Aylesbury school recognised nationally for behaviour approach

Elmhurst School, part of the Great Learners Trust, has been recognised at a national level for its approach to supporting pupils’ behaviour.

The school, on Dunsham Lane, has been named a Partner School by When The Adults Change, a programme that works with schools internationally to improve behaviour through consistent, relationship-based approaches.

Schools across the country have reported growing challenges around behaviour. At Elmhurst, staff have focused on building strong relationships, setting clear expectations and responding to pupils’ individual needs. The school has adopted an approach informed by the work of Paul Dix, which emphasises consistency, respect and creating safe learning environments.

Headteacher Kirsty Needham said the recognition reflects sustained work over several years:

“Thanks to Rachel Lee, our Executive Headteacher, the work with Paul Dix was already well embedded when I joined the school six years ago, and she has really been the driving force for it. We have strengthened that offer each year to a point whereby we have been recognised as a When The Adults Change Partner School, which is fantastic. Through weekly training, modelling, developing our learning space and dedicated teams we have added extra layers, and evolved our approach by looking at the gaps and listening to feedback. We have an emphasis on restorative conversations, the most important part of Paul Dix’s approach, both between adults and children and between children.”

The school’s approach focuses on helping pupils manage emotions, build relationships and take responsibility for their actions, with a particular emphasis on restorative conversations. Staff prioritise listening and rebuilding relationships when issues arise, alongside day-to-day initiatives such as reward schemes and recognition of positive behaviour.

According to the school, visitors frequently comment on pupils’ engagement in lessons and the respectful atmosphere.

Miss Needham added: “I am so proud of our children. They are happy, appreciative and care deeply about each other and the staff. They work incredibly hard, their attitude is exceptional, and we want them to feel that they are safe and belong. Our staff are also amazing. They go above and beyond, and are calm, positive and committed. Ultimately, it is our people: children and staff, that make our school special.”

Elmhurst is also supporting other schools within the trust to develop similar approaches. “That is what I am most proud of: our team stepping up, taking ownership, and driving improvement,” she said. “That comes from the culture we have built.”

Sarah Baber, chief executive of Great Learners Trust, said: “As part of the Trust’s strategic priority to develop ready, respectful and safe learners, Elmhurst is leading the way with an approach inspired by the work of Paul Dix, placing strong relationships, restorative conversations and clear, calm boundaries at the heart of school life. This recognition reflects the strength of Elmhurst’s culture and the unwavering commitment of its staff to building positive relationships that help every child thrive. Our team lives these values every single day, and we are incredibly proud to see their dedication acknowledged in this way.”