At St Dunstan's, we recognise that students will thrive when they feel happy and supported.
We structure everything we do around providing first-rate care and support to our students and we encourage our parents and carers to buy into the ethos of forming a team around each child, supporting and raising them to thrive and reach their individual potential.
We know that strong working relationships between students and the staff who are there to support them are essential and our timetable is structured so that students spend time with their form tutor twice a day. This time is used by our tutors for form activities to build strong relationships between members of the form, and for one-to-one consultations to review academic progress and personal development.
We are also very proud to have a dedicated Wellness Centre. The Wellness Centre provides a hub of services, including the College Nurse, first aid, attendance team and College counsellors.
Integrity
Integrity is at the core of our College values. Students are expected to demonstrate this throughout their interactions both on and off the school site, reflecting on their choices and learning for the future, ensuring they leave the College with both the intellect and moral character that will enable them to succeed in all of their future endeavours.
Moral Ambition
At our school, education means more than academic success. We believe true achievement lies in developing character — nurturing young people who are brave, kind, ethical, and resilient. Moral ambition runs through every year group, reaching its peak in the Sixth Form, where students step into leadership and service with maturity and purpose.
Character is central to our ethos. It’s seen in students who lead societies, mentor younger peers, support one another, and contribute to causes beyond themselves. It’s about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, and choosing the harder path when it matters most.
Our students dedicate significant time to volunteering and fundraising, contributing thousands of hours each year. From weekend coding mentorship at Catford Coding Club, or goal-setting with Lewisham Young Leaders, to junior school literacy support, national poppy appeals, themed charity weeks, and sports fundraising events, they show how compassion and action can change lives.
In Sixth Form, this moral ambition shines brightest. Students inspire others through initiative, leadership, courage, and a determination to make a difference.
We offer an education that stretches minds, unlocks futures, and forges character — preparing our students not just to succeed, but to contribute meaningfully to the world. If this resonates with your hopes for your child, we invite you to explore our community further.
Diapason
Our Diapason runs across the Senior School, focusing on five pillars: Disability; Race; Religion; Sex and Gender; Sexual Orientation. Each pillar is led by a staff member and a student. All students are then invited to support the branches of the Diapason through regular meetings, raising awareness of their branches across the college and celebrating diversity through regular events.
Neurodiversity
We see neurodiversity as a vital part of our learning community. While some approaches to education have traditionally used a deficit model, we believe in moving beyond that perspective. Instead, we aim to recognise and develop each student’s individual strengths and potential. Our goal is to create an environment where every learner can thrive and feel valued for who they are.
Neurodivergent individuals often demonstrate exceptional creativity, original thinking and problem-solving skills. Their unique perspectives can lead to fresh ideas and innovative approaches across a wide range of disciplines, from the arts to the sciences. These abilities enrich our classrooms and contribute to a dynamic and inclusive learning culture.
We provide tailored support where needed and work in close partnership with parents, recognising the strong connection between home and school. This includes inviting experts in different areas of neurodivergence to share insights with families, hosting regular coffee mornings to help parents connect with one another and staff, and creating spaces for open dialogue. We also ensure that our environment accommodates a range of needs, such as offering quiet spaces during busy times for those who benefit from them.
By fostering a culture that celebrates individuality and creative potential, we enable all students—neurodivergent and neurotypical alike—to explore their talents, express themselves fully and strive for excellence.
Neurodiversity is not simply accommodated; it is understood, valued and celebrated as a foundation for creativity, resilience and future success.
Pupils in the senior school also show respect for each other. They learn and work in a collaborative way, listening to each other’s views and thoughts, offering intelligent development of class discussions and learning.
– Independent Schools Inspectorate, April 2024
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Pastoral Care
