The house staff are caring and knowledgeable about their charges, and they aim to ensure that pupils fulfil their potential and make the most of their time at Dauntsey's.

What are Houses?

Each pupil at Dauntsey's is assigned to a House of around 50 pupils that is run by a Housemaster or Housemistress. These senior staff, along with their teams of tutors, are responsible for many aspects of a pupil's development whilst at Dauntsey's; they aim to ensure that the pupils make the most of their time here, and fulfil their potential.

The Five Houses - Term time homes for boarding pupils

What is a Tutor?

The tutor system at Dauntsey's is central to the way we help pupils develop, both academically and generally. Tutors will liaise with subject teachers, and so monitor academic progress, or help deal with problems as they emerge. Advice can be given about many topics - option choices, careers advice or exam revision plans are not uncommon - or the tutor can simply be a listening ear when there is a need for someone to talk to. The tutor is in regular contact with parents, and the tutor is usually the person whom a parent would contact to discuss a child's progress.

How are pupils expected to behave?

Dauntsey's has a Code of Conduct based on a need for mutual respect. All members of the school community have the right to expect a well ordered environment that is conducive to study, and this right can only be provided when all members of the community accept their obligation to honour the Code of Conduct. The two main principles of the Code of Conduct are:

1. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect and to work in a clean, calm and safe environment.
   
   
2. Everyone is expected to make the most of their time at school; all are asked to be punctual and well prepared for both lessons and other activities.

What are the school rules?

As in any community there are rules which govern behaviour. It is generally felt that any breach of common sense is a breach of school rules. Although the rules are quite detailed, they can be can be summarised as follows:

• All members of the Dauntsey's community are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct.
  
• Any act of bullying constitutes a serious breach of school rules, and all reported incidences of bullying will be thoroughly investigated.
  
• Pupils must know and comply with the School bounds rules.
  
• Pupils must know and comply with the School dress code.
  
• Smoking is not permitted, nor is the possession of tobacco in any form.
  
• It is forbidden to purchase, possess or consume alcoholic drinks. However, in some circumstances, older pupils are exempt from this rule.
  
• It is forbidden to possess, or bring into school, unauthorised drugs.
  
• Pupils, be they drivers or passengers, must be aware of and comply with the School driving regulations.
  
• Personal behaviour should be discreet and seemly at all times; there should be no public displays of affection during the working day.
  
• Pupils should be aware of and comply with the school safety rules.

Further guidance on school rules, rewards and sanctions is given in a separate handbook.

All pupils are treated in the same way regardless of gender. The school went fully coeducational in the early 1970's, and over the years the school has built up a wealth of experience in dealing with both boys and girls. Currently around half of the pupils are girls

What can I do if things go wrong?

There may be times when a child feels upset, anxious or unable to cope. Talking with friends or family is for many the first step in resolving the problem, but there are others who could also be of help.

The Tutor, Housemaster or Housemistress will always be ready to listen, as will any other member of staff: who is chosen will very much depend on who the child knows well, their feelings and the circumstances. The chaplain, the School Doctors and the Sanatorium staff all have much experience in dealing with problems experienced by young people, as have the Head Master and other senior staff. Alternatively, pupils can request a confidential appointment with Mrs Carol Coupe, the School Counsellor.

The Student Listening Service may also be able to offer help.

What is the Listening Service?

The Listening Service originated from the students themselves who believe that in some instances pupils find it easier to confide in a fellow student rather than an adult. The students are trained in listening and empathising skills to help other students with problems connected with school life, such as bullying, teasing and relationship anxieties. Listeners are contractually obliged to refer serious problems with a medical or legal dimension to a member of staff. There is no question of the Listening Service undermining the position of House staff; on the contrary, as a result of the lower disclosure threshold cases of bullying are unusual.

The Boarding Houses

The Tutor System

Code of Conduct

Rules

Help

Listening Service