Bristol Cathedral Choir School

About the school's work

Essential award: March 2025

Congratulations to Bristol Cathedral Choir School on achieving the Essential Award!

Highlights of the school's work:

• implementing a robust three-wave plan to identify pupils at risk of or already showing signs of poor health and wellbeing (including intervention, support and regular check ins) 
• maintaining regular contact with students who are missing from education (including students in hospital education) to support them and phase them back 
• using Pupil Voice Survey data to shape PSHE curriculum, assemblies and pastoral support 
• ensuring that the Student Council is made up of a diverse cohort of students and the EDI team (staff and students) always consider a range of perspectives and key voices. 
• increasing awareness of support services (Brook, Unity, Frank, Kooth, Childline, Samaritans) 
• consulting with students while reviewing reporting processes and ensuring inclusive ways of communication  

The school is most proud of: 

'I'm really happy with it being largely heads of Year delivering PSHE as they are some of the most experienced, highly trained staff members in terms of safeguarding, de-escalation and sensitive conversations. This gives status to PSHE as a subject and therefore gives elevated status to the learning that takes place. This came to be due a piece of work through which I gained my NPQSL and critically analysed the student experience with specialist and non-specialist teachers. We assess basic knowledge around safety, signposting and the law. This enables us to have conversations to boost knowledge and understanding as well as flag any safeguarding concerns before problems arise. I am grateful for the opportunity to do the Healthy Schools survey as this really is a crucial tool in understanding our community and creating bespoke offerings to meet the evolving needs of our students.'

As a result of working with the Bristol Healthy Schools Programme:  

Bristol Cathedral Choir School is already planning on progressing to the Healthy Schools Specialist Awards.