At Northampton School, Personal Development (PD) is central to our ethos. It is about educating the whole child, helping students grow in character, confidence, and resilience alongside their academic learning. Our PD programme supports students in developing the knowledge, skills, and values they need to thrive in life and work, covering key areas such as wellbeing, healthy relationships, citizenship, and career guidance.

By nurturing respect, responsibility, and independence, Personal Development at NS not only prepares students for future education and employment but also empowers them to make positive contributions to society. The programme aligns with national expectations, including the Ofsted framework and the Gatsby Benchmarks.

Each week, all students follow the same focus for Personal Development sessions, which rotate across activities and build progressively on skills learnt in previous years.

Reading 

A key focus of Personal Development at NS is developing a love of reading. Each year group has one morning dedicated to reading. However, reading at NS extends beyond enjoyment; it is designed to build essential life and learning skills. Through reading, students enhance their vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking, while also strengthening their oracy skills. This enables them to express themselves more clearly, communicate with confidence, and participate effectively in discussion. Reading underpins success across the curriculum and supports students’ personal growth, creativity, and curiosity.

Wellbeing 

Every year group at Northampton School takes part in a dedicated Wellbeing session each week. At NS, we believe that happy, healthy students learn and achieve more, so our wellbeing programme is designed to promote emotional awareness, resilience, and self-reflection. Each half-term follows a themed cycle of activities focusing on transition at key stages, friendship and relationships, mindfulness, group discussion, first aid, reflection, gratitude, and awareness days.

Students are also given opportunities to share their views through structured student voice discussions, where their feedback is listened to and shared with school leadership to help embed meaningful change across the school. These sessions encourage empathy, cooperation, and a positive mindset, helping students to manage challenges, develop healthy relationships, and feel a strong sense of belonging within the school community.

The Wider World

Students also spend time each week exploring The Wider World, developing curiosity and a deeper understanding of society. These sessions are designed to evolve each year, allowing students to embed essential life skills and apply their learning as they move through the school. Topics include next steps and careers, the use of Unifrog for career exploration and goal setting, engagement with current affairs through ‘In the News’ discussions, and reflection on British values and citizenship.

Tutor Time

Each week, students spend dedicated Tutor time with their form tutors, providing an important opportunity to build relationships, develop good habits, and support wellbeing. Tutors also follow their own structured sessions designed to meet the specific needs of their classes, ensuring a personalised and supportive approach.

Tutor time activities include quizzes and games, study skills sessions, check-ins, general discussions, and tasks or notices shared by the Head of Year. A key emphasis is placed on upholding the Northampton School Standards, promoting respect, responsibility, and a positive learning environment where every student feels supported to succeed both academically and personally.