Pupil Voice and Responsibilities | Lochinver House | Private School in Hertfordshire

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WELLBEING AND PASTORAL CARE AT LOCHINVER
Pastoral care underpins personal development and makes our pupils feel that they belong, that they have good self-esteem and that they are able to flourish.

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Pupil Voice and Responsibility

At Lochinver House, we are committed to listening to the views, wishes, and experiences of all our pupils. We firmly believe in the importance of valuing their voices and creating opportunities for them to share their perspectives.

By encouraging pupils to express their thoughts, ideas, and hopes, we ensure they feel heard, respected, and empowered. This is not only essential for their growth within our school community but also for preparing them to become responsible and respected members of the wider world.

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We understand that pupils want to make a positive difference, and we are dedicated to providing them with a variety of opportunities to do so.  By offering a range of leadership roles and responsibilities, we aim to help children understand their role in society, cultivate a sense of responsibility, and encourage their development as global citizens.

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There are many ways in which our pupils can engage with the life of the school and contribute to its positive development. Some of the key opportunities include:
  • School Council – Elected representatives from all year groups.
  • Lochinver Environment Organisation (LEO) – Promoting sustainability and environmental initiatives.
  • Wellbeing Committee – Focusing on the mental and emotional wellbeing of our pupils.
  • Heads of School – Leading the school as role models and mentors.
  • House Captains – Taking responsibility for their houses, fostering team spirit, and guiding younger pupils.
  • Sports Captains – Encouraging and motivating peers in sporting activities.
  • Digital Leaders – Helping to manage and promote the use of technology throughout the school.
  • Pastoral Check-ins – Regular wellbeing check-ins to monitor and support students' emotional health.
  • Self and Peer Assessment – Encouraging self-reflection and constructive peer feedback.
  • Curriculum Subject Pupil Reviews – Providing feedback and giving pupils a say in shaping their own learning experiences in various subjects and contributing to curriculum development.
  • Leadership in Ensembles, Orchestras, and Music Groups – Taking on leadership roles in music, fostering teamwork and performance skills.
  • Pupil Surveys – Offering feedback on their school experience and suggesting improvements.
  • Classroom Responsibilities – Pupils taking charge of specific tasks within the classroom to develop organisational skills.
  • Voting for Charities – Pupils propose and vote for charities to support, promoting a sense of community and social responsibility.
  • Choices in Learning – Allowing pupils to take ownership of their learning journey.
  • Pupil-led assemblies, presentations, and talks – Giving pupils the chance to lead and present to their peers.
  • House Events – Organising and mentoring younger pupils in house activities.
  • Suggestion and Feedback Boxes – Offering a safe space for pupils to share their ideas and concerns.
  • Good Work Shows and Open-Door Staff Drop-Ins – Celebrating achievements and providing a space for pupils to share their successes.
  • Pupil-Led Half-Termly Magazine – A platform for pupils to share their experiences, stories, and achievements.

These opportunities are designed to encourage pupils to take responsibility, build leadership skills, and engage with the wider community.

Year 8 Responsibilities

Our Year 8 pupils play a special role in the school. As the eldest in the school, they are given increased leadership opportunities and responsibilities, supported by the whole school. One of their key responsibilities is organising fundraising events for selected charities. Year after year, they raise over £9,000 for causes beyond our school community, demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility.

With the school’s transition to co-educational provision, the leadership opportunities will continue to be inclusive, with both Head Boys and Head Girls appointed to represent the student body.
Community and Partnership

At Lochinver House, we believe that community is at the core of our success.  Children thrive best in an environment where there is a strong partnership between school and family. We are proud to be more than just a school — we are a community with a unique feel that is palpable to both parents and pupils alike.

By welcoming your child into our school, we are also inviting you to be a part of something truly special. We actively encourage families to become involved in the life of the School, whether through fundraising or social activities organised by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Friendships that begin here often last for years, even well beyond your child’s time at the school.

Our house system plays a key role in promoting a sense of belonging, pride, and identity across all year groups. As pupils grow and develop, they are encouraged to broaden their horizons and contribute positively not only to their immediate school community but also to the wider world. This sense of responsibility is reinforced through social and ecological initiatives that help our pupils grow into compassionate, active global citizens.

At Lochinver House, we are committed to making a positive difference, both within our School and in the wider world.  We believe that the leadership and responsibility opportunities provided to our pupils today will have a lasting impact on their lives and the communities they touch in the future.

Our Community

Children learn and thrive best when there is a close partnership that runs both within and across a school community. We very much believe that Lochinver House is not just a school but a rather special community with a unique feel to it that is palpable to parents and family members.

By welcoming your child into our school community, we are also warmly inviting you to be part of something special. We are delighted when families can play a key part in the life of the school, so we endeavour to make sure that you feel included and engaged with all that we do. There is close linkage between home and school.

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Start Small, Think Big – Begin Your Journey with Lochinver House

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child.  At Lochinver House, we are proud to offer a nurturing and inspiring environment where children grow in confidence, develop resilience, and learn to think big from the very beginning.

While this website offers a glimpse into life at our school, nothing compares to seeing the School in action.  We warmly invite you to experience the atmosphere, meet our dedicated staff, and witness first-hand the enthusiasm and curiosity of our pupils.

Book a Visit or Register for Our Open Days

We host regular Open Days throughout the year and would be delighted to welcome you.  These events provide a wonderful opportunity to explore our facilities, speak to current pupils and teachers, and discover what makes Lochinver House such a special place to learn and grow.

If you prefer a more personal introduction to the school, we also offer individual tours by appointment. To arrange your visit, please contact our Registrar, Anne Meir, who will be happy to assist you and answer any questions.

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Ready to take the first step?

Simply submit your enquiry using the link below, and a member of our admissions team will be in touch shortly to discuss your visit or provide more information about our admissions process.


We look forward to welcoming you to Lochinver House School, a place where children ‘Start Small, Think Big, and embark on a lifelong journey of learning and discovery.

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