Pastoral Care
The Head of Laxton, Mr. King; together with his deputy, Mrs Hipple, lead a team of over twenty tutors drawn from the academic staff.
Mr King has taught Biology at Oundle for many years. He is married with five children. His wife is an assistant matron in a boarding house. Before becoming Head of Laxton he was a boarding Housemaster for eleven years. He coaches Hockey and is heavily involved with the school’s Sub-Aqua Diving Club. He enjoys music, sport, and the outdoors.
Mrs Hipple has taught Art and Art History since joining Oundle, and brings to the pastoral team her considerable experience of eleven years as Housemistress of Wyatt House.
Specific times are set aside each week for Tutors to visit their tutees, and provide pastoral and academic guidance either in small groups or in one-to one tutorials. Each Tutor is responsible for about twelve tutees. Parents will meet the tutor at Parents' Receptions, and at other times by arrangement. Parents are provided with contact details for the tutor and are encouraged to use the tutor as a first point of contact.
The pastoral system is further structured by the use of Heads of Years; Mrs Hipple oversees the Sixth Form; Mr Bolger oversees the 4th and 5th Forms; and Miss Francis runs the induction of New Pupils and looks after the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Forms. In addition the Prefects have significant responsibility for the smooth running of Laxton and who, in small groups, look after specific age-groups so that those pupils will identify with a senior member of the House.