We understand that ensuring our young people have the best pastoral support possible gives them the best chance of achieving well academically. We ensure that this guidance and support is given at King James by employing Student Support Workers for each key stage (shown below). This ensures that we have the capacity to offer a high-impact support system, and students build positive relationships with our SSW’s, because they work with them so closely.

Our Student Support Team offer emotional support, help with friendship issues and support anti-bullying initiatives throughout the academy. We also work closely with outside agencies and will refer students to other relevant professionals, when appropriate, to ensure that individual needs are met. They are all trained to Level 3 in Child Protection and are first aid trained. As well-qualified professionals, they use their knowledge and expertise to provide crucial support to the students they work with, and collaborate with outside agencies based on the needs of each individual.

Students are welcome to pop in to Student Support Worker offices for a chat at break or lunchtimes, or they may self-refer by email or by asking for an appointment. It is important for us to stress that only appropriate staff members are informed when support is being offered to students, and we treat issues with sensitivity. The Student Support Team are often a first point of contact for parents as well as students, and we would encourage parents to contact the team if they have an issue or concern.

Year Group Teams

Heads of Year

• Year 7 - Todd Murgatroyd and Dion Raitt
• Year 8 - Andrew Bushby and Matthew Saunders
• Year 9 - Maxine Thwaites-Graham and Christopher Bishop

Key Stage 4 Student Support Workers

• Melanie Hutchfield
• Kirsty Mawdsley

Heads of Year

• Year 10 - Jen Humble
• Year 11 - Thomas Graham

Sixth Form Student Support Worker

• John Middleton

Head of Sixth Form

• Gail Nicholson