International Men’s Day: the power of pastoral excellence

How we’re helping our boys become the young men of tomorrow

November is a key month in the calendar when it comes to thinking about mental health and wellbeing, and that of men and boys in particular. Over the last year, conversations around the manosphere – websites and internet discussion groups that are concerned with men’s interests and rights as opposed to women’s – have come into the spotlight, making it easy to see men and boys as ‘the problem.’  

In an article written by The Guardian, political-economist Professor Kent Buse is quoted saying: “Boys and men are not the problem. The problem is the conditions that leave them isolated and without a secure future, and the companies that profit from their anger and insecurity.^“ This drives forward the idea that creating a sense of belonging to a positive environment, surrounded by the right role models, can go a long way towards alleviating ‘the problem’.  

At Loughborough Grammar School, environment is key. The conditions we create for our pupils – a place that feels like a community, a strong network of pastoral care and a culture of ambition – ensure that our boys don’t feel isolated. Instead, they have a place that they belong to in which they are free to discover who they are without judgement, stereotypes or societal perceptions getting in the way. 

Alongside Men’s Health Awareness Month, November also includes Anti-bullying Week and International Men’s Day. Whilst the emphasis on our pupils’ wellbeing remains consistent throughout all months of the year, we believe that there is no better time to raise awareness about why a strong network of support is vital to boys’ education. To put it simply, we believe that outstanding pastoral care is the foundation of a boy’s success and wellbeing. 

What are the challenges for young men? 

It has always been the case that social and cultural norms and expectations have the potential to create a barrier between boys and their understanding of emotional health, but in an increasingly digital world, these societal influences are so easily encountered^. This was addressed in a BBC documentary which aired earlier this year in which former England football manager, Gareth Southgate, explored the modern issues young men and boys are facing. He highlighted concepts such as toxic masculinity, damaging social media influencers and the stigmas around men’s mental health – all of which are subjects that cannot be ignored by schools.  

Through a strong network of professional support, initiatives such as our Student Belonging Network and our strategic pastoral structure, we have created a culture which addresses these concerns. Our school environment ensures that our boys know who they are, like who they are and are good at being themselves. 

What does the evidence tell us? 

In our 2026 Middle School Student Voice Survey, the proportion of pupils who agreed that “I feel like I belong at Loughborough Grammar School” increased from 76.2% in 2024 to 86.5% in 2026. It is significant to note that the 2026 figure sits 17.9% above the national average of 71%, as published in the National Children’s Bureau’s report. Acceptance by peers increased to 85.0%, and happiness in being part of the school community rose from 83.0% to 92.5%. Collectively, these findings suggest a strengthening culture of connection, support and mutual respect. 

The most significant change has been the transition from a vertical House structure to a sectional pastoral model. Under the new structure, Form Tutors and Heads of Year develop a deep understanding of the pupils in their care and remain with cohorts as they progress through the School. Heads of Section provide specialist expertise tailored to different stages of adolescent development, while Year 6 and Year 7 continue as a dedicated transition phase supported by fixed Heads of Year. These developments have strengthened pastoral identity, improved continuity of care and enabled age-appropriate specialist support. 

What do we mean by pastoral excellence? 

We define pastoral excellence by asking: does every boy feel known, valued, and that he belongs? At Loughborough Grammar School, we are proud of the many opportunities our pupils already have to contribute to school life through student leadership, societies, pastoral initiatives, mentoring and a wide range of enrichment opportunities. Our newly established Student Belonging Network builds on these strengths by bringing pupils together to celebrate our community, promote belonging and turn ideas into action. 

The Student Belonging Network, facilitated by Miss Pankhania, is a student-led initiative which provides opportunities for pupils to work collaboratively with both staff members and existing groups and societies across the School, creating a joined-up approach to student voice. Members help shape projects that enrich school life while developing leadership, teamwork and communication skills. Together, they play an important role in fostering a school community where everyone feels valued, respected and that they belong. 

Pastoral provision has been redesigned around a layered “circles of support” model, recognising that strong relationships underpin wellbeing and success. Centrally located on our campus, The Nest provides a nurturing and private space where students can access specialist support for physical, emotional, social, and mental health concerns. Research shows that integrating physical and mental health services can reduce the stigma associated with accessing services and improve outcomes. Our Health and Wellbeing team includes the Pastoral Support Manager, Designated Safeguarding Lead, full-time nurses, Mental Health First Aiders and the school counsellor. They work positively and proactively with pupils, the wider pastoral team, families and external agencies to ensure that every pupil receives the right support at the right time. 

“The Future is Everyone” 

The global theme for International Men’s Day this year is “The Future is Everyone”. It recognises that for progress to happen and for meaningful conversations to take place that work towards changing perspectives, communities must work together. This is reflected in the everyday experience of pupils within our school community; they are surrounded by a network of trusted adults who know them well. They know where to turn when support is needed.  

For us, belonging means creating opportunities for boys to know who they are, like who they are, and be confident in being themselves. Whether through Rugby, Chess, Debating, Bee Club, Warhammer, Wool Club, leadership opportunities or self-directed interests; our co-curricular programme extends pastoral care beyond the classroom, helping boys develop confidence, meaningful relationships and a stronger sense of self.

We are proud to provide boys with a space where they can be themselves and grow into the positive role models the future needs. We are proud to help boys become the young men of tomorrow.