Our Ethos

The Ferndown Way drives consistency and high expectations across our school to help students achieve both academically as well as to develop as successful, young individuals. We recognise that your young person may need support along the way. 

FUS has an excellent reputation for the pastoral care we offer to all our students. We place real and significant importance on ensuring a learning environment that is safe and encouraging as well as exciting and challenging. We aim to create an environment where children feel valued, listened to and safe and where their self-esteem and resilience is promoted.

Pastoral Hub

We have an experienced team of well-trained Pastoral Managers and Heads of Year who are able to deal with any pastoral issues that may arise, however big or small they may appear to the student, whilst encouraging our core values of challenge, curiosity, collaboration, reflection, resilience and responsibility.

Pastoral is open to students to drop in before tutor, at break, lunch and after school.

House Teams and Tutor

When students join FUS they become part of a house . Tutor groups are led by our 4 Heads of House. Tutors meet their tutees each day and build strong relationships with them, remaining with them through their 3 years at FUS. 

Additional Support

All students, are also issued with a well-being card that  signposts students to be able to access support out of school hours.  Students are encouraged to keep these in their phone cases or wallets for a time they might need to use them. A copy of this card is available on our help page.

If you’re looking for further help we have a handy page at Getting Help: The Ferndown Way with advice and resources to explore suitable for both parents and students.

SEND & Pastoral

The Pastoral and SEND teams work closely together. Please find more information on SEND here.