In a time marked by increasing pressures on young people, Pangbourne College stands at the forefront of promoting mental health and wellbeing among its pupils and students. Through a comprehensive and evolving strategy, the college prioritises the holistic development of its pupils, fostering a supportive community where every individual's welfare is paramount.
Before the global pandemic, concerns about children's mental health were already on the rise. Back in 2015, research undertaken by the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC) found that depression, eating disorders, and self-harm among young people were on the increase. Recognising the amplified stressors of modern-day life, Pangbourne College has taken proactive measures to address these challenges.
Cultivating a Multi-Layered Approach
Central to Pangbourne's approach is its nurturing culture, guided by the Flag Values of integrity, respect, kindness, resilience, industry, moral courage, selflessness, and initiative. These values model every aspect of college life, creating a secure and respectful environment where students can flourish.
In addition, the focus on Pastoral Care reflected in our boarding structure provides a firm foundation for student support. Each pupil belongs to a boarding house, staffed with dedicated professionals who serve as the first point of contact for any wellbeing concerns. This close-knit system enables effective communication and collaboration, ensuring timely interventions for those in need.
An enhanced level of pastoral support is also offered by the Wellbeing Hub, an initiative developed by Teen Tips that we have invested in to offer expert adolescent mental health care, and our onsite counselling services, complemented by peer mentoring programs that promote a culture of care and kindness among students.
Wellbeing Initiatives
In 2022, we introduced our first College Wellbeing Day. During this day, all pupils not only have a wellbeing talk from a specialist speaker, but they all choose to join a wellbeing workshop run by a member of staff. We have enjoyed a range of workshops including yoga, Pilates, baking, drumming, art, photography, origami, foot golf, to name but a few. These have been hugely life-enhancing, both for staff and pupils.
Furthermore, the college actively promotes physical activity as a means of enhancing wellbeing, with a robust sports programme and outdoor pursuits forming integral parts of student life and building resilience with initiatives like the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and the Combined Cadet Force encouraging valuable life skills. By empowering students to face challenges and overcome adversity, the college equips them for the demands of adult life.
Continued Commitment
As Pangbourne College continues to evolve, its commitment to promoting mental health remains persistent. Through ongoing evaluation and adaptation, the college ensures that its wellbeing programmes meet the evolving needs of its students.
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