Page 20 - StudyTravel Magazine October 2025 Issue

WELLBEING AT

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

SECONDARY FOCUS

From pre-arrival preparation to ongoing
pastoral care, international secondary
schools are taking a proactive approach to
student wellbeing. Delilah Kealy-Roberts
finds out more.

SECONDARY
Photo above: Bodwell High School, Photo below: Taunton School

rom the first contact during the ment, academic writing, feel comfortable sharing

admissions process to the day efficient reading and any mental health or

Fthey graduate, international stu- revision techniques, learning needs before
dents benefit most when their wellbe- organisation skills the student arrives

ing is placed at the centre of school and time manage- so that support
life. For secondary schools around the ment, on top of can be put in place
world, creating a safe, supportive, and insights into British from the start.
proactive environment has become culture.” Once students
more important than ever. For Bodwell High arrive, orienta-
Kayla Blackmore, Director of School in Canada, tion and integration
Student Life & Wellness at Rothe- the relationship with activities are key to
say Netherwood School in Canada, students starts early and helping them feel at
says preparation begins well before involves clear, personalised home. Kayla says that at
a student even sets foot on campus. communication. “We guide them since Rothesay Netherwood School, “Each
“Our enrolment team works closely we meet them – understanding their student is paired with an advisor who
with each applicant and their family to goals, profile, and expectations,” the serves as their primary point of con-

understand their interests, needs, and Student Recruitment and Counsel- tact and daily advocate,” with house-
goals,” she explains. “This early com- ling teams explain. “Our goal is to parents and student leaders playing “a
munication ensures we can provide a build trust and make them and their vital role” in fostering community.
smooth transition by sharing impor- families feel supported even before Natalie notes that Taunton School’s
tant information with our Director of students arrive in Canada.” buddy system, weekend trips, and
Academics, the advisors, our residen- house activities help new arrivals

tial life staff, and our wellness team.” “Openness about settle in to the school and the UK. “We
At Taunton School in the UK, Head existing problems know that it’s not just a new school for
of International Admissions Natalie is crucial for a our students, but a whole new country
Clatworthy-Cox also emphasises the successful experience” and way of life,” she says.
importance of readiness before arrival. At Bodwell, orientation includes
“Our August pre-sessional courses Declan Millar, Managing Director introductions to dedicated counsel-
offer a crucial foundation for interna- of High Schools International in lors, advisors, and residence staff,

tional students preparing for life at a Ireland, agrees that early, open creating “a highly personalised
UK boarding school in September,” she communication is critical. “Openness approach to encourage and nurture
says. These courses combine study about existing problems is crucial them through their studies.”
skills and intensive English with “well- for a successful experience,” he Students meet key members of

being strategies and stress manage- says, stressing that families should staff who can support them.

OCTOBER 2025 17