Pastoral Care 

Starting college is a big step. New subjects, new people and a whole new way of working.

At Xaverian, we believe every student deserves to feel supported in every part of their life, not just in the classroom. That belief shapes everything about the way we care for our students.

Every student has a dedicated pastoral team around them from day one. Whatever is going on, there is always someone you can talk to. 

session class

What pastoral care covers 

Our Pastoral team supports students across the full range of things that can get in the way of College life going well. 

Settling in

Getting used to college, making friends, finding your feet. 
Who supports you 
Pastoral support at Xaverian works through three key roles. Together, they make sure every student is known, noticed, and looked after. 
Pastoral Tutor
Your first point of contact. You meet with your pastoral tutor every week. They get to know you well over time and are the first person to speak to if something is on your mind. 
Pastoral Manager
Pastoral Manager
There to provide more in-depth support when it is needed. They work closely with tutors and step in if a situation needs more time or specialist attention. 
Head of Year
Head of Year
Leads pastoral care for your year group and oversees student welfare more broadly. If a concern needs coordinating across teams, they take the lead. 
Tutorials: Every week, you meet with your Pastoral Tutor and a small group of fellow students for a tutorial.

It is a regular, protected space in your timetable – not a lesson, and not a test. Just time to check in. 

Some tutorials focus on your progress and wellbeing, giving you the chance to talk about how things are going academically and personally. Others involve group activities and personal development – topics like study skills, next steps after college, or broader conversations about life at Xaverian.

Over time, your Tutor gets to know you well. That relationship is at the heart of pastoral care at Xaverian.  

Pastoral cover
A note for parents and carers 

We know that supporting a young person through college is a team effort. If you have a concern about your child, we want to hear from you. The Pastoral team works closely with families, keeping you informed and involved wherever that is appropriate. 

The best starting point is always your child’s Pastoral Tutor. They can either help directly or make sure your concern reaches the right person quickly. 

Counsellor and a Xaverian College student
Counselling 

Sometimes things go beyond what pastoral care alone can address. That is why Xaverian provides a free, confidential, and non-judgemental counselling service, available to all students.

You do not have to wait until things feel overwhelming. Students access counselling for all kinds of reasons – sometimes just to have someone impartial to talk to. Counsellors can help with:

  • Anxiety and stress
  • Depression or low mood
  • Self-esteem and confidence
  • Family or relationship difficulties
  • Bereavement and loss
  • Any personal issues affecting your wellbeing or studies


Counsellors are available every weekday during term time, with appointments held in the counselling rooms on campus. If you feel comfortable doing so, speaking to your tutor or Pastoral Manager first is a good starting point – but you can also arrange an appointment directly by emailing the counselling team.

Where needed, the College can also refer or signpost students to external mental health and wellbeing services for support beyond what we provide on campus.

Get in touch

Got a question about pastoral care? However big or small it feels, we’re here to help. Email us and we’ll get back to you.