Pastoral Care

Your child will be spending some of their most influential years in our care, where they will make leaps and strides in their emotional, social, physical and intellectual development. These early years are key and how they are supported and how happy they feel at school is just as important as how and what they learn.

Meet our Deputy Head Pastoral, Mrs Tessa Davey

Having grown up in South Africa, I completed my BA in English at the University of Cape Town, followed by a Higher Diploma in Primary Education. My career began at the International School of CT, teaching the British Curriculum after which my husband and I moved to the UK. Once settled in Oxfordshire, I began working at Chandlings Manor where I spent seven happy years before moving to Headington Prep School in 2010.

Headington has become my second family, where I have made lifelong friends and seen my daughter flourish as she has moved all the way through the School. My career has also progressed as I’ve been fortunate to develop the role of Deputy Head Pastoral, where I have contributed to achieving AS Tracking Accreditation as well as qualifying as a MHFA instructor.

I feel extremely blessed to work at a school in which children’s wellbeing is the priority and where my own parenting has benefited from the experiences I have gained. I enjoy spending my free time with my family and friends, but also love reading, walking my dog (Dizzy) and pottering in the garden.

How your child is supported and how happy they feel at school is just as important as how and what they learn.

We recognise the importance of

• a warm, family atmosphere
• a caring, safe and supportive environment
• the link between general wellbeing and academic progress
• support for gifted pupils and those who may need extra help
• working in close partnership with families

Our pupils:

• develop self-respect and a high sense of self-worth
• learn the importance of respect for others
• become forward thinking, confident and resilient
• gain excellent social skills and strong global awareness
• enjoy coming to school to learn and play
• feel supported and know who to turn to if they’re struggling

Who will be supporting my child?

• Form Teachers
• Learning Assistants
• Head of Key Stage
• Wraparound Care team
• Deputy Head Pastoral

In addition, we also have two counsellors, a health and wellbeing assistant, chaplain and access to the Senior School’s Health Centre. All staff operate an open door policy and pupils know they can raise any concerns or issues with any member of staff.