Pastoral

At Harwich and Dovercourt High School, our pastoral care is the foundation of every student’s journey through their five years with us. We are proud of the strong, supportive network in place to ensure that each child is nurtured not only academically, but personally, socially and emotionally too.

Our Pastoral Organisation

Every student at HDHS is assigned to a tutor group, which becomes their daily base and key point of contact throughout their time at school. This group is overseen by a Form Tutor who, supported by our team of Progress Year Leaders, Assistant Progress Year Leaders, and Student Services Assistants, provides consistent care and guidance.

Each morning, tutors lead a structured session designed to support both personal development and academic readiness. These sessions include:

• Daily uniform and equipment checks
• A programme of literacy and reading
• Regular assemblies
• Focused activities supporting our Preparedness Agenda

If a student has any concerns—big or small—their tutor is their first port of call. We believe in early, proactive support and open lines of communication with both students and families.

The Character Curriculum and Our Preparedness Agenda

Our pastoral care is complemented by our Character Curriculum, which underpins everything we do at HDHS. This curriculum is designed to explicitly teach the values, behaviours and mindsets that prepare our students not just for exams, but for life.

We believe that good character is essential for success and fulfilment in adulthood. Through our Preparedness Agenda, we ensure that all students develop holistically, with the knowledge, skills and confidence to embrace opportunities and overcome challenges.

Our Vision

HDHS is a school driven by opportunity. We are dedicated to empowering our students to seize the opportunities presented to them each and every day, so they can live the most fulfilling adult lives possible.

We are proud to serve the young people of Harwich, Dovercourt and our surrounding villages, helping them to:

• Achieve with purpose
• Belong with pride
• Connect with compassion
• Develop with ambition

We are a team of professionals who act each day with compassion and care. Our students matter, and everything we do is rooted in that belief.

The Behaviour and Preparedness Curriculum

To support students in building their character and preparedness, we have set clear expectations aligned with our four key values: Achieve, Belong, Connect, and Develop.

Achieve

• Maintain a positive Attitude Towards Learning
• Bring all necessary equipment, including a reading book
• Collect reward badges for positive contributions
• Complete independent learning tasks diligently
• Maximise learning time in every lesson
• Maintain attendance of at least 94%
• Arrive punctually to all lessons

Belong

• Wear the school uniform correctly and with pride
• Represent HDHS with respect and dignity
• Uphold the school’s reputation in the wider community
• Engage with our enrichment curriculum

Connect

• Show respect to both peers and staff
• Move safely and sensibly around the building
• Use unstructured time responsibly
• Speak and act with kindness
• Communicate clearly and appropriately
• Understand and take responsibility for safeguarding yourself and others

Develop

• Engage with global issues and understand your role in them
• Think about your aspirations for the future
• Take advantage of all opportunities available at HDHS
• Participate in the Big Knowledge Curriculum
• Demonstrate empathy and contribute to your community
• Understand your age-appropriate responsibilities, particularly in relationships

Contact the Pastoral Team - 2025/2026

If you need support, or would like to contact a member of our pastoral team, please use the details below:

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9 

Year 10

Year 11