In its brief but impactful history, Rugby School Japan (RSJ) has aimed to establish itself as a model of outstanding pastoral care, earning Beacon Status under the COBIS compliance framework. This recognition is a reflection of the School’s steadfast commitment to fostering an environment where pupils thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, and to embedding a culture of care into the fabric of the School community.
A Culture of Care
At the heart of RSJ’s success lies a philosophy that places wellbeing at the core of education. The School’s ethos is built on principles that recognise the interconnectedness of academic, social, and personal development. Central to this philosophy is the belief that care is a collective responsibility, shared by every member of the School community. From the leadership team to the youngest pupils, all are encouraged to look out for one another.
This approach is underpinned by a commitment to open communication. Pupils and staff alike are encouraged to voice concerns, and there is an emphasis on building the confidence to speak up and developing the trust that concerns will be listened to and acted upon. Such an environment, where individuals feel respected and valued, allows the School to achieve a delicate balance between academic rigour and emotional wellbeing.
RSJ’s emphasis on kindness and respect is woven into daily life. Assemblies, PSHE lessons, and tutor group meetings reinforce these values, creating a culture where positive behaviours are celebrated. Meanwhile, clear boundaries ensure that negative behaviours are met with consistent consequences, reinforcing the School’s commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment.
A key aspect of RSJ’s success is its engagement with parents as partners in pastoral care. Workshops on topics, such as digital use and mental health, equip parents with the tools to support their children. Feedback from families highlights a shared sense of trust, with parents frequently describing the School as a ‘second home’ for their children.
The School also looks outward, fostering connections with the local community and the School’s counterparts overseas. Events such as wellbeing days, where pupils engage in community-focused activities, underscore the School’s commitment to instilling a sense of service and global awareness.
Robust Systems
RSJ’s pastoral framework is underpinned by a structured safeguarding system that ensures that all members of the community are supported effectively. Key features of this include:
- An alert and dedicated body of pastoral staff – Regular safeguarding sessions, integrated into staff development, inform teachers and encourage them to be aware and sensitive to potential risks and issues. Every pupil belongs to one of the School’s boarding houses, which are supervised by resident teams of Housemasters/mistresses (HMs), Assistant HMs, and Resident Tutors. These teams are augmented by teaching staff who act as tutors, visiting the Houses each week, and taking responsibility for the welfare of around 6 pupils each. Vertical tutor groups and an innovative ‘Pod’ system mean that pupils of all ages are teamed up, allowing younger pupils to be supported through mentorship across year groups.
- Mechanisms for quick and secure communication – An encrypted, confidential database for logging and managing concerns has been adopted across the School. Its universal use enables a cohesive approach to monitoring and addressing issues, from minor worries to complex challenges. Concerns are recorded systematically, with staff encouraged to document their observations, automatically triggering alerts to specific members of the pastoral team associated with an individual child. This practice ensures that even minor issues contribute to a comprehensive understanding of each pupil’s wellbeing, and can be addressed immediately as required.
- Timely and appropriate interventions – Even in a proactive culture of care, challenges arise, and RSJ’s approach to handling them is exemplary. The School’s response is tiered and deliberate. A bilingual Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) team, all of whom have undergone certified training, ensures expert oversight of all welfare concerns. Issues are assessed against clear thresholds, with decisions informed by discussions among HMs, the DSL team, and external specialists. Interventions are carefully tailored, ranging from informal conversations to detailed care plans. Weekly reviews, supported by a traffic light system, ensure that all concerns are monitored and addressed effectively.
Lessons and Next Steps
The COBIS Beacon Status reflects RSJ’s position as a leader in pastoral care. The awarding body commended the School’s thorough communication practices and ability to provide individualised care, noting that RSJ had ‘created something very special in a short space of time.’
For the School’s future development and for the wider educational community, RSJ offers valuable lessons. Its success demonstrates the importance of integrating safeguarding and wellbeing into the core of a School’s mission. Fostering a culture of collective care, investing in robust systems, and maintaining an openness to continuous improvement are key ingredients for institutions seeking to elevate their pastoral provision.
Rugby School Japan’s own development is ongoing. As the School grows, it continues to refine its systems and expand its capacity to support pupils. Plans to enhance counselling services, track pupil and staff wellbeing through self-evaluation, develop an increasingly bespoke PSHE curriculum, and deepen ties with the broader Rugby School network highlight its commitment to sustained excellence.
