Thornden school is a learning community that works together to help everyone achieve to the best of their ability. All members of this community are equally important and valued; we embrace and celebrate diversity.

Our pastoral system is based around mixed ability tutor groups. Students are supported by tutors who stay with their group as they progress through the school, building relationships with individuals as well as families.

All students are further supported by a Head of Year. Each Head of Year will ensure a smooth transition from primary to secondary, help them to make informed choices when deciding option subjects in Year 9 and help them navigate education and career pathways as they enter their final years with us.

Both the tutor and Head of Year support individual students academically, socially and emotionally. They are a first point of contact for parents.

A member of the Senior Leadership Team has overall responsibility for the pastoral support and guidance provided for the whole year group.

Students are strongly represented in all aspects of school life. A thriving School Council has a highly significant role in making a range of decisions that influence and improve the experience of students. They are actively involved in fundraising for charity and they have a fundamental role in selecting the charities to support and driving the fundraising process. Students regularly form panels for staffing appointments. We believe that being involved in the decision making process helps to promote the values of independence and mutual respect.

We foster a unique environment where we can nurture, support and inspire our students. Located on a large site with attractive grounds we work hard to ensure that the school provides a warm and friendly environment. Students are all allocated a tutor base and are welcome to use these areas at break or lunch time. We have a number of other areas, such as The Hub and The Shed, where students can go to meet and make new friends.

​​