Strong pastoral care is one of the pillars of our success. All students in Year 12 and 13 have a form tutor who provides the academic and wellbeing intervention central to post-16 accomplishments. Tutors undertake academic mentoring with students on a one-to-one basis following our regular, calendared assessment and feedback windows known as Assessment Points, and post-exams.

The whole team will, at different points, work with students making the transition from GCSE to A-level, and from different schools into Silverdale. They will support them to become independent learners and ensure students receive appropriate wellbeing or academic support when needed.

They will also support students in making the important move into Year 13 and preparation for final exams, co-ordinating the UCAS process: overseeing applications, managing personal statements and finalising references. The team will support students with interview guidance and technique, provide academic mentoring in the run-up to exams and offer advice about student finance.

We have a dedicated Wellbeing Support Officer who supports Sixth Form students with a range of strategies to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Beyond the system of tutors there is an extensive Sixth Form team:

Mr Naylor, Head of Sixth Form

Mr Naylor has a wealth of experience in post-16 education. He oversees the whole of the sixth form provision, including the curriculum, performance and pastoral support. Mr Naylor is an accredited apprenticeship champion.

Mrs Charlesworth, Deputy Head of Sixth Form
Mrs Fisher, Deputy Head of Sixth Form

Mrs Charlesworth and Mrs Fisher take responsibility for one year group each.

Mrs Mountain, Key Stage 5 Pastoral Manager

Mrs Mountain provides support to both students and staff. She provides important social and wellbeing care to students in Sixth Form. She is responsible for the 16-19 Bursary and applications to Silverdale Sixth Form and oversees all Sixth Form events.

Mr Harris, Key Stage 5 Administration

Mr Harris ensures that the valuable qualities of punctuality and attendance, essential to success at A-level, are followed. He works closely with students, parents and carers when support around attendance and punctuality is needed.

Miss Ponsford, Emotional Wellbeing Support Officer

Miss Ponsford is available to provide wellbeing support to Sixth Form students on Tuesdays and Fridays.

SEND and Inclusion team

Silverdale prides itself on having a strong inclusion team, who work extremely hard to ensure that all students can access their education and feel included within our organisation. This includes mental health support using innovative, nationally-recognised programmes. Our team of professionals also provides rigorous support and advice on safeguarding, inclusion, dyslexia and literacy, autism and communication, behaviour and engagement. We also have an integrated resource for deaf students within the school.