Our Pastoral System
Every Student Known, Valued and Supported
At Stratton School, we believe that strong relationships are at the heart of every successful school experience. That is why we operate a vertical tutoring and House system, bringing students together from different year groups and creating a supportive community where everyone belongs.
Our four Houses, Adlam, Chaundler, Franklin and Turing, alongside the Matt King Sixth Form, provide students with a network of support that extends far beyond the classroom.
What is Vertical Tutoring?
Vertical tutoring means that students from different year groups are placed together in the same tutor group. Rather than being grouped solely by age, students work alongside younger and older peers throughout their time at school.
This creates a family feel within the tutor group and allows students to form meaningful relationships across year groups. Stratton's tutor groups are organised within our House system, providing continuity and support from Year 7 through to Sixth Form.
The Benefits for Students
🤝 Stronger Friendships Across Year Groups
Students quickly become part of a wider community rather than only knowing those in their year group.
Older students act as positive role models, helping younger students settle into school life and sharing their experiences and advice. Younger students benefit from having familiar faces around the school and someone to turn to for support.
This helps students feel more confident, connected and included from the moment they join Stratton.
🌟 Leadership Opportunities
Vertical tutoring naturally creates leadership opportunities.
Older students learn how to:
- Support younger peers
- Model positive behaviour
- Develop communication skills
- Build confidence and responsibility
These experiences help students develop the character, leadership and interpersonal skills that universities and employers value highly.
❤️ Improved Wellbeing and Peer Support
Moving to secondary school can feel daunting, but vertical tutoring provides an additional support network.
Students have:
- Their Form Tutor
- Their Student Support Assistant
- Their Senior Tutor
- Their House community
- Students across multiple year groups
This wider support structure helps students feel safe, valued and supported throughout their school journey. The House system is specifically designed to ensure students receive guidance and support through their Tutor, Student Support Assistant and Senior Tutor.
📈 A Sense of Belonging
One of the most powerful benefits of the House system is the strong sense of identity it creates.
Students take pride in representing their House through:
- Competitions
- Sporting events
- Charity activities
- Enrichment opportunities
- Celebration events
This encourages teamwork, aspiration and healthy competition whilst helping students feel part of something bigger than themselves.
Benefits for Families
👨👩👧👦 Long-Term Relationships
Parents and carers often tell us that one of the most valuable aspects of the House system is continuity.
Families build relationships with:
- The Form Tutor
- The Student Support Assistant
- The Senior Tutor
- House staff
These relationships develop over several years, creating trust and ensuring staff get to know students and families exceptionally well.
📞 A Clear Point of Contact
Every student belongs to a tutor group within their House, and the Form Tutor serves as the primary link between home and school and the first point of contact for parents.
This means families know exactly who to contact if they need support, guidance or assistance.
🔄 Consistency Throughout a Child's Journey
From the first days of Year 7 through to GCSEs and beyond, the House system provides a consistent structure.
Students are supported by adults who:
- Understand their strengths
- Know their aspirations
- Recognise challenges early
- Celebrate achievements over time
This continuity allows staff to provide personalised support and ensure every student is able to thrive.
Building a Community for Life
Our vertical tutoring and House system are about far more than registration each morning.
They create:
✅ Strong friendships
✅ Positive role models
✅ Leadership opportunities
✅ Improved wellbeing
✅ A clear support structure
✅ Long-term relationships with families
✅ A strong sense of belonging
At Stratton School, we want every student to feel part of a community where they are known, valued and supported. Our vertical tutoring and House system play a vital role in making that happen every day.
"Small enough to know every student. Strong enough to support every ambition."
Through our Houses and tutor communities, students develop the confidence, friendships and support networks that help them flourish both academically and personally throughout their time at Stratton School.