Pastoral Support
St Matthew’s Academy has a team of six Principal Teachers of Pastoral Support whose key role is to ensure that the needs of every pupil are met and that each young person is supported to succeed. Their work includes developing strong links with P7 pupils and primary school colleagues, meeting with pupils at least once each year, supporting young people to make informed choices, and monitoring progress in learning, attendance and behaviour.
Every effort is made to ensure continuity for pupils transferring from primary school, with siblings normally allocated the same guidance teacher wherever possible. All pupils also take part in a weekly period of Personal and Social Education (PSE), which supports their personal development and wellbeing. The PSE programme covers key areas including healthy lifestyles, relationships, careers education, and pathways into further and higher education, employment and training.
Our pastoral support takes the form of six Guidance Houses, each led by a principal teacher. Each house also has two S6 Captains who provide support and advice to younger pupils in their house.
Saint Martin de Porres – Miss Leslie
Saint Teresa of Calcutta – Miss Brady
Saint Pope John Paul II – Mrs Benson
Saint Pier Frassati – Mr Pless
Saint Óscar Romero – Ms Donnelly
Saint Maximillian Kolbe – Mrs Stevenson
Ms Graham, Mrs Baillie, Miss Corrigan and Miss Craig are also part of the Guidance team.
Pupil Support
Alongside the personal support provided by the Pastoral Team, St Matthew’s Academy has a dedicated Pupil Support Department. We recognise that pupils may require additional support at different stages of their school journey, and our Pupil Support staff work across all year groups and subject areas to ensure that every young person is able to learn effectively and make appropriate progress.
Support is delivered through a range of approaches, including individual and small-group interventions, cooperative teaching, and targeted programmes such as reading and literacy support. Pupil Support staff also work closely with subject departments to develop courses and learning materials that meet the diverse needs of our pupils. Throughout this process, parents and carers are kept informed and involved as key partners in supporting their child’s learning.
