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ECS Students Pitch at Policy Idol Grand Final 2026

19 March 2026

A team of MA Education, Policy and Society students, passionate to see increased support for pastoral staff within schools, have been selected to pitch at the 2026 Policy Idol Grand Final on 1 April in The Great Hall.

Sabina Miah, Ola Ahmed-Ebbiary, Thai Braddick and Jade Hyland investigation highlights that pastoral professions are underprepared, underpaid, and undervalued. Their pitch is to secure a new system of support called 3Ps: Professionalise, Progress, and Praise which aims to equip pastoral professionals with nationally recognised training, an official pay scale, and deserved recognition.

The need for pastoral support is only increasing and with severe pay cuts, this concern needs to be addressed– The Finalists

The team are keen to emphasise the fundamental role pastoral staff play for students facing barriers to learning. Pastoral professionals provide care and guidance that support social, emotional, and mental well-being through mentoring, parent communication, behavioural management, and safeguarding.

The students believe that strengthening these pastoral roles will help schools better support vulnerable pupils and create safer learning environments.