, clarity, and care—not just for our son, but for our family as a whole.

At a time when we were navigating a series of medical assessments, a diagnosis of autism and depression, new medication, and intensive therapy, she remained in close contact with us. She never made us feel like we were “just another family”; instead, she treated us with the respect and attention that made us feel seen and supported.  Thanks in part to her dedication, our son has made remarkable progress. With the support of mental health professionals and fluoxetine, his mood has stabilised. His tailored CBT sessions are equipping him with coping strategies, but it’s the ongoing encouragement from the Pastoral Manager that has helped him put those skills into practice at school. She has empowered him to believe in himself again.  He now feels more motivated than ever. We believe that without her compassionate guidance and determined support, our son’s school experience this year—and indeed our family’s overall well-being—would have looked very different. Her impact is lasting and profound, and we understand she has done this for many other students and families too.    She exemplifies everything a pastoral manager should be.

Maggie Bassett from Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg, Bry-y Mor in Swansea

Maggie is the school’s sunshine on a rainy day – literally! She greets the pupils every morning on the yard as they enter the school grounds whatever the weather. Her observations and chats in the morning allow her to assess who may need extra support that day.  Her smile, as well as her kindness touches the hearts of every single pupil and member of staff at our school. When she listens, you know that you have her full attention. She intuitively knows when to just listen and when to offer good, honest advice.

Maggie has been key in establishing the Zones of Regulation throughout the school. For the pupils that need the extra support in recognising and managing their feelings, Maggie is there to help soothe them and calm them down.    She has an incredible skill of making each individual child feel welcome and special. Maggie is described by parents as being so warm and kind as well as so knowledgeable. She can read children like a book and knows just how best to reach them. Maggie is such a calming presence and respected by all members of the school community.

Entry for the 2026 National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education are now open. Take a few minutes to make a nomination to share good practice in pastoral care in education and recognise and value contributions made to supporting leaners and the difference that effective pastoral care makes to the learning experience of children and young people. Details about the categories for the awards and nominations can be made by following the link NAPCE Awards 2026 – Entry Form