Personal Support

The support of each and every individual pupil is central to the culture and practice at Edinburgh Academy: a child who is feeling supported and happy is better placed to take on academic challenges; and pupils who are succeeding academically, on the stage, in a music performance or on a sports pitch are more likely to be happy.

Each pupil is based in one of 4–6 small Form classes, overseen by an Assistant Head of Year, who is in turn supported by a Head of Year and who reports to one of the two Deputy Rectors. We strive to ensure each pupil is known as a person, as an academic and for targeted interventions that enable them to succeed at School and beyond.
 

Physical and Mental Wellbeing

Our work here is supported by three further key individuals. Our Health & Wellbeing Practitioner deals with minor injuries, illness and also spots behaviours that are telling us someone is ‘not okay’ at any point in time. She is also a key person who supports our Young Carers, work that has been sector-leading and award-winning. We are also fortunate to have the support of a school GP from a local practice. Our School Counsellor operates from within our Pastoral Base and deals with more substantive issues of wellbeing.
 

Support for Learning

The intersection of academic and pastoral concerns often arises within the sphere of our Support for Learning department who work closely with both academic colleagues and the members of the Pastoral Team. The aim here is to remove barriers to learning and to success in the classroom, laboratory or exam hall, for example. In some cases, this may be short term support; while for other pupils, the relationship may build over several years. In some cases, it takes the form of generalised support within a classroom; for others it is a specific number of periods per week instead of one academic option: in each case, it is what is deemed to be in the best interest of the individual young person and their family.
 

Child Protection and Safeguarding

This vital, central element of our School practice is reflected in its direct oversight by the Court of Directors. Our Child Protection Co-ordinator is Miss Lynda McConville, supported by a Deputy Child Protection Co-ordinator, Mr Chris Turley and the Deputy Rector (Student Life) Mr Tim Halsall. All Staff undergo regular training in this area.