Pastoral Care

Within Pringle, the Head of the Junior School, has overall responsibility for all boys with the support of the Third Form Housemaster, First Form Assistant Housemaster and resident Housemother. J4 and J5 are under the care and guidance of their Form Teacher. A team of Tutors and Prefects are also part of the support system. The Chaplaincy Team provides spiritual guidance and counselling. The Medical Centre, staffed by a well-qualified and dedicated team of registered nurses and doctors, provides excellent care at all times.

Implicit in the ethos of the School is the awareness that as boys enter and pass through puberty, many important and difficult issues will confront them. A Personal and Social Education programme appropriate to each year group is run within the curriculum.

Every member of staff is concerned with the safety and well-being of each pupil in the School at all times. The School's Personal and Social Education programme is extensive and wide-ranging. Teaching is through PSE classes and RE lessons, as well as through House seminars and extra-curricular talks.

The School has a legal requirement to ensure that all the pupils live in a safe environment. To this end, Mrs Chispa Prini-Garcia has been appointed Child Protection Officer, assisted by Mrs Julia Williams. All teaching and domestic staff receive training in child protection procedures.

The School received excellent reports on its welfare standards by HMI and the Care Commission.

Third Form (12 year olds)

For boys joining Merchiston at this stage the Third Form year gives a time to get to know Merchiston and build friendships in the junior school environment before entering the Senior School. For Pringle boys progressing into Third Form, it provides a distinct experience within Pringle, tailored to their age and preparing them for life in the Senior School.

The Third Form boys have their own Housemaster, tutor team and prefect team. Third Form boys are still very much part of Pringle House, benefiting from its outstanding environment and facilities as well as sharing its positive ethos. However, many of their activities are planned independently. The programme of responsibilities and leadership opportunities within Pringle for Third Form boys reflects their seniority in the Junior School. The Third Form year combines close pastoral care in he Junior School with academic rigour and challenge through all lessons being delivered by specialist staff in the Senior School facilities.

The range of activities, sporting and cultural pursuits is vast. A glance at the Junior School calendar and the reports on this website will give you a flavour. Boys are encouraged to develop a broad range of interests and talents.