Welcome to Dawlish College.
It continues to be an absolute privilege to be the Headteacher at Dawlish College – the staff and students are second to none and take all of life’s challenges in their stride. Despite current uncertainties as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, we continue to hold onto our core purpose in all that we do. Behind all of the decisions taken and measures put in place sits the balance between keeping staff and students safe whilst also providing them with a varied and exciting school experience.
Dawlish College is a vibrant and exciting place to be, where we have the highest expectations of staff and students alike and seek to provide challenge at every available opportunity. As a small school, we have a very proud record of holistic support, care and individual attention: the happiness and well-being of our students is of paramount importance and is a vital foundation for their growth and development. Our college has an atmosphere of creativity and positivity that is generated by the provision of excellent opportunities for every individual thereby maximising the outcomes and improving the life chances of the young people in our care.
As a parent myself, I understand that you want your child to be inspired, supported and challenged to be the best version of themselves within an environment that knows them and values them as an individual. Thank you for entrusting me with the care and education of your child, present or future, and I look forward to unlocking their ambitions as I get to know them and work closely with you.
S Banks
Headteacher
“Bullying is rare. Pupils know whom to go to if they need to discuss any concerns and are confident that these will be dealt with sensitively and effectively” Oftsed 2016
We have a very proud record of holistic support, care and individual attention: the happiness and well-being of our students is of paramount importance and is a vital foundation for their growth and development. We are fortunate to have a highly experienced team of pastoral staff who are always on hand to work with and support students. However, our college ethos is such that all staff members see themselves as support for students and so students are encouraged to go to the adult they feel most comfortable with.
This can be found at the front of the College and is where all student-focussed services and support can be found: Student Welfare Officers, Student Intervention Officer, Student Support staff, counsellor and first aid. This area is manned all day and is often the first port of call for student/parental day-to-day queries.
These staff are here to work with our young people on a short to medium term basis to iron out difficulties and ensure that students are able to make maximum progress in their time at our College. Although responsible for different year groups within the College, they work together (along with other pastoral staff) to ensure that quality wrap-around care is provided.
Sometimes adolescence can be tough and life throws more at you than you feel able to handle. If this happens we have specialist practitioners who are able to access a range of additional help and support for our young people.
All students have a tutor and their role is to have an overview of a student’s experiences at College. As the tutor sees their tutees every day and are in contact with the subject teachers, they are well-placed to resolve any initial concerns over attitude, progress and attainment. Tutors are an important adult for our students as they build a relationship with them overtime and see themselves very much as a parent during the College day.