At ACS Cobham, wellbeing is an integral part of everything we do. It is our aim to collaboratively nurture proactive wellbeing for all. Dedicated wellbeing staff and services contribute to our overall wellbeing offer which ensures a safe, healthy and happy environment founded on mutual respect and trust.

Pastoral Care
The central aim of the Pastoral Team is to create a safe, healthy and happy learning environment. We strengthen the health, wellbeing, academics, and situations of life of the students at the school, and prevent marginalisation. Pastoral support work is carried out both on an individual and a group level, and in cooperation with our parents and families.
Two counsellors work closely with parents and teachers to identify and address the specific needs of every student. Counsellors might meet with a student as a one-off, on a regular basis for a limited time, or periodically, depending on what is best for the student. When necessary, we also refer students and families to external support specialists.
Ready to Thrive
Community
Belonging
Medical Care
PSHE
At ACS Cobham we believe that Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education (PSHE) is fundamental in shaping compassionate, confident, and responsible individuals. Our PSHE programme fosters a holistic approach, integrating character development, wellbeing, and life skills, all while promoting our ACS values in every aspect of learning. Together, we nurture confident, empathetic individuals who are prepared to face the future with resilience and a sense of purpose.
We achieve this by integrating PSHE across multiple disciplines, whole cohort assemblies, and our PSHE classes which take place once every two weeks. Below is an outline of our curriculum across each of our grade levels:
Grade | Mental Health/Wellbeing | Living in the Wider World | Relationships |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Feelings, Healthy Eating, Keeping safe, Celebrating difference, Change and transitions | Digital citizenship and safety, Community and belonging | Respect, Personal space, Bullying, Safe touch, Friendships and family |
2 | Feelings, Supporting positive mental health, Resilience, and empathy | Diversity, Respect, Digital citizenship and safety. | Healthy relationships, Friendship & families, Problem-solving, Communication, Bullying |
3 | Self-regulation, Managing emotions, Healthy lifestyle, Screen balance, Managing transitions. | Diversity, Respect, Digital citizenship and safety, Social justice | Friendships, Perspective, Empathy and conflict resolution, Bullying. |
4 | Self-regulation, Dealing with stress and anxiety | Digital citizenship and online safety. | Healthy relationships, Conflict resolution, Communicating difficult feelings, Bullying, Assertiveness skills |
5 | Feelings and emotions at challenging times, How to seek support and advice | Discrimination, Diversity, Online safety | Families and healthy relationships, Puberty, Healthy eating |
6 | Managing change, loss and bereavement | Equality and diversity, Online safety, Substance use, Financial decision making | Healthy relationships, Concept of consent, Reproduction |
7 | Understanding mental health, Digital resilience, Body image, Seeking support | Alcohol and the risks, First Aid, Media balance, Peer pressure, Online presence | Gender expectations, Consent, Sexual health, Forced marriage & FGM |
8 | Healthy lifestyles, Personal safety, Alcohol and the Law | Online safety, Extremism and radicalisation, Peer pressure; Economic and careers education | Healthy and unhealthy relationships, Consent, STIs and contraception |
9 | Balancing mental and physical health, Understanding risk and influences | Safe online behaviour, Radicalization, Introduction to finance | Relationship rights and responsibilities, Sexual health, Online sexual behaviour |
10 | Stress and coping strategies, Health services, Behavioural addiction | Social media, Financial choices, Online blackmail, Career values | Relationship values, Diversity and progression, Pregnancy, Unhealthy relationships, |
11 | Mental health support, Healthy lifestyles, Managing risk & personal safety | Career pathways, Finance skills, Digital resilience | Sexual health, Unhealthy relationships, Consent |
Grade 12
Our PSHE curriculum is delivered via subject lessons and the advisory programme. It ensures that our students have real competence in the skills and strategies they’ve been developing throughout their PSHE education and extends the knowledge and understanding that they need to equip them for independent living and the next stage in their education or career.
Together with our College Counsellors, Pastoral team, Boarding staff and PSHE teachers, students in grade 12 focus on their life beyond ACS to ensure they are ready to thrive wherever the future takes them.

Wellbeing Awards
ACS Cobham fosters a strong sense of belonging, valuing diversity and mutual respect. With wellbeing central to its values, initiatives like flag-raising celebrate community members.
A unique leadership model prioritises wellbeing, supported by bespoke strategies and visible communication through newsletters and training, ensuring a cohesive, supportive environment for all stakeholders.
MEET THE WELLBEING TEAM




