This year marks the third anniversary of our peer mentoring scheme—an initiative that gives students the chance to connect with positive role models within their own school community. In an era where young people increasingly turn to AI and chatbots for answers, comfort, or companionship, the human side of mentoring has never been more essential.

Recent reporting in The guardian highlights that students are using AI tools not only for academic support but also for emotional guidance, sometimes replacing real conversations with human interaction. Thousands of queries shared with ChatGPT and similar platforms range from essays to personal struggles, raising questions about the potential downsides of relying too heavily on digital solutions—and what might be lost when human connection is absent.

This is where peer mentoring truly makes a difference. Our student leaders—older Sixth Form pupils trained to listen, guide, and support—play a central role. They are more than helpers; they are role models. Having walked the same halls and faced similar challenges, they can offer insights rooted in shared experience. These relationships foster trust, empathy, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging—qualities that no AI can replicate.

To complement this, we’ve also established The Nook, a drop-in space open on Mondays and Wednesdays during break times. Here, students can find a safe, welcoming place to talk, whether they’re dealing with schoolwork, friendships, or life in general. Sometimes, just having someone to listen makes all the difference.

As we enter the third year of the scheme, we are confident that the combination of trained student leaders and The Nook will strengthen the mentoring program even further, ensuring that every young person has access to real, human connection—a resource that is increasingly vital in our digital age.

Sarah Michael
Deputy Head, Pastoral & Wellbeing