The SecEd Podcast: How to be an effective form tutor

This episode discusses the role of the secondary school form tutor – what the role entails, how teachers can become effective form tutors, key expectations and obligations, ideas for running your form day-to-day, and general dos & don'ts.

Two experienced pastoral leaders offer their insights, including the key obligations of the form tutor and legal duties in terms of safeguarding and attendance.

What is the purpose of a form tutor and how does this change with the age of the students? How can we create an effective form tutor environment? 

Our guests offer a number of tips for running your tutor group, including the essential routines or checklists that will “set students up” for a successful day and the basic day-to-day and week-to-week tasks. Which school policies must new form tutors get familiar with and be sure to uphold?

We offer ideas for activities, initiatives, or areas of focus to support students pastorally and academically and to boost morale.

What does the role of the form tutor entail outside of tutor time? How should form tutors liaise with other members of staff in the school. How can tutors build relationships with students and parents, especially in year 7? What can you do when you have a challenging form group?

And the podcast finishes with some dos and don’ts for teachers taking on form tutor groups for the first time.