A school that feels like family
Students describe LPS Clapham as feeling like a family. This close-knit community is underpinned by our pastoral care, the golden thread running through everything we do. At LPS Clapham, every student is known, and every voice is heard. Central to this sense of belonging are our vertical tutoring and House systems.
House system
Every student also belongs to a House, providing another important sense of community and belonging. Through our pastoral curriculum, students explore topics that support their personal development and wellbeing, while House activities bring students together through healthy competition and shared experiences. Weekly and termly merit competitions, inter-house matches and challenges build camaraderie and encourage students to contribute to the wider life of the school.
Vertical tutoring
Vertical tutoring brings together students from Years 7 to 11 in small tutor groups, each led by a dedicated form tutor. Blending ages in this way helps students develop a greater sense of belonging and connection, while building stronger relationships across year groups, breaking down social silos and reducing year-group pressures. Vertical tutor groups also create opportunities for peer mentoring and leadership; older students can support and inspire, while younger students benefit from the guidance, encouragement and positive role modelling of their older peers. The result is students who feel more confident, connected and settled within the school community.
Tutors
Each student has a dedicated tutor who takes responsibility for their pastoral care and acts as a consistent point of support throughout school life. Tutors support wellbeing, monitor academic progress, maintain safeguarding oversight and encourage active participation in the co-curricular programme, ensuring that each student is known, supported and challenged to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
On-site counsellors
All students also have access to on-site counsellors, who provide additional support for specific concerns while helping students develop the emotional awareness, resilience and life skills that support their wellbeing both now and in the future.