Pastoral Life
The step into Sixth Form can be a challenging and transformative period for students. As they progress from the predicable structure of general schooling to a more self-motivated, goal-oriented environment, new challenges and pressures arise.
At this critical juncture, pastoral care plays an indispensable role and staff understand the important role they have as custodians of the emotional, social, and moral well-being of our students. Ursuline College strongly believes in cultivating an atmosphere that genuinely values each student as a unique individual with distinct needs, aspirations, and potential.
Beyond its traditional scope in the lower school, pastoral care in Sixth Form carries a heightened importance. The reasons are manifold. For one, it marks the transition between a school-centred stage of education and individual-centred university or professional life. This transitional phase is a sensitive period filled with self-exploration, self-questioning and momentous decision-making. By providing educational, psychological, and moral support, pastoral care helps students navigate this rocky path, alleviating anxiety, boosting self-esteem and enabling informed decision-making.
In addition, Sixth Form students are more likely than their younger counterparts to face issues such as stress and examination pressure, mental health issues, and burgeoning responsibilities. The Sixth Form team are trained to identify and addressing these issues early on, ultimately fostering a secure and nurturing environment conducive to academic success and personal growth. Whilst there is a significant focus on academic performance throughout Sixth Form, the pastoral team promotes the holistic development of students by inculcating vital life skills such as resilience, empathy, emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills that are increasingly being recognised as indispensable in a rapidly changing world.
At Ursuline College, Year 12 and Year 13 students have their own distinct House, St. Michael’s. The House is led by the Director of Sixth Form, the Deputy Director of Sixth Form and a House Manager. Together, they deal with all issues that arise, on a day to day basis. The end result of the high-quality care provided over the course of the two years, is that students leave Ursuline College Sixth Form as rounded individuals who are not just academically proficient but also emotionally and socially adept. Such individuals are better equipped to navigate their future landscapes, whether it be apprenticeships, university, employment, or broader society.
St Michael's House Team
Each lesson, there will be at least one member of the pastoral team available in the Sixth Form Centre to support students during the day.
Mr J Joyce
Director of Sixth Form
Mrs J Hall
Deputy Director of Sixth Form 
Mrs V Crompton
Sixth Form House Manager
The Director of Sixth Form leads the House and has overall responsibility for looking after the academic and pastoral care of the students within the Sixth Form. The DOSF liaises closely with the Raising Standards Leader for Key Stage 5 to monitor the quality of students’ teaching and learning, working with the subject leaders to make sure students are doing the best they can in their subjects. In additional to this, the DOSF takes primary responsibility for Safeguarding, Enrolment, Work Experience, Behaviour, Academic Attainment and Destinations.
The Deputy Director supports the Director with overseeing the academic progress and pastoral welfare of students in Years 12 and 13, including their transition into the Sixth Form and the day to day operation of the Sixth Form. In addition, the Deputy Director takes primary responsibility for timetables, bursary, careers appointments and student voice.
The House Manager will be the first point of contact for students. The House Manager will deal with day-to-day queries from the student, parents or guardians. In addition, the House Manager is responsible for external referrals to agencies, access arrangements, attendance tracking and manages the Study Centre.
Religious Life and Education
Ursuline College Sixth Form welcomes all students, regardless of their religious background, in a school that upholds values of kindness, resilience, integrity, respect, serviam and aspiration. Our curriculum is influenced by a spirit of respect and understanding, seeking to create a diverse and inclusive community.
Our commitment to fostering a welcoming environment goes beyond religious identity. We believe in nurturing the holistic development of our students. We hold a variety of activities throughout the school year to promote a caring and supportive community such as Morning Prayer, an annual House feast day celebration and assemblies that develop students understanding of the Ursuline Student Profile.
While we respect the diversity of beliefs among our students, we also encourage intellectual exploration. Our curriculum includes one hour of General Religious Education each week, which is consistent with any typical Sixth Form, and covers key areas of doctrine, scripture, and ethics. We respect the rights of parents and guardians regarding religious education, as outlined in the Education Act of 1996, and are committed to creating an environment where every student can thrive.
For those looking to develop their understanding further, an A Level course in Religious Studies is available.
St Michael's Prayer
