LEH Spotlight: Supporting Girls to Flourish in a Complex World

Posted: 15th May 2026

Three Takeaways from the GSA Pastoral Excellence Conference 2026

By Amanda Poyner, Deputy Head Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead

This week, colleagues from across LEH were delighted to contribute to the Girls’ Schools Association’s Pastoral Excellence Conference 2026, which brought together pastoral leaders, wellbeing specialists and educators from across the country to explore how schools can help girls flourish, both online and offline, in an increasingly complex world.

As a proud member of the Girls’ Schools Association, LEH values the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across the sector, share expertise and contribute to national conversations around girls’ education and wellbeing. Events such as this are an important reminder of the strength of the girls’ school community and our shared commitment to helping pupils thrive.

The following three key themes stood out for me.

1. Pastoral care must evolve alongside the digital world

One of the strongest messages from the conference was that schools cannot separate girls’ digital lives from their wellbeing. LEH Junior School Pastoral Lead, Jacob Miller, spoke on a panel about the work we have undertaken with Junior School families to help create a smartphone-free culture for younger pupils. Mr Miller shared how this was implemented logistically and how it has encouraged a renewed focus on maintaining and building the essential life skills developed through free play.

Importantly, this work has been rooted in partnership with parents, creating space for open, informed and constructive conversations around smartphone use and digital wellbeing. As one of the first senior schools to adopt Yondr pouches during the school day, LEH continues to reflect carefully on how best to support pupils and families as technology evolves and as girls progress through our school.

2. Anxiety in girls requires understanding, not quick fixes

I had the privilege of leading two roundtable discussions on supporting anxious pupils, where colleagues explored how schools and families can work together to help girls build resilience, confidence and perspective over time.

At LEH, this work is supported through strong pastoral relationships and evidence-informed partnerships. Our ongoing collaboration with Chloe Combi across both the Junior and Senior Schools has focused on tackling perfectionism in
high-achieving girls and, this year, on developing academic confidence, courage and resilience.

One highlight has been watching pupils deliver impressive TEDx-style presentations, speaking with honesty and bravery on issues that matter deeply to them. Their confidence and authenticity are powerful reminders of what young people can achieve when schools intentionally create opportunities for voice, reflection and personal growth.

At the same time, wellbeing is not only about responding to challenge. At LEH, we believe deeply in the importance of joy, laughter, friendship and happiness in everyday school life. Flourishing comes through belonging, connection and delight in the daily experience of school. Academic excellence should always come with a smile.

3. Relationships and wellbeing education matter more than ever

Another breakout session focused on Relationships, Sex and Health Education and the statutory guidance schools will implement from September 2026.

Our Head of Life Advice and Futures, Rachel Hart, spoke about LEH’s approach to RSHE and our work with parents and pupils. Ms Hart is also leading exciting work through LEH’s involvement with BrainWaves and Oxford University, helping schools deepen their understanding of the adolescent brain and young people’s emotional development. The latest findings of this work show that compared to the national picture, LEH pupils score significantly above average in several areas, including:

Sense of belonging.
Personal agency and pupil voice.
Participation in physical activity.

The conference reinforced that pastoral care is a whole-school endeavour. At LEH, teaching colleagues across our Junior School, Senior School, Wellbeing, Life Advice and Futures teams, alongside our catering teams, receptionists, office colleagues and other professional services support functions, all contribute to creating an environment in which girls feel supported and understood.

As part of this commitment, LEH also offers a range of resources, including Tooled Up Education and The Wellbeing Hub, giving parents access to expert guidance, webinars and practical advice on many of the issues affecting girls’ health and wellbeing today.

We were proud to contribute to such important national conversations and to share LEH’s expertise and leadership in pastoral care with colleagues across the sector. Nothing matters more than the happiness, wellbeing and fulfilment of the pupils in our care.

Find out More